Casey's new Blackwood Folk Flute-Impressions

Irish Flute
1

Hiya folks,

I’ve been wondering about Casey’s new Blackwood Folk Flute since he announced that the new FF would be available in all three woods (Boxwood, Mopane and Blackwood), and got my hands on a friend’s Blackwood to see what they’re all about. I did a short review of the new Boxwood FF version a few months ago when I got mine then, here:

https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/first-impressions-casey-burns-boxwood-folk-flute/58094/1

So, I was naturally curious how the newest FF version in Blackwood would compare, since Blackwood is my favorite wood for flutes. It is very much the same flute that I wrote about before, except for the individual voice that Blackwood brings to it; the darker, harder edged tone with that beautiful, deep, throaty quality when you dig into it, that only comes from the heavier and more dense wood.

The big bottom end, and large presence of tone is still there (very full tone), with the upper octave still managing to be big and sweet enough so there isn’t a large difference in tonal quality between the octaves either. Casey’s beautifully unique and expressive voice is still there, just as in his higher end flutes. It is no mild mannered, quiet flute unless you play it quietly, not putting as much air into it, but it wants the harder push to play best in tune, and no doubt is quite capable of session play when needed.

I play solo flute only, and this easily would make an excellent flute for the slow air afficianado, or session player, depending on your needs and wants. I really like having the flexibility of the split hands body, so you can adjust the sections according to your comfort level, which isn’t available on most Pratten style models.

And now having a Blackwood version to go along with the Boxwood or Mopane FF, they are all a really great deal on such nice wooden flutes in a lower price range, that can still inspire not only a beginner but a more seasoned player too. You owe yourself at least a thought to what they might do for you, as they could be either a first choice in a wooden flute, or new voice to your fluting with little outlay, which seems is becoming more important as time goes by in the current economy.

And besides a really nice flute, you get Casey’s considerable experience in a handcrafted wooden flute, which can be an important consideration from some of the lesser flutes out there when it comes to quality, tuning and playability.

Oh, and what Casey says about the quality of the Blackwood on these FF’s is very true-it’s really nice wood-better than some higher priced flutes I’ve seen at times.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the new Blackwood Folk Flute, so here are some pictures:

(click to enlarge, and then again to get the full sized picture)


http://caseyburnsflutes.com/ff.php

OK, back to the flute!

Be well, Barry

2

Hey Barry,

WOW!

Deja Vue!

This is a picture of my first flute bought off of the Flute Forum about 4-years ago. I officially joined the forum to post a THANKS to Chas for selling me the flute.

I dubbed this flute BLACK BEAUTY.

Casey’s new Folk Flute rendering is just as beautiful, minus it’s cap.

3

Yep, how about that-Black Beauty reborn! Nice picture of the older Mopane FF with her too, and on the weathered wood. Always thought Casey’s designs were the nicest looking ones around-love those bumps! :wink:

PS Glad to see you up and around too!

Be well, Barry

4

I’m a serious Boehm flute player who has just discovered these irish flutes and am wondering what you think might be a suitable irish flute for me. I saw these folk flutes and like the price point, but I’m concerned about the finger ergonomics as I’ve spent a lifetime playing an inline G keyed flute.

Should I ease in and get the folk flute to try? or should I look more towards Burns’ regular flutes.

5

:smiley: regular…as in Casey will put the holes in line if ya ask?

I don’t think that the offsets are great enough to cause any problem past the, minor, initial adjustment to them. You just shift your hands a bit.

You could just ask Casey if he’ll take back a FF on exchange for a regular if ya don’t like the offsets.

6

You might also just ask if Casey would make an in-line folk flute, which does not sound like a “customized” request to me. Either way, you can’t go wrong with getting a flute from Casey. I also came from the Boehm world and it does take a little adjustment, but Casey’s flutes are the best because of their ergonomics, i.e. the holes are close together and the flutes are very comfortable to play. Other Irish flutes are definitely harder on the hands and a bigger adjustment.

Best of luck,

Jason

7

I don’t think you would notice the holes are not inline. They are not in the same places as a boehm flute at all. So the milimeter difference between ergonomic and inline will not matter.

8

I think he would notice. (not that I think it matters)
If he played an offset G then he would be fine with the left hand.
The right will still be a tad bit odd.

If he plays Boehm with finger tips then
it doesn’t matter which six hole conical he gets
there is gonna be some adjustment.

There will be an adjustment in the way you hold it that will need to be learned, a conical will feel enough different in the hand (from a Boehm) that offset or in line will not make much difference. Your mind will be able to split the two.

Shall we move on now to the cuts and taps?

9

That is a beautiful flute, his work is great.