Good flute for a beginner?

Irish Flute
1

Can you recommend me a flute (6-8 hole, keyless) that is inexpensive but does not sound too bad?

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2

Dixon 3-piece polymer (under $200) or Olwell bamboo (around $100).

3

Yup,

Both of the above are fantastic. If you have smallish hands the Dixon may be a bit more user-friendly because of its conical design and samller holes.

Doc

4

Also the Seery and the M&E deserve mention, though the price is a little higher than the Dixon.

The Seery has a rough, growly Pratten sound.

The M&E Rudall & Rose has a smooth, creamy sound and is just about as good as any flute I’ve played. (Well, the Hamilton is better, but not by that much: the R&R is that good.)

Best wishes,

–James
http://www.flutesite.com

5

James - You may have answered this question before but it seems appropriate to raise it again here: how would you compare the new M&E RR model to the older one? I ask as I have the older one and it is a fine instrument and was my first flute. I also have a Seery which I use embouchure development.

Thanx,

BillG

6

On 2003-02-10 16:33, BillG wrote:
James - You may have answered this question before but it seems appropriate to raise it again here: how would you compare the new M&E RR model to the older one? I ask as I have the older one and it is a fine instrument and was my first flute. I also have a Seery which I use embouchure development.

Thanx,

BillG

The original model is a fine flute. Overall it has a little brighter, edgier sound than the R&R model, maybe just a hair stronger on the low end (I have a split-front embouchure model, that may be why). The flute projects well and is moderately to very loud with normal breath pressure. The intonation in the third octave is a bit unpredictable unless you have a E-flat key on the flute.

The R&R model has a creamy, resonance. There is a lovely metallic sheen to the sound when you push it hard (like the Hammy, but not so much so as the Hamilton Pratten). Intonation is great all the way throught the third octave A, and the third octave speaks much easier and more predictably than the original model.

Also the R&R has the greater dynamic range, and can be pushed to more volume. It has a lovely resonance. In summary, Michael Cronnolly really got it right with the Rudall and Rose model.

That’s my take on it.

Best,

–James
http://www.flutesite.com