I have found myself in the lucky position of being able to treat myself to a new flute after making it to a significant milestone in my career. This may be the only time I can convince my wife that I can splurge on something this big, so I am considering getting the last flute I’ll ever need.
Right now, the 4-key Copley is on top of the list, but I haven’t heard much talk about his keyed flutes since the initial excitement when they were introduced. Has anyone here played one yet? I really like what I’ve heard about his flutes, and I also would have the opportunity (if Dave allows it) to visit his shop since our families live only minutes from Loveland.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks for the help. Sorry about the “what flute should I get thread?”, but I respect the advice on this board and want to make a good decision.
How did I know that I would get positive responses from the two of you? I appreciate the encouragement.
It seems that my wife may already be balking at the $$$. My solution is to look at getting block mounts for keys and possibly getting a Cnat and Long F keys. This way I know that in the future I could add other keys if needed (wanted). Does this sound like a good game plan?
The worst thing is that I keep hearing “olwell…olwell…” in the back of my mind. But as much as I’d like to think I’m a patient person I know I’m not. Plus the idea of getting a top of the line keyed flute is very tempting. I just want to make sure that this is the right flute.
As someone that is very happy with his Copley..I might say the one benefit of the Olwell is that when you struggle you never need to doubt and ask that omnious question “is it me or this flute?”.
The Olwell may have more notoriety and be backed by famous players but I am thouroghly enjoying my Copley and have not found it limiting in anyway.
[ This Message was edited by: CraigMc on 2003-01-13 18:09 ]
Well Peter, what characteristics are you looking for in a flute? Also, how much are you willing to spend and how quickly must you have it?
I doubt anyone (of quality) will be able to deliver a keyed flute faster than Dave C., but there are other options of course, depending on your wants and needs. Obviously the Olwell waiting list is too long for you, but there are other makers with 1.5-2.5 year waiting lists.
But then if your wife won’t let you spend money on a keyed flute, well (Sound of whip cracking in the background)…
On 2003-01-13 20:54, RobBBQ wrote:
You can buy the best flute on earth- made by Gilles Lehart- get 6 keys, wait only one year and spend about $1000.00 US. That’s what I’d do.
-R-
The best flute on earth?! Uh Oh, brace yourselves folks…
Rob, thanks for the advice, but I’m pretty set on looking local. I can easily visit either David or Patrick to pick up the flute or try different models. This unfortunately knocked Hammy off my list as well.
Loren, I’m looking for a flute with a good bark to it and quite a bit of flexibility. The Seery that I’ve been playing has played quite well, but is missing that organic tone and vibration that wood has. The Copley, from previous posts seems to fit the bill. The possibility of keys as well seems to satisfy all that I could need. I’m quite sure that whatever I decide on will be a flute that will not limit me for many years to come.
Thanks again, Peter
(Edited to answer the rest of Loren’s ??)
I’m pretty much looking at the $1200 mark and would like to keep the wait at about a year (or under).
[ This Message was edited by: Peter on 2003-01-13 22:50 ]
On 2003-01-13 20:54, RobBBQ wrote:
You can buy the best flute on earth- made by Gilles Lehart- get 6 keys, wait only one year and spend about $1000.00 US. That’s what I’d do.
-R-
Don’t quite think you need to brace yourself, but
Lehart makes a great flute and you can’t beat the price. Subjectively, there are not many “better” flutes, and there is no objective way to evaluate one flute against another, unless there is a marked difference in quality. Lehart’s are pretty top notch. But, like all flutes, it’s not for every taste. Physically, it’s a bit daintier, a plus for some, a minus for others, and a bit softer in sound, again, a plus or minus.
I’ve been thinking about a Lehart myself, because I have a Hamilton. If I had a Lehart, I’d probably want a Hammy. They’re that different, and that’s a good thing.
US makers, all 'round, seem to be a bit higher priced than European ones, with a few notable exceptions. I suppose the standard of living index is higher, or something. Again, over a certain quality level, the rest gets pretty subjective from maker to maker, and even flute to flute. And mood to mood.
