Well, my six-key John Gallagher flute is ready to ship, so it’s time to find a good and loving home for the keyless Byrne to make room for the new addition.
Stats: blackwood, smaller-holed R&R style. Fully lined head (silver); slide and rings also of silver. Beautiful, simple, elegant workmanship. Lovely, singing tone (in the right hands . . .and lips, I suppose).
Adoption fee for qualified applicants: $1000 (plus shipping). I’ll throw in a hard-shell, foam-lined pistol case to carry it in, as well, so the flute will feel comfortable in its new home.
I’m a bit sad, parting with the Byrne (), but am looking forward to the keyed flute, as well.
If you’re interested, please respond by PM.
how old is this? how loud?
Hi, Jim:
The flute was made in '98 (so is well played-in by now!). When I play it, I aim for a creamy, rich sound, which I find very satisfying. Ornaments are crisp; it’s the smallest-holed wooden flute I’ve had, and the difference in ornamentation is noticeable. It’s also more frugal in breath requirements than other flutes I’ve had; a little air gives you a solid, focussed tone. It takes me a little while to adjust to a larger-holed instrument after playing the Byrne.
It cross-fingers most accidentals beautifully, too. I’m still looking forward to the Gallagher’s keys (on their way!), but the Byrne is essentially chromatic-capable, too. If I could justify keeping it and the Gallagher both, I’d do it.
Loud? I dunno. I’ve not played it in a big session, but I’ve played with two fiddlers at once and could hear myself clearly, and the listeners said they liked the blend; they could hear the flute in there. It’s not as loud as a large-hole R&R copy with rectangular embouchure I played (by Terry McGee), but that thing was as loud as any flute I’ve played, even the ostensibly louder Pratten-style flutes. I think the tone of the Byrne is considerably more flexible than the McGee’s was, though.
Hope that helps. Every time I respond to a PM about this flute, I almost write myself out of selling it. If only money grew on trees, and I had the time to play lots of instruments so they wouldn’t lay around in their cases, pining for a tune . . .
It appears that the Byrne’s been spoken for. It’ll be going to good hands, I’m happy to say.
Thanks, all.