Hi! I’m a regular at the Larrivee guitar forum. I’d like to add Irish flute to my music obsession. I’ve been looking at the Doug Tipple flutes, also the Casey Burns folk flutes. I can’t justify a very expensive purchase (just finished paying off a 12-string guitar), but would like something of decent quality. I played concert flute for 7 years (in a much younger life). I tried the pennywhistle, but something about it just wasn’t right for me.
Lurking and Learning,
Deb
Probably plenty of old post to search on that topic. I recomend doing what I did. Get both.
Hi, Deb.
Your whistle experience could have just as easily been the whistle as it was you.
As for flute options, Casey Burns’ folk flute would be worth the extra expense IMHO. The main reason is that it is a conical flute like the flutes in traditional Irish music. The finger stretch will be easier, and conical flutes require subtly different blowing than a cylindrical flute like the Tipple (though Doug has incorporated a lot of design features to enhance his flutes response and intonation as well as ergonomics for the hands).
Good luck with your endeavor. Don’t let the isolation of the Dakotas get you down (I’m originally from North Dakota). Make good use of the internet resources out there, Brad Hurley’s Guide to the Irish Flute being very substantial as well as having links to other helpful sites. The flute can be pretty consuming and really does require a bit of intense focus.
Cheers,
Aaron
Here are some pros for each.
A Tipple is less of a hit to the wallet, you can leave it together, not put forth much effort into caring for it, play it whenever and wherever, and keep it as a travel Flute if you get a more expesive Wooden Flute.
A Folk Flute is closer to other Irish Flutes, is wooden, is a fine Flute at a fantastic price, and is well made (as are all of Casey’s Flutes).
You really can’t go wrong, but the Burns is worth teh extra cash.
Thanks for the replies. I think I’ll probably go with the Casey Burns flute. I love the feel and sound of wood. My guitars are plain-Jane Larrivees, but very well made, solid wood, and a joy to play. It’s hard to explain, but I like instruments that appeal to my sense of esthetics as well as my ear. I’m keeping an eye out for a used flute, because they are backordered for 18 weeks or so. Having played flute, I think the flute would be more enjoyable and less frustrating than the pennywhistle. I do have a decent pennywhistle, but am really looking forward to a flute.
Deb
Also CB’s flute can be resold–it’s money transferred into
another form, I tell my wife. The same argument goes
for still more expensive flutes…
Funny, that’s the same logic I use for guitars. But I’m now down to three I can’t part with. 
I think my poor hubby is hoping the flute won’t become an obsession.
Deb
Just think how much less space it takes to store a flute. 
I have a CB flute, a keyless model, and have been playing it for a little over a year. I’m still very satisfied with it, though of course curious about what I’m missing when everyone else talks about other flutes. I think you couldn’t go wrong with a folk flute.
Jennie
That is very true, I know I have bought and sold enough to know that it is the truth.
My main Flute (see my avatar) is a Casey Burns Pratten in Boxwood. What I like about this Flute (besides the way it plays) is the minal decoration, although, it is sometimes confused with Bamboo which is the only downside.
Now for the sound. I have a Sweetheart Resonance Fltue for traveling and when I come home to the Burns I remember why that is my main Flute. The tone is amazing and has many different colors available, from a rich, powerful sound to a sweet, breathy sound and every thing in between. I have had this Flute for only 4 months, but I havve come to realize it is a Flute to grow with. Unless I play a better Flute, I will probably not part with this soon.