Help: I want to buy a new flute

Subject: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 12:06 AM

Well, I've got some money saved up, and I've decided that it is time to buy myself a wooden flute that works. By that I mean one that plays whenever it's blown, not just when it feels like playing. It should have a range suitable for traditional tunes, say from D below the staff up to the B or even C above.

I'm not interested in a modern silver flute, one with all those levers, cams and sprockets. For one thing, I'm too old to be competing with all those little Alexises and Courteneys with their designer haircuts and flute lessons.

I have small hands, so I need a flute that's not too big. Not, let us say, the Matt Malloy football-player model.

Does anybody knowledgable (sp) have any suggestions as to brand and model?

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Jim Krause
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 12:34 PM

leeneia, Check out Flutes from Lark In The Morning. They may have something there.
Jim

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: mousethief
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 01:13 PM

Ya beat me to it, Jim. I was going to send him to Lark. Great store. If you live in SF or Seattle, by all means get down to their shop. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful with just the sort of question you are asking. Unlike myself who know nothing about flutes. But as Henry Ford said, "I may not know the answer to that, but I know where to look" -- or something like that.

Alex

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 02:12 PM

There are lots of things to consider. Some makers have long waiting lists and prices vary a lot depending on what you are after. The kind of wood you choose will affect the flutes price and properties, african blackwood seems to be prefered by many. Have you tried contacting any makers to ask about prices/waiting times? For me that narrowed the search a lot, I couldn't afford most of them!
To save me putting the links in try here and visit the flute sites listed. I think from your previous posts you already have a wooden flute? I would strongly suggest that you either try your new flute before purchase or buy from one of the makers/dealers who will let you return the instrument for a full refund if it doesn't suit you. Good Luck and please update this thread when you have your new flute, I might want to ask your advice when I need a new one !

Roger - wishing he had a nice new flute!

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 24 Apr 01 - 08:04 PM

Sweethearts, by Ralph Sweet, tend to be dependable and affordable. Lark carries them.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 04:46 AM

George Ormiston flutes are lovely!

Really sweet to play, and beautiful instruments. I have just put an order in for mine.

http://www.ormistonflutes.fsnet.co.uk/index.htm

here is is web site address, he is from Scotland, and really nice bloke to talk to too!

Though his waiting list is fairly long one.

Regards

Ella

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Deni
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 05:20 AM

There must be flute players out there whoare thrilled with the make/model they've chosen. Could we have the benefit of your expertise, please?

i've just had a bad experience with a flute and i'm looking too. deni

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 01:18 PM

I have a Sweetheart already. I don't know whether it's me or it, but it is not reliable enough for concert work. Sometime it plays beautifully, at other times it doesn't play well. I need something less finicky.

Yes, I know, if I practiced constantly, this problem might go away. That is not going to possible in the world as presently constituted.

Ella, thanks for the info on Ormiston flutes, but I don't want to order a flute. If the flute's not made yet, I can't try it out.

Any other suggestions - either about purchasing or about improving my consistency in playing?

By the way, I will be in London soon (merely changing planes) and will have half a day free.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 02:15 PM

Ella I've got one of Georges, only had to wait about six months
which one are you getting?

I did not want to plug Mr Ormiston directly earlier as there are other makers too and I have not tried their flutes and they may be just as good

What bad experience did you have Deni? and who with?

leeneia most flute makers have a waiting list unless you want a keyless flute in which case you might be able to get one quickly, I have a keyless flute from P.G Bleazey and he is a good bloke. If you contacted him by email and explained what you were after I think he may be able to help. His flutes are smaller than Georges and have small finger holes. He also used to have a no questions asked return policy if you are not happy with his instruments, which is nice, but check to see if he still offers it

Roger

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Bert
Date: 25 Apr 01 - 02:43 PM

how 'bout this?

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 12:04 AM

Keep the ideas coming. I plan to communicate with P.G. Bleazey.

Bert's "how about this?" leads to a site on making flutes from PVC. A good idea for a person who is good with their hands.

I was going to try that several years ago. The PVC is still in the basement.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: sara_grl
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 12:32 AM

I've heard wonderful things about Sam Murray in Co. Antrim, NI. I'm unable to find a website but here's the address:

Sam Murray
Newtownabbey,
Co. Antrim, N.I.
Tel: + 232-771406
Maker of fine flutes

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Deni
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 05:07 AM

Has anyone tried one of these modern plastic flutes. I have seen ones which are turned and look really nice, and which cost around £150, by a maker called.Dixon in the UK. I don't expect miracles, because I'm really just learning and don't really need an expensive flute, but I need something 'reliable' or I'll end up dejected.

The problems I'm having are with Gremlin flutes, 5 key Pratten system, again budget priced, around £200, but first one had a leaky key so that went back and the other developed three large cracks. I have been offered a replacement, but don't know what to go with. there is a possibility of a secondhand Selmer Bundy nickel plated...

Woe and twice woe...

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: alison
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 05:30 AM

what part of the world are you in?

I have a nice wooden flute I picked up over here in Oz..... by a fella who lives up around Coff's Harbour,

and another wooden keyed flute via a friend.... (no idea where it came from originally)

you need to play them.... they may all look the same... but the variation in tone, and ease of playing is amazing..... another idea is to take along an electronic tuner... because sometimes they are not "quite" in tune.... even with themselves.......

some people are now making wooden head joints which fit silver (concert) flutes.. so you can get the sound of a wooden flute combined with the fully chromatic range of a concert flute............

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: English Jon
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 09:03 AM

Bleazy is good.

If your in London go to Hobgoblin Music just of Charlotte St. THey may be able to help too.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 26 Apr 01 - 05:36 PM

Roger...

I'm getting a D unkeyed. Have played and borrowed a friends Ormiston and fell in love with it... So easy to play, straight off! I have tried loads, and they have usually been hard to play needing loads of puff, or are horrible to play. This one was a dream.

I know I will have to break a new one in... but he has had good recommendations from friends of mine who have them too.

At the moment I am borrowing a silver concert flute, which is ok... but is annoying, especially when I go and pick up the whistle, and start doing a wrong fsharp. lol my brain is still in concert flute mode.

I'd tried the plastic student flutes and didn't get on with them at all...

Ella

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: IvanB
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 01:49 AM

I have the Tony Dixon plastic flute and can't recommend it. Admittedly, I've never been a flute player, but I can't even get a decent sound out of it and doubt if I'll ever learn if I don't get something that's easily playable. Luckily, I purchased mine with interchangeable flute and whistle mouthpieces so I ended up with a nice low-D whistle, and for not too much money either.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 02:14 PM

Great link, Bert! Now I gotta get the book and develop another hobby I don't have time for.

My flute teacher did not like the idea of sticking PVC in his mouth, athough if it is used for water piping I suppose it probably won't kill you. A friend made me a PVC flute many years ago, and it sounded just fine, though I finally had to give it away because it was too large for my rather small hands. I currently have a plastic Thin Weasel whistle that I'm very fond of. I find it plays better if it is washed in very warm water just before playing.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Deni
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 03:47 PM

Jon, I'm in Devon, UK and I order stuff from Hobgoblin by Mail Order. That's where I saw the plastic ones, on their website. Have never heard of Ormiston, Ella. Will check it out.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 04:09 PM

Two thoughts on small hands:

1. I ordered a flute in D made by Ralph Sweet and found that the stretch to the third hole down was too hard on my left hand. So I took it to an instrument repairer, and she drilled a hole in the flute and mounted an oboe key over that third hole. She had to bend one part of the key to get it on, and a couple of keys broke in the process. But now it is much better to play.

The cost of the new key was a substantial fraction of the cost of the flute, yet it was less than one trip to the doctor with an injured hand, so I don't begrudge her the money one bit.

2. My flute still seemed to have a limited range. I couldn't seem to get a good note over one octave. I eventually realized that my small finger was not closing up the big, fat hole in the middle of the right hand. (Second from the bottom.) One day I put some vinyl tape over the edge of that hole to make a gasket, and to my great joy I immediately added 5 notes to my range. (The gasket goes a mere 1/16 inch over the edge.)

I no longer seem to need a gasket, but somedays when my hands are stiff,I put a band of black elastic over that hole to make things easier. The elastic is more elegant than plastic tape, and elegance is so important, don't you think?

So my advice to those of you who are unhappy with your flutes is "If it doesn't work, monkey with it." Within the limits of common sense, of course.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 04:10 PM

Two thoughts on small hands:

1. I ordered a flute in D made by Ralph Sweet and found that the stretch to the third hole down was too hard on my left hand. So I took it to an instrument repairer, and she drilled a hole in the flute and mounted an oboe key over that third hole. She had to bend one part of the key to get it on, and a couple of keys broke in the process. But now it is much better to play.

The cost of the new key was a substantial fraction of the cost of the flute, yet it was less than one trip to the doctor with an injured hand, so I don't begrudge her the money one bit.

2. My flute still seemed to have a limited range. I couldn't seem to get a good note over one octave. I eventually realized that my small finger was not closing up the big, fat hole in the middle of the right hand. (Second from the bottom.) One day I put some vinyl tape over the edge of that hole to make a gasket, and to my great joy I immediately added 5 notes to my range. (The gasket goes a mere 1/16 inch over the edge.)

I no longer seem to need a gasket, but somedays when my hands are stiff,I put a band of black elastic over that hole to make things easier. The elastic is more elegant than plastic tape, and elegance is so important, don't you think?

So my advice to those of you who are unhappy with your flutes is "If it doesn't work, monkey with it." Within the limits of common sense, of course.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 27 Apr 01 - 04:16 PM

Drat, I believe I just posted the same message twice.

English Jon: Thanks for your tip about Hobgoblin Music. Are you a Londoner? Can you advise me on how to get there from the vicinity of Heathrow without paying for two cab rides which might cost as much as a flute itself?

