I’ve decided to part with my Healy keyless D flute as it has become the least played. It had a sentimental value as I bought it from Skip during one of his Wind-On-The-Bay seminars but I hardly play it now.
Blackwood keyless D with silver tenons. $750.00 and I’ll pay shipping in CONUS (continental United States).
Traded for a trial Mollenhauer.
I have a Healy keyless, and like it very much. It’s got similarities to my Murray, I’ve noticed-it’s lightweight for a Blackwood flute, very responsive and expressive, and physically it’s got just about the same hole layout and dimensions, except for the shorter foot on the Healy. Easy finger stretch too-overall; a very comfortable flute to play.
Of course, the Murray and the Healy have different voices, but both are lovely. I find the Healy a little easier to play than the Murray, and it has a stronger and easier to hit bottom end also. It has a strong tone overall, but can be played softly, and for me, in tune without blowing hard, like the Murray too.
Healys are very simply constructed, with a tuning slide made differently from the traditional type (silver for all connections-no cork or thread to fool with) but it works great, and no doubt this is where it saves on weight too.
Just in case someone was wondering what Healys are like-thought I’d give you my impressions-it’s a very nice flute!
Listen to Skip play his here (try #9 Dark is the Color-my favorite!):
Yes, I spent the spring of 06 in Providence.
All Irish-flute players played Healeys.
I was pleasantly surprised to see/hear
how good these were. I played one myself
only briefly, but I liked it fine, and they certainly
sounded good in sessions.
Healy’s are certainly good session instruments. The bottom D is pretty righteous. I haven’t fallen in love with the second octave, though it is in tune and solid. I really like Skip’s design and progressive approach to flute making. A cork-free flute is brilliant.
It appears from Skip’s web page that he is no longer offering his 2-piece keyless flute. Is this true? Are they no-longer being made?
Wolvy - I just went there to see for myself and, yes, it appears to be does not make two piece anymore. The one I have, still on hold, is the three piece pictured on top of the page.
Bumpety - back up for sale. My Copley is too much competition with it as is the JonC and CBurns. Each has its own place but the Healy doesn’ get its proper turn.