A couple of days ago I received a new Tipple E-flat – one with the ‘dimpled’ tubing. I’ve only had a little time to play around with it, but I must say I am VERY IMPRESSED. It plays amazingly easily and with way more expression than I ever expected. In fact, to both my ear and my wife’s it has many of the same qualities as my Olwell Blackwood D.
I already have a PVC - D flute and was reluctant to get another one, but this one is very different. I could easily use words like expressive, flavorful and dynamic to describe its characteristics. The tuning is easily on a par with (or even better than) some of my Olwell bamboos and, frankly, I just like the way it feels in my hands. I know it doesn’t look anything like an Irish flute, but, with eyes closed, I sure couldn’t tell the difference. I was going to order an E-flat section for my Olwell, but now I don’t feel much of a need. (Don’t get me wrong, my Olwell is a real treasure and I would never part with it – I love it!) Still, this Tipple has something special. In my opinion, it truly is an unusually good value, and I would recommend it to anyone.
PS: This E-flat was supposed to be put away for me as a Christmas present, but I couldn’t part with it. So, I’m probably going to order a D instead. They should make a nice set, especially for hiking and travel.
I am Doug Tipple, and I approve the preceding message. However, I am a little upset that Paul accuses me of having elves in my workshop. How did he know?
I was wondering if you were using the wedge on this model, I have been thinking of trying the dimpled tubing myself and wonder if the dimpling effects the conicle values of the flute.
I was having difficulty getting good sound with the wedge in place on my three piece grey, it seemed easier to play without it, but lately I’ve given it a good try and it seems to increase the range of sounds, rather than limit them, as I thought before. I would also think the dimpling would have this effect, creating a different kind of turbulence. but to the same end.
I have also found the wedge sounds best to me slightly ahead of or behind the central line that runs down the head directly opposite the hole. It might be the wishful thinking of a beginner, or I may be on to something.
I guess I’d better order my dimpled Tipple before Doug runs out of stock.
(Blatant product endorsement) 
Argh! 
(sound of a man in pain!)
So many flutes/whistles/pipes…
So little money!!!
This is a timely topic for me because I am just now considering the Tipple Eb. Thank you.
Thank you Blayne
for the review of this inspiring flute,
and thank you Tip/Fip/Flutist for pointing out the limited availability!
I just got mine in D and what I can say first is WOW!!! I’m very glad to have this easy playing and great sounding flute; as Jayeye suggested before, Robert Doug Tipple really is Superman!
Thank you Robert for who you are and how you do it! Pure class!
Hey, Barry,
Glad that you like my flute, but let me say, emphatically, I don’t want to be like superman. The only supermen that I have heard about tend to die off too early, and I would like to be here for a little while longer, at least. Maybe 50 years or so, if my accountant has it figured out correctly.
Just keep your glasses on, and you’ll be fine! Your secret’s safe with me!
I just received my Tipple Eb, and am I ever pleased. I have a three piece grey with wedge but I don’t know if it’s the key or the dimples, this is no ordinary PVC flute.
I would describe the sound as sweet, yet the flute has clear, loud voice. It honks, but with class. It sounds wood, but with a much cleaner sound, second octave is within easy reach with little or no “forced” sound.(A big problem for beginners). It also seems to take less effort to blow, perhaps because it is a six hole Eb compared to a Grey Three piece 8 hole D.
All I can say is I wouldn’t trade my grey for anything, but this Eb is even more special.
I would describe this flute as “Fun” but with some serious sound.
Terri