FS: Forbes

Irish Flute
1

Hate to do it but I don’t play it enough and I need the moola.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300392178943

2

what is the stretch like on these? big holes?

3

I remember asking Rob the same question before I ordered. He said it was easier than a low whistle which at the time was all I had to compare it to. I remember it feeling comfortable when I first tried it. Other than that, I could give measurements. Didn’t we have a thread that compared tone hole diameters and spacing for the major makers?

EDiT:
I thought it was Tipple that did it but I couldn’t find the thread. Then I remembered!

http://dougsflutes.googlepages.com/flutefingerholecomparison

4

Jim, the stretch is less than on an Olwell Pratten and almost identical to Dave Copley’s flutes. A while back I posted some photos showing a Forbes side by side with a Copley delrin D. You can see the tone holes are a bit larger on the Forbes, but the stretch is the same. Both are really nice flutes IMHO.

Here’s the link:

https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/whistles-for-sale/566/1

– Jon

5

thanks to both of you

6

Hi, I just wanted to add one more comment. I recently wrote and asked Rob Forbes the same question, and here was his answer…

“The upper finger stretch is 2-7/8 inches, the lower a bit less at 2-11/16”, and the holes are offset radially (ie to the side, not lengthwise) about 1/8" if that helps." That’s measuring from the center of the tone holes.

7

I find the Forbes easier than most “Prattens” the middle joint really helps too.

Nice flutes. I played one at a gig over Christmas and was really impressed. I had decided to keep it for awhile when some clown went and bought it! Danged customers ruining my fun all the time…

Doc

8

I recently bought one second-hand. The stretch is very easy for me, tonehole size is no issue. It is a forgiving flute, can be played VERY loud and is in no way as “tiring” as Prattens are said to be. I still tend to play it flat with the tuning slide all the way in. I will finally get there experimenting with my embouchure (lip coverage of the blowhole is the key, I suppose).