I’ve played it for a total of about two hours playing time.
It’s a wonderful instrument - capable of lots of tonal variation depending upon embouchure, and very strong in tone.
It is Phil’s standard G flute (two-piece) in African blackwood with silver-plated metal work and tuning slide.
In addition, it has a “Cn thumbhole” (which really equals an Fn).
This thumhole is very comfortable and I can easily successfully use it with either “piper’s grip” whisle-playing position or with standard flute-player’s position.
If you don’t like it, tape over it.
It also has a decorative silver knotwork disc from MacManus & Sons of Berkeley, CA inlaid into the endcap (this silver piece cost an extra $35.00 at the time).
I should have photos available within a week.
For an idea of the end cap, look at Maurice Reviol’s web site
www.reviol.co.nz
and click on “gallery” and look at “Tommy Kochel’s flute”.
The silver piece is the same, but there is no room for the paua shell on this smaller G flute.
This is a tough decision - wonderful instrument, but it comes down to how much I play it with my group - not much (with A, C, D, and F whistles, and with a newly keyed flute, I really have no need for a G).
My cost for this instrument when I bought it in November 2006 (when Phil’s G flute base price was 150 Pounds) was 190 Pounds (due to the thumbhole and the inlay of the silver disc). Now Phil’s base price has gone up to 175 Pounds.
Cash is best. I’d like $400.00 for this unique instrument (Celtic knotwork decoration and Fn thumbhole) with no waiting. Comes with Phil’s nice felt bag. I pay my choice of shipping (no worries - I’ve shipped many instruments over the years - all successfully without damage).
I will entertain trade ideas, but I’m picky.
Perhaps Abell whistles, Bleazey low D; early Lon Dubh whistles; I’ll even trade outside of the “woodwind” category if you have something interesting.
Look at my web site to get an idea of what I already have.
For photos and information, visit:
www.tommyswirled.com
Scroll down the main (right-hand) portion of the page to the bottom and click on “Instruments for Sale”.