Anyone Own a Keyed Hamilton Flute?

Irish Flute
1

I’m on Hammy’s list for a six-key flute, which is due around November of this year. I’m trying to decide whether to have Hammy build me a new body with block mounts or to have my current flute retrofitted with post-mounted keys. Any Hammy owners out there who might be able to post pictures of Hammy’s key work, either block- or post-mounted? Anyone have any advice for me as I weigh my options?

Thanks,

Paul

2

I have a 6-key blockmounted Hammy in African blackwood, which did not start life as a keyless. I just prefer the look of block mounts, but I wouldn’t be uncomfortable with either. Do you have to part with the flute head for the same period of time to fit either choice? Also, at least on new Hamilton flutes, the cost would be 120 Euro more for post-mounting.

Kevin Krell

3

Why yes, I have a keyed Hamilton flute.

It’s a bit of an old one though. His key design has changed a wee bit since then.

Most flute players seem to prefer block mounted keys as they find them to be more aesthetically pleasing in appearance. However, if you’re going to be playing the living hell out of this flute seven days a week for the next 20 or 30 years, you might want to consider post mounting. It’s a bit more reliable overall and I personally feel the response of the keys is a little bit better (that’s just my opinion though). It’s not uncommon with block mounted flutes that have seen much use to start getting a bit of sideplay with the keys but that can be easily remedied with a bit of teflon tape stuck on the key to fill the gap.

So if it were me, I’d probably go with the posts. It does make very little difference, however, so “whichever one’s cheaper” might be the best option to take.

4

Yes, I would have to part with the headjoint temporarily, whether I went with post- or block-mounts. I think the matter may come down to cost. When I ordered the keyed flute, I don’t think Hammy was charging more for post mounts than block mounts, although I’d need to confirm that. I am leaning toward block mounts at the moment I think, mainly because I finally feel like I’m beginning to understand this flute after playing it for a year. That said, I would like to see pictures of both styles of keywork before making a decision. Thanks for your advice!

Paul