i was wondering which flutes would be regarded as being particularly good for sessions/busking on account of their big sound and being easy to play (regardless of whether they’re best in terms of being responsive). I alread have in mind as a possible example the Seery flute which is supposed to be a belter, though it’s perhaps not a flute that the best players would necessarily feel was a suitable instrument for refined playing. I meant to ask for examples that are cheaper too, as is the Seery.
Seery, M&E, and Tony Dixon’s 3 piece conical (also available with slide head) all come to mind because they’re nearly indestructible (for busking that is, wood will do fine in most situations though, unless you have a tendency to fall over when playing). I’ve owned a Seery and the Dixon, and the Seery is louder. I can’t comment on M&E flutes.
I’d not denigrate the Seery too much for refined/high quality playing - it’s what Tom Doorley played on the first 2 or 3 Danu albums (don’t quote me on the number). Also check out James’ playing on www.flutesite.com or Markus at this link: http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/Audio/4-04/pflanagansgossoonthatbeathisfatherMarkusA.mp3. Granted, I don’t think the Seery is as easy to play as the Dixon, but it’s not as hard, in my opinion (I’ve been playing mine for 7 months now, and playing ITM on flute for somewhere approaching 2 years) as many folks make it out to be.
Eric
I think a Casey Burn’s Folk Flute would fit the bill nicely. Excellent instrument at an extremely good price.
YMMV,
Tony
AKA Grixxly
Seery is good if you’ve got the embouchure for it, but be prepared to spend some real time getting to know this flute.
Also M&E “Rudall & Rose” model is a good choice…recently I have done a few recordings with this flute that got some very favorable comments. It is a very easy-to-fill flute with a large, resonant sound.
But if you really want a big BIG sound, get on Hammy Hamilton’s waiting list. His flutes are not expensive, and they are some of the very best Irish flutes made…to get an idea of how much respect this flute has earned, look at the Wooden Flute Obesssion CD volume 1 set and note how many of the players play Hamilton flutes.
All three of these flutes have real volume and great projection, but the Hamilton’s unique tone sets it head and shoulders above the rest, in my opinion.
–James
P.S. I never comment on flutes I’ve never played. I’ve no doubt that the Dixon and Burns flutes mentioned here are great in their own right, but having never played them, I cannot offer an opinion.
In my experience whatever I take busking is
in danger of getting banged up, sooner or later.
Maybe I’m just a clutz. I find the seery helpful,
it’s louder than the dixon and the CB folk flute.
Which one is you Glauber?
Y’all suppose they’re compensating for something…
Mary
Casey Burns has his patented Session Head . I tried one of his prototypes which was easy to fill and big sounding.
Cheers,
Aaron