I looked into getting a wooden flute from Hammy Hamilton and George Olwell a few months ago, and the waiting list was several years...so you may not have as much time as you think. I did get a flute from Lark in the Morning, but I'm having a tough time getting the sound to flow out easily. I'm an avid whistle player, and I have had experience playing the silver flute, but it does take a lot of lung power. Question for experienced wooden flute players...does the temperature effect the ability to play the flute?   Good luck finding the right instrument. I love the sound of the wooden flute (when it's played right!).