Based on what the best players choose to play and also flutes I've actually seen and or played, Chris Wilkes, Hammy Hamilton, Pat Olwell, Terry McGee, Sam Murray should get the list started. However, this is a hugely contentious subject, depending on the type of sound you want, how much you want to pay, how long you want to wait. And not all flutes suit all players.
If you want to see this debate raging repeatedly and endlessly, and for some genuiinely good and valuable information, search the chiff and fipple flute forum http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewforum.php?f=2
At the flute gathering in Ireland last week (35 excellent flute plus me), there were a huge number of Hammy's flutes in evidence. (Hammy organised the event which may have some thing to do with it). Hammy is hugely knowledgable, a great player in his own right and very friendly. He is also the longest established of the modern makers.
Caveat: I play a Dave Copley flute, which I love, but I think you're better off taking the preferences of more experienced players into account!
I have a Casey Burns Standard model in mopane that is wonderful. I also really like Terry McGee's site (though I haven't tried one of his flutes yet). I think I like him because as an engineer, I appreciate his logical, methodical approach to all aspects of the flute and related issues. He is definitly a clear and concise communicator of well thought out ideas.
i'v been playing a Hammy Hamilton for 5 years and am well happy with it! my brother plays a Sam Murray and that's excellent as well. i'v tried different makes that I liked but you wouldnt go wrong with a Hamilton or Murray -try them yourself!
I will be in Tokyo for vacation in the end of May. Perhaps we can meet up for some tunes? I'm sure I won't be able to play anywhere near your level, but will gladly give you a lend of my flute for a few tunes.
I have a fully keyed olwell, which i acquired about three months ago and have been breaking in since. Before that i had the good fortune of playing a fully keyed hammy hamilton pratton. in my judgement, the olwell is a smidgen easier to play. but in terms of that wonderful, milkly, knee-melting irish flute sound, they are about the same. i would recommend both makers without reservation to anyone.
The best Flutemakers
The best Flutemakers
To you, who are the best flutemakers for Irish music?
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by Gavolm
Re: The best Flutemakers
Based on what the best players choose to play and also flutes I've actually seen and or played, Chris Wilkes, Hammy Hamilton, Pat Olwell, Terry McGee, Sam Murray should get the list started. However, this is a hugely contentious subject, depending on the type of sound you want, how much you want to pay, how long you want to wait. And not all flutes suit all players.
If you want to see this debate raging repeatedly and endlessly, and for some genuiinely good and valuable information, search the chiff and fipple flute forum http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewforum.php?f=2
At the flute gathering in Ireland last week (35 excellent flute plus me), there were a huge number of Hammy's flutes in evidence. (Hammy organised the event which may have some thing to do with it). Hammy is hugely knowledgable, a great player in his own right and very friendly. He is also the longest established of the modern makers.
Caveat: I play a Dave Copley flute, which I love, but I think you're better off taking the preferences of more experienced players into account!
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by NeilC
Re: The best Flutemakers
Just tossing some othe names into the ring:
Bryan Byrne (US),
Michael Grinter (AUS)
Peter Noy (US)
In the end, given a pro-level flute (Any listed in this thread) it's the player that really makes the difference.
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: The best Flutemakers
Michael Copeland (US)
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by Bjcomm96
Re: The best Flutemakers
Skip Healy (US)
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: The best Flutemakers
Well, I can't tell you because I've never tried all of them.
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by slainte
Re: The best Flutemakers
I have a Casey Burns Standard model in mopane that is wonderful. I also really like Terry McGee's site (though I haven't tried one of his flutes yet). I think I like him because as an engineer, I appreciate his logical, methodical approach to all aspects of the flute and related issues. He is definitly a clear and concise communicator of well thought out ideas.
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by jasonlburnfield
Re: The best Flutemakers
That is, being an engineer myself. I don't know that he is an engineer, although he has been involved in scientific research at the university level.
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by jasonlburnfield
Re: The best Flutemakers
i'v been playing a Hammy Hamilton for 5 years and am well happy with it! my brother plays a Sam Murray and that's excellent as well. i'v tried different makes that I liked but you wouldnt go wrong with a Hamilton or Murray -try them yourself!
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by Cealgach
Re: The best Flutemakers
Hamilton, Murray, Grinter, etc. etc. Give me one if you have but don't play them all regularly.
# Posted on April 25th 2006 by slainte
Re: The best Flutemakers
Konnichiwa, slainte.
I will be in Tokyo for vacation in the end of May. Perhaps we can meet up for some tunes? I'm sure I won't be able to play anywhere near your level, but will gladly give you a lend of my flute for a few tunes.
Brian
# Posted on April 26th 2006 by browndog
Re: The best Flutemakers
I have a fully keyed olwell, which i acquired about three months ago and have been breaking in since. Before that i had the good fortune of playing a fully keyed hammy hamilton pratton. in my judgement, the olwell is a smidgen easier to play. but in terms of that wonderful, milkly, knee-melting irish flute sound, they are about the same. i would recommend both makers without reservation to anyone.
# Posted on April 26th 2006 by Brendan
Re: The best Flutemakers
Always played Sam Murray flutes, and have no complaints, just very positive recommendations. Ask Kenny
# Posted on April 27th 2006 by Murrough
Re: The best Flutemakers
How do people rate Martin Doyle ( Bray , Ireland )?
A mate recommended him to me.
They dont seem to be too expensive.
# Posted on April 28th 2006 by humph