Even before I got the Gallagher which came yesterday, I received a blackwood flute from Jon C. (with his trademark fancy engraved rings). An embarassment of riches (due to timing; I ordered the Gallagher some time ago, last autumn; Jon’s flute came about six weeks or so after I ordered it, I think.).
I’ve had this flute for some weeks now, and really like it. It’s a large-holed Rudall model (Rudall & Carte, I think?), also with a partially-lined headjoint and nifty screw-cork adjuster (again, a surprise thrown in by the maker!).
It’s a great player, and one of the best deals I’ve seen in flutedom. It turns out I’m more of a big-holed flute guy (I sold my excellent Bryan Byrne flute, for example, but have kept Jon’s larger-holed flute), and I find this flute play beautifully. The flute plays well in tune, is capable of plenty of volume, and is comfortable to hold and to play. It’s a substantial flute, bigger in diameter than even my Gallagher Pratten. Deep embouchure chimney, nicely softened toneholes, and those lovely rings (everyone comments on them).
I’d heartily recommend one of Jon’s flutes to anyone looking to get into the wooden-flute game. Considering that I just payed about five times for the Gallagher what I paid for Jon’s flute, it’s a bargain! I paid extra to get the blackwood and the silver rings; I think you can get them even cheaper from Jon in alternate woods and with different rings.
And mine came shipped in fancy Tupperware, with each section neatly placed in a gym sock! Boy, I hope Jon washed them first!
A great option for a new flute player, or for anyone wanting to try a larger-holed Rudall-style flute.
My Jon C. flute of similar design also came in a tupperware, but with the pieces wrapped in what appeared to be a retired sweatshirt.
I’ve had it for about 4 months, and I can really open up the sound now. It’s got a nice tone that seems to cut through particularly well. I couldn’t be happier.
Mike
I didn’t get any of Jon’s clothing…I feel left out, Jon…maybe some dirty underwear?
In all honesty, Jon’s flutes have, time and again, blown me away. I’ve tried many other flutes and love the Blackwood R&R flute I got about 7-8 months ago from him. Aesthetics are incredible and the flute only gets better with age.
Me too, no tupperware, or underwear! Don’t really want either, by the way, thanks just the same!
I got what I wanted; a beautiful wooden flute (Bocote) at a great price, that sounds wonderful (actually sounds the best of all the flutes I’ve played)!
You may meet a nicer guy that makes flutes, but I doubt it. Thanks, Jon! Keep doing what you do best, and keep the underwear!
I don’t like your pictures of my flute. They really don’t do it justice. No offence intended. But, your flutes are truly spectacular and deserve better presentation. These photos are a little better. Don’t mind the spit in the head joint; it’s hard to handle this flute without playing it.
This is also one of his large-holed Rudalls. It plays well in tune, with plenty of volume, and can easily yeild a deep hollow tone or something more reedy by slight adjustments of embouchure.
They really don’t do it justice. No offence intended. But, your flutes are truly spectacular and deserve better presentation. These photos are a little better. Don’t mind the spit in the head joint; it’s hard to handle this flute without playing it. 
