After having a borrowed rosewood Olwell for a week I’m starting to feel that eventually I have to get a wooden flute (playing a delrin Seery now). My budget will be at the maximum of a thousand euro, the less, the better.
So far the main paths I’m considering are flutes by Marcus Hernon (the samples show that his flutes have excellent sound but they also sounded just a tad out of tune, which troubles me a bit and perhaps a wooden Seery (already knowing the maker AND the fact that Éamonn de Barra plays those is a sort of a relief). Also an Éamonn Cotter sounds like a nice choice (looking at the back postings, I didn’t find a price nor waiting time for a keyless Cotter flute). I’d like to stick to makers residing in EU since I hate paying VATs and customs fees and whatnot.
Right now I’m considering going keyless, maybe some millennium I’ll start waiting for a keyed Olwell.
So, what would be your choice between these options? Or would you have a better recommendation.
I would recommend Copley.
Really easy flute to play,
short waiting time,
very nice man,
produces a sound that can be from loud and growling to soft and smooth, and medium holes makes it really easy to play on.
That’s my first wooden flute (also played on a Seery) and I’m totally pleased!
Henke, I would say that for a single note, both flute develop quite the same volume but the Copley produces such a clearer sound and is so easier to play that it ends up playing a lot louder, in a session or through a mic.
On the Seery, it’s harder to keep a regular flow of air (or maybe it demands more air).
I have to sell my six-keyed Copley D blackwood flute. Great flute: easy to play, in tune, with protective plastic case, one year old. I need $1,850 for it. I’m only selling it to fund building a house in Ireland… or I’d keep it. david@dlevine.net or 603 224-4553 (New Hampshire)
I’d second the choice for a keyless Cotter flute. They are excellent instruments. I have been playing my 6-keyed Cotter for over a year now and am very please with it (and get very positive comments from experienced players that try it).
Did you mean George Ormiston? I ran a google on Ormond and came up with a bunch of death notices (1774 included) but no flute maker. If Ormond is correct, does he have a web site?
I think he’s interested in makers in Europe (?) according to his original post.
How about gilles lehart? That’s a great sounding flute! Also, very nice to look at and to hold.
I am also very pleased with my Hamilton Eb, and awaiting a D in a couple months. Many board members are happy with their Hammys too ~ I love the sound I get out of mine, very earthy.
Mary
Writing about it, made me want to take it out for a spin ~ what a sound! Really wild ~ I would definately recommend the Hammy.
M
i think that gilles lehart will be good choice for you (and maker is in france, europe). his keyless cost 540 euros and around 7 months waiting list. recently, 2 weeks ago i got from him 5 keyed blackwood flute for 925 euros. strong, complex sound, nice look, all good for that flute.
i played a little also hamilton flute, also nice sound, slightly more robust look than lehart, but also will be good choice.
thomas aebi, as europian maker is also be good choice, but he is more expensive than two previous makers. his keyless cost around 950 euros , i think.
marin
Yes, I’d recommend a keyless Tom Aebi. Prehaps not the cheapest at around 900 euros, but Tom is obviously an excellent craftsman who knows what he is doing. Coming from pipe making he is making fine instruments. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to get my Wilkes I’d have ordered an Aebi keyless. It’s said that Tom’s flutes are the most like Wilke’s as regards quailty and playability. Tom’s waiting list for a keyless is a matter of months not years. He also seems to be a very nice person and very organised. He has a very fine catalogue he sends via e-mail
I like the Seery fine and use it on the street.
I don’t see it as an attempt to compete
with Copleys, which are simply better, and more expensive, flutes,
IMO, but which of course lack the rough and ready
character of delrin. Best