Any info on this flute?

Irish Flute
1

Found this listed on ebay a few days ago, are these any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310839222977?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

2

Looks to me to be a pretty standard Nach Meyer from the early 20th century. Sometimes they are quite nice, but usually, well, not so much… AFAIK they are all a little quiet (if you were thinking session). If you can get it cheap it’s probably worth looking at, but without playing it I wouldn’t go more than 50 pounds. You might ask the seller if there are any markings on the instrument and if there are any cracks - they almost always have a crack in the barrel.

Pat

3

Thanks Pat, have asked the seller.

I’ve been playing a boehm flute for a while which is leaking pritty badly, would like to try a simple system flute offering more in way of ornimentation.

4

There are LOTS of threads here discussing first flutes, but I would suggest a decent keyless flute from a known maker. Just so happens that Blayne Chastain (new owner of the Irish Flute Store) has some Garry Sommers delrin Prattens for sale for $250. This is truly a steal! I play one and like it a lot. You should also look at Dave Copley’s delrins and blackwoods. If you want to spend a bit more, look at Terry McGee and John Gallagher blackwood flutes.

[EDIT] if you’re in the UK, take a serious look at Martin Doyle’s flutes, too!

Good luck in your quest!

Pat

5

I’ve a flute quite close in appearance to the one in question. It is not a ‘Nach Meyer’. It plays well at A=440 with a 5 MM slide extension. It is well in tune with itself. It is, HOWEVER, rather small bore and quiet voiced. NOT a Session cannon. On very close examination with a bright light the wood, which at first sight appears to be black has deep red highlights, leading me to believe it is cocus. The keywork is hard to pin down. The angled G# level looks German, but the high quality GS and extended ‘points’ where the key levers cross the key cups appear French. I have seen Swiss flutes of similar appearance. If you can get it cheaply enough it may be a good practice flute.

Bob