I am starting to consider the possibility to buy an Irish flute…
I was strongly attracted by the Casey Burns Folk Flute, because it is not too expensive, and further I like its clean design. Then I realized that probably a polymer flute would be better for me. The wood is attractive, but I want something I can carry with me everywhere and which doesn’t require to be cleaned, dried, oiled or whatsoever.
So I started to browse between the threads of this forum and I found two possible candidates: the M&E and the Seery. Could you give me an idea of the difference between the two? Which one would you suggest me?
M&E and Seery have based their designs on the two biggest flute designers of the past, Rudall and Rose and Pratten.
The M&E is a classic Rudall (or at least what is often thought of as classic Rudall, we’re debating whether such a thing exsists). It has a medium bore and medium tone holes, which basically results in medium volume, good response, large tonal palate and relatively easy playability. Rudalls are often tought of as being easier to fill than Prattens, but may need more work with the embouchure.
Seery is a classic Pratten, which means larger bore and tone holes. It should mean more volume (although that is arguable as well), a little slower response and a dry, honking tone.
Pratten and Rudall are the two most popular basic designs in Irish flutes. Which one suits you best is impossible to tell. The best would be if you could try out both for an extended amount of time. If getting both is impossible, just get one of them and be done with it. If it would feel better you could listen to pro flute players and decide on one who represents the sound you want and buy the same design that he/she plays. But in the end it doesn’t really matter. Both are probably very good flutes and both would be good for you, just get one of them and learn to play it.
Henke is right on target - both are good flutes and either one would work for you. I’ve owned both, and I’m not sure I could/would recommend one over the other - it just depends upon which one you end up liking better. As Henke said, if you have a local session or have the opportunity to try them both, that’s ideal (most flute players I know are willing to let you have a go on their flute). However, if you’ve not played flute before, you’ll struggle with either one since simply getting a tone out of a flute can be hard for some folks. It’s worth it though…
Yes, to all above, and you can do a search (found at the top of the page) and you will find tomes of information on both flutes, in fact this question arises every couple of months, and the only thing that changes is the person asking. The answers are just about all the same!
You may find the stretch on the M&E a little easier, unless you opt for the small holed Seery. If your hands are medium to large male hands, then either will probably work.
Do a search-there is lots to read and learn there.
Even if you aren’t in the US I would recommend the Jon C. But you should probably ask him to make the flute out of wood, otherwise he might get a bit cranky sucking in all that delrin smoke.
I wouldn’t over-estimate the trouble of taking care of
a wooden flute. Some of us believe in oiling, some don’t.
I don’t and have never suffered a bad consequence.
A compromise is to oil at the beginning and
then very occasionally afterwards.
Drying can be done in a flash. The one real issue, IMO,
is humidfying if you are spending a good deal of
time in a dry place.
These habits, once learned (and they’re pretty easy)
will stand you in good stead later. No question
that delrin takes virtually no care, however the folk flute
is a tough critter.
I am not in US. I am italian, but now I am working in Israel. (I’ve been in France for one year, and it is possible that next year I will move to Helsinki… a wooden flute probably wouldn’t like these climate changes!)
I didn’t know anything about the Rudall&Rose vs. Pratten…
I d’better read more carefully the forum before taking a decision
Since they are both quality instruments, the best choice for a beginner is probably whichever is cheapest. (M&E I think?)
Odds are you won’t stick with your first flute for your whole life, and after you gain some proficiency you will be better equipped to decide exactly what kind of flute you might like when it comes time to spend some more money.
… and also if you are not in the US… I live in Ireland and I’m purchasing from him … what I really like about Jon C’s flutes is that you get options… he does both: Rudall and Pratten delrins and of course great wood flutes… and he’s a great guy to talk to and and to advise you … also his prices are more than reasonable…
Re M&E and Seery… I played the Seery for a while and tried a second hand M&E in a music shop… both different but great flutes so you can’t go wrong … as to my personal preference: I’d go for a Jon C delrin because they have that special touch that makes them not only great players but also visually most appealing … I just saw and tried one about a week ago when I met an American flute player at a bus stop… he had a Jon C delrin with him with decorative rings and he let me have a bash… drooooool…
From my own experience, Michael Cronnolly’s basic M&E, Rudall-style, is an easier flute for a beginner than a Seery. The M&E has smaller holes and is fatter, both of which make it a bit easier to start with. Good luck!
I think starting with a polymer flute makes a lot of sense, for just this reason.
When you are just beginning, you typically aren’t in any position to know what kind of sound you’d like (or are capable of producing), or what flute might work best for you.
Later, as you gain experience and ability, you’ll start to get more definite ideas of what you want and what make of flute might be able to help you get there.
Finally, once you do get a very fine flute, it’s great to keep your polymer flute either for playing in conditions which are unfriendly to wooden instruments or for a handy way to grab a quick tune here and there. I always have a polymer flute assembled and ready to go on my computer desk at home as an “instant flute.”
I think this is also a good point.
The embouchure on the Seery is more damanding and perhaps less suited to a younger learner.
That said, though, I think the Seery has a wider tonal pallette and is a great way to “build your chops” prior to moving to one of the Big Flutes like an Olwell or a Hamilton.
Also, a Seery makes great sense if you are in love with the sound of the Pratten family of flutes and are looking for a relatively inexpensive flute that can produce that sound.
I do agree the Seery is a bit harder to start with, but having my M&E R&R since this spring, I’m not convinced the Seery has a wider tonal pallatte. Maybe it’s just me (starting out wanting the pratten sound, but then moving to the R&R sound) and you on slightly different journeys (based upon the Hammy being your grail of a flute so I’d think of you James as a pratten man).
