There have been an almost silly number of positive reviews of these lately, but…
I just got an Eb two-piece dimpled tubing flute from Doug Tipple, and I’m very pleased with it. I wanted something inexpensive, durable, and fun to play–a “beach flute,” to compliment my 6-key Copley, and the Tipple fits the bill! It sounds quite good (brighter than a conical flute, but it’s also in Eb, of course), has a solid tone, good intonation, and is very comfortable to play. It also looks really nice–this ain’t the PVC under your sink. It has a lustrous sheen (although it does suffer from a bit of static cling, a problem I can’t say I’ve ever encountered with a wood flute), and the workmanship is very nice. Doug’s customer service is top notch, too.
I was contemplating a bamboo flute, but this has the advantage of durability and tuneability, which also means the headjoint can be rotated for maximum playing comfort. Overall, a quality offering at a great price!
I heartily concur!!
I’m just starting week 3 with my 2-piece, dimpled D Tipple, and I’m very pleased! It’s my first “irish” flute as well, and I wanted something to get my feet wet. It was mostly comments on this forum that convinced me that this was the flute to buy, and I must say, I am not disappointed. It’s even been session-tested already, and, apart from the blank, semi-snooty looks from some folks there (“What, you brought a plastic flute to a session?!”), it went over very nicely, I think. And, this is the flute I’m bringing with me on my trip to Ireland in March. I can’t wait!!
And Doug is indeed a pleasure to do business with. After many emails back and forth, we figured out which would be the best flute for me, I sent him his money, and he made and sent me my flute within the week!
Doug, if you’re reading this (and you probably will), this is Chris from Rhode Island who spoke to you about fifes as well. I hope these unsolicited testimonials help your business.
Cheers!
I love my Tipple Flute. I have had it for a few months so when I got it he didn’t have the dimpled stuff so mine is regular PVC. I have to say that I am very impressed with the quality I would say $70 US (now on sale for $50) is a steal. Mine is a two piece in the gray PVC with the vinyl cover in Marble it looks really cool and is sounds great it is also has great intonation the only problem I have with it is that the C natural doesn’t sound good with theOXXOOO cross fingering.
I just had a great idea for a custom thread.
C nat
OXX XOO 1st octave
OXO XXX 2nd octave
or half hole
Agreed on the second octave, but I’ve found the the 1st octave C nat is better in tune using an additional finger on the right hand:
OXX XXO
Of course, in passing, sometimes I even cheat with simply OXX OOO
I had been experimenting with that but it is just too hard to get in faster tunes when you aren’t used to it.