… which I bought from C&F’er baggins21 (Matt). It’s the one that was in China, and folks were concerned about it being a fake, or about shipping costs, etc…
Well, it’s now in my hot little hands, and I couldn’t be happier.
So, questions: Anyone else have a Healy and have any hints/ tips/ tricks/ warnings/ suggestions?
Since I’m new to the Irish D flute (though been fyffing for years), my only point of reference is my Tipple which I’ve had for 2 months now. So far (in the 30 minutes I’ve had the Healy), it feels pretty comfortable, though significantly heavier than the Tipple (duh!). The embouchure will need a little adjusting (Healy=rounded square Tipple=circle)
<---- The Healy embouchure
Also, it’s serial number 100, about 5 years old, so I think that’s pretty special.
Always fun to have a new tooter. If I remember right Skip’s flute lessons are quite a lot cheaper for people playing Healy flutes. Though I don’t know if that includes second-hand purchases.
Ironic that you bought a flute made by your neighbor but had to bring it back from Shang-hai.
I don’t think it matters, officially. He doesn’t say so on his site …
I play a Healy fife as well, and have had a lesson from him on that, and yes, they are cheaper (though $50 still isn’t cheap!)
Yeah, the irony was not lost on me, but he sells 'em new for $1000 and I got it for half that, plus priority international shipping, and including the case!
I guess ignorance is bliss …
I didn’t know you had to do anything wrt that. The guy who sent it is American (he’s teaching in China), so he knew it was made in USA, and he said he’d mark that it cost $10 so I could avoid import tariffs.
All new to me, but all I know (and need to know) is that I have it in my hands now, and that’s all that matters (Unless you’re a customs agent, and know where I live … ) :roll:
As you get more comfortable with the rectangular embouchure, I am VERY interested to know whether you find that easier to play than the circular Tipple embouchure. Also, does the rectangular emb. give a brighter sound? I know it’s kind of difficult to compare the two since they are very different constructions.
Good luck with the Healy! I hope you get along well together. I only have heard Skip’s flute on WFO, but if that’s an indication of the tone, it’s a good one to my ear. It seems to have a tone that appeals to me-not thin and nasally, not diesel horn honking, but somewhere inbetween-a good rich tone.
And, congrats on the great deal, you did very well!
Keep us (or me) posted on how you get along with it, and how you find the tone and playability as you get used to it. Maybe you could post a clip? Have a blast!
I’ve had a second-hand Healy keyless for a few years now and love it. I play left-handed, so had Skip make me a left-handed head (with the embouchure cut going the other way). It really made it easier playing the second octave clean.
I love the sound, from soft to loud. I’ve heard someone say that sometimes it breaks the octave. I tend to sharpen the low octave and flatten the upper by lipping (and playing softer), so it’s no problem. (I never touch the 3rd octave, though I want to work on that high C.)
Haven’t had any problem with cracking in the dry winters here in New York–that’s one reason I got it, figuring RI would be worse. But, if I haven’t played for a day or so the lower ring does get loose, but no big deal.
Maybe it’s heavier than your other flute, but I find it incredibly light, though solid.
Anyway, fyffer, you should have fun with it. I’m happy with it, and my teacher said it’s a good flute, and that’s good enough for me.
My “life besides youse guys” right now consists of packing and preparing for a week-long trip to Ireland, where I intend to give this baby a real test in some West Clare sessions …
