Does anyone know of a decent affordable Renaissance flute? I have been looking around and all of the makers, like Folkers and Powell, seem to offer beautiful but expensive flutes. I know that Ralph Sweet used to make one but he seems to have stopped offering it. I’m looking for a fairly authentic copy with small tone holes and embouchere and thin walls.
Kim
The aulos is very well spoken of here and it’s not expensive.
You might search (function at the top of the board).
Does Aulos make a Renaissance flute? I am referring to the cylindrical bore simple system flutes of the 16th century, not Baroque flutes.
Ki
Sorry! One idea is that you might e mail or call
Ralph Sweet, if you haven’t already, and ask him
if he will make you one. Pretty agreeable
people, in my experience.
I wonder have you done a general google search?
Doubtless others will chime in.
Folkers and Powellmake them as single instruments or in consorts, but they are not inexpensive.
I’m not aware of many other makers offering accurate Renaissance reproductions