Bb flutes

Irish Flute
1

Hey folks
Do any of you know if Bryan Byrne makes Bb flutes?? I’ve been thinking of possibly ordering one (trying to tell myself I don’t need it, but it doesn’t seem to be working… :roll: ). Anyone have other recommendations (makers)? If anybody wants to talk me out of it, I’d be open to that as well :laughing: .

2

He’s made at least one, maybe more. The one I played was fantastic. His prototype (out of maple, I think) was so much fun to play that he ended up sawing it in half lengthwise to keep himself from playing it when he should have been making flutes. But he ended up missing it, glued it back together, and worked on resisting tempation.

I don’t know which is the greatest threat to my productivity at work: my flutes, the refrigerator, or Chiff and Fipple.

3

Our resident philosopher, Dr. Jim Stone, visited Mr. Byrne’s shop some weeks back and reported that he had a Bb prototype. You may want to call him and ask about it.

I’m sure it will be a thunderclapper.

Cheers,
Aaron

4

That’s just about the best story I’ve ever heard.
And for me, it’s definitely C&F. I’ve wasted half the darn day!

5

Yeah it’s pretty funny, although after I posted it I started wondering if Bryan would want me to share that story; he’s a pretty private guy, although I do think he mentioned it to a few other folks and probably wouldn’t mind. I was about to delete it but guess I’ll keep it up there unless Bryan hears about it and asks me to edit it out!

I would have done the same thing myself…Bryan loves playing as much as he does making flutes, and the Bb was just too distracting for its own good.

6

Jonathan wrote

Hey folks
Do any of you know if Bryan Byrne makes Bb flutes?? I’ve been thinking of possibly ordering one (trying to tell myself I don’t need it, but it doesn’t seem to be working… ). Anyone have other recommendations (makers)? If anybody wants to talk me out of it, I’d be open to that as well .

You most certainly do need one! Everyone should have a Bb flute, IMO! They’re the best(as long as you can reach the holes)! I’ve never played a Byrne, but have heard good things. My own Bb is a Burns, and it’s lovely, but whatever. Just get one! :smiley:

-Kelly

7

Thanks everybody. No one is trying to talk me out of this, and my lovely wife seems to be all for it, so what can I do but go for it ?? :laughing: :astonished: Aaron, how are things coming along w/ the Ward?
Hey Cathy!

laterz

8

John, you’ll get no such talk from me either! About 6 months ago I played a Bb Olwell (first Bb experience) and was an utterly changed person after the encounter.

Not just wanting, but needing to have one, I rang up Chris Wilkes and immediately put a deposit down on one. I’m positively salivating for the day its delivered (alas, I have a few years sigh). Fortunately I get some quality time with my friend’s Olwell from time to time, so I still get a taste and a reminder of what grand things are to come.

But now people are talking about these C flutes and making me second-guess my choice :roll:

Cheers,

  • Ryan
9

:laughing: You’ll have to get one of each. You’ll need a new toy to fill the time while you’re waiting for the Wilkes anyway! :party:

10

I have a low A on order with a G foot so I can play in sessions as well as by myself fairly easily. Can’t wait!

11

Hi, Jonathan. The Ward was rocking until the pipe band season began since which I have picked up my flute on only two occasions. I think I’ll send it off to Paddy while I’m in Scotland so as it will be in good care during my absence. The cork on one of the tenons has shrunk a bit.

The Bb temptation is strong… talk about being tempted to the dark side.

Cheers,
Aaron

12

Hello everybody, got on a computer again, briefly.

Bb flutes are very beautiful, I have a burns that I like
and I’m hoping an Olwell will arrive at the
end of August.

CBs has a very lovely all wood boxwood C
that is a satisfying flute to play. Awfully nice.
Almost as responsive as a D flute,
about as easy to finger, and sonorous.
Dave Copley was on the verge of making
C bodies that fit his D flute heads,
I believe. Might be worth a call,
cause these would sound lovely.

It is very nice to refer to me as Dr. Jim Stone,
and really, while I have the degree,
I’m just Jim (or Jungle Jimmy, or…) in my heart.
I do refer to myself as Dr. STone, however, when I’m
trying to pass myself off as a gynecologist.

Love to all, JJ

13

:laughing:

Didn’t see that one coming. Thanks for the laugh, Jim.

14

You’d better believe it. I gave in this weekend…couldn’t resist any longer :smiling_imp: Later!