We will be arriving in London in the evening and will probably crash. Then I will be stark, staring awake at 3 a.m the next morning. I don't suppose the store would be open then, would it?

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Deni
Date: 28 Apr 01 - 02:41 AM

Apparently you can also put a thin strip of elastic/sellotape, whatever, on the bottom of the flute to correct one which is slightly off-key.

deni

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 28 Apr 01 - 03:37 AM

I play a very old wooden flute. There are a lot around if you know where to look and if you find one to suit you they are the best by far. Also it's nice to be playing a bit of history and keep the tradition alive. Hobgoblin stocks quite a few old flutes and also the lady in the Bristol shop plays one. She advised me on pickups and amplification a few years ago so don't know if she's still there. Flutes are like pets in my opinion - you have to find one you like by gut reaction and then spend a long time getting to know it better!

Good luck!

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: ollaimh
Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:32 PM

well i have a flute i've been thinking of selling for a while--where are you and is this doable over the net?

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: ollaimh
Date: 28 Apr 01 - 09:34 PM

well i have a flute i've been thinking of selling for a while--where are you and is this doable over the net?

it's a german made african blackwood one from the last century--it was played for irish music.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Deni
Date: 29 Apr 01 - 12:13 PM

Ollaimh. Thanks for the offer, but I returned the damaged one a couple of days ago with my new order, which is for a nickel plated flute which at least won't crack. lets hope I can get on with it.

Maybe you could post the notice about selling the flute in the threads, someone in your area might want to buy it.

thanks for all the other advice, everyone.

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 05 May 01 - 04:53 AM

I refreshed this in case anyone has any advice for leeneia, I had forgotten about olliamh's flute - is it sold yet?

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 10 May 01 - 06:40 PM

Hi Leeniea

I have three flutes, two have been mentioned above.

The cheapest is the Dixon Flute. I bought it on the spur of the moment in Hobgoblin music shop while on hols in the Bristol area two years ago. A cheap and chearfull flute. Not to hard to play , however the holes are slightly large if you have small fingers.

The second one I bought was a polymer flute made from solid rod stock not water pipe. Also made using the same methods as used in making a wooden flute. See link below

http://homepage.eircom.net/~mandeflutes/

This is a slightly heavy flute, but well balanced, easily played with small holes and not a long reach. Obviously very easy to maintain. Michael will refund your money if your not happy with the instrument for any reason. Third flute is made by Sam Murry. I find Sam can be a bit of an arse but he does make fantastic flutes. You need to wait a minimum of 12 months (he says 10) before you 'might' get your instrument. But its well worth the wait. Again easy to play, will measure your finger reach and make flute to suit. Also available in lots of different woods. Sams address above is not his current address. If you want it I will hunt it up again and post here.

Good hunting

Mike

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 10 May 01 - 11:56 PM

Thank you for the information, Mike. I am intrigued by the polymer flutes. I went to the site and tried to listen to the samples. I followed their link and downloaded RealPlayer Basic 8 (it seems to me I have downloaded it before). After downloading, I made a half-dozen attempts to hear the samples and finally got a message saying I needed to upgrade the RealPlayer. (Upgrade after thirty seconds?) When I clicked on "Go There," I couldn't find anything about upgrading.

Just another flat tire on the so-called information superhighway.

Maybe it will work if I reboot...

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 11 May 01 - 12:08 AM

I'm back. Re-booting didn't help. All I get are little RealPlayer dialog boxes that say Stopped and won't play when I press Play.

Gawd....

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: GUEST,Mike
Date: 11 May 01 - 09:24 AM

Hi Leeniea

If you copy and paste the following link into your browser you will get lots of free flute music. The information box will give you details when tunes are being played. Some of the tunes are played by the maker of the polymer flutes, so look out for Michael Cronnolly or ME in the info window.

http://homepage.tinet.ie/~mandeflutes/Blue_Star_Radio/index.htm

Mike

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: Deni
Date: 25 May 01 - 06:04 PM

Leeinea,

A new twist on the polymer flute thing. i've just bought a john rutzen flute from hobgoblin. it has a wooden body for sound and a polymer headjoint with slide to alleviate the crack problem. It sounds great. 'easy' to play.(Ha, Says me!!!) finger holes not too large and not a ridiculous span. Seems like a good move for 300 English smackers. (That's pounds)

Cheers Deni

Subject: RE: Help: I want to buy a new flute
From: radriano
Date: 25 May 01 - 06:15 PM

I just inherited a nice cherry-wood flute. It has a few keys, plays very well, and is not as huge as some other flutes I've seen. I'm not a flute player and would like to sell it.

I'm in San Francisco, California, though. I haven't thouroughly assessed the value of the flute but based on what I've learned so far it's worth about $800. Anyone interested can send me a PM (Personal Message) or e-mail me at: [e-mail]

I only have access to Mudcat through work so I won't get any messages until Tuesday, May 29.

Richard