Had an opportunity to try out a couple of Martin Doyle’s flutes on a trip to Ireland (thanks Skip in Doolin!) and was wondering about other folks’ opinions… Specifically, I’m interested in opinions of the “un-tuning-slided” versions. Skip told me that Martin makes them to be played with the tenon all the way in. When I played it that way, it was VERY nice! The problem was that I couldn’t get exactly on pitch without more rollout than I’m used to. Also, when the tenon was extended slightly, the tone went downhill dramatically. I’ve seen a couple of threads about cracking in his tuning-slided model…
My questions: anyone out there playing a Doyle? How do you like it? Is it with or without a tuning slide?
I love Martin Doyle’s flutes. I have had several. They can be played well in tune without a slide. Your embouchure will develop as you bond with the flute. I can’t imagine why you ha a problem with roll-out, since the head is not fixed to the body of the flute.
If properly looked after, a head-joint with a metal tube in it will not crack. There are 200 year-old flutes, with tuning slides, that have not cracked.
I played a keyless slideless Doyle for the past four years until I recently got a keyed flute of another make. I love the Doyle flutes and I didn’t really have much of a problem with tuning, there are all sorts of adjustments to be done without a slide. My own view is the myth that one needs a tuning slide is untrue, they may be nice to have but are not essential in fact one gets a better understanding of adjusting tuning from their own playing rather than relying on the instrument to adjust for you. They are great flutes very easy to fill with a big full tone and quick response.
Yes, the flute in my avatar is the Doyle which I still have as a spare just in case.
I’m a big fan of Martin’s all wood flutes. I played one in blackwood for a couple of years in a session and never had any tuning problems. These flutes also have one of the easiest, strongest low Ds of any flute I’ve owned. I like the simple, minimalist design and the ease of carrying in the snazzy case he provides.
I should finish the story, I suppose… I bought one from Doc Jones (Irish Flute Store). It’s a blackwood keyless. It plays perfectly in tune for me with the headjoint all the way “in” and has an even better sound (if possible) than the ones I tried in Ireland. It is now my session flute. (Still love my Hall with the Gallagher head, though).
