Hi I’m a left handed player looking to buy a new flute. I currently player a Keyser black wood flute in a pratten style. I looked in to a rudall and rose style and understand these to be easier to play (less wind), is this correct? Also what about volume and sound quality (rasp and colours etc).
I’m not in the position to be buying a keyed flute and have been looking at the likes of makers such as - Glenn Watson - Sam Murray - Terry McGee - Dave Copley etc…
Any replies I would be grateful of.
My 2-cents is unless you are an experienced woodwind player, you may want to consider waiting until you’ve been playing irish style music 2-3 years and then see where you are as far as wind requirements. I say this not knowing your background so don’t be offended if I mis-spoke. When I started I got dizzy every time I played longer than 3 minutes and had problems filling the flute, etc., but now 3-4 years in I am very different. As far as your 2nd question - all those makers are well-regarded and make instruments that give great satisfaction. You can search the archives for more than you’ll ever want to know about any particular maker (more or less). I love my Copeland rosewood 4-key, and it’s my favorite, but I still play my Tipple PVC flute and it just plain honks and has great tone too. Moral is, even at my level it’s more the player than the flute or material, as long as the flute is well made. Have fun flute hunting! I’ve blown my instrument budget for about the next 20 years so have to “make due” : )