I have an older 5 key M&E flute that I am selling. I have lsited this flute “as is” because it needs some work. This a great playing flute and I have used it in the past both during stage shows and for recording. Howeever it has problems. It was originally a 5 key flute but many years ago at the Swannanoa Gathering in Asheville a friend accidently broke the g# key in half (caught the edge of the key on the zipper of a duffle bag; it’s a long story). I still have the pieces and they can be weilded back together and re-fitted. Because this is a polymer flute and was left in a hot car at one point, it has developed a warp in the bottom section of the headjoint which makes fitting it to and taking it off of the middle joints a bit difficult. The warpind does NOT effect the embouchere hole or the sound. As for the keys, well, they leak. I currently have no bottom D due to this. It is in bad shape. Okay, that is the bad news, here is the good: I have been meaning to send this back to Michael Cronnolly for several years for reapairs. I have described the problems to him before and he was pretty confident that they could be fixed. So, I bought this flute off ebay for around $800. As the flute has been so banged up over the years I am only asking $250 for it at present. A few hundred or so more of repairs and this will once again be a fantastic flute. It has a deep, almost woody tone, and will get you a keyed flute for WAY less than most makers charge. It has 5 keys and steel rings and it looks very much like wood. Great for playing outdoors!
At the very least, Michael could probably seal all the leaks and give you a great keyless flute out of it. Think of it as a nice fixer-upper. I have several other flutes, including an Olwell. I play professionally and I would not sell an instrument that I was sure was a piece of crap. This flute will play and perform and sing again, she just needs a little work, and I, unfortunately have rent payments to make. If anyone is interested or wants more information, please drop me an e-mail legerdemain82@yahoo.com
Zac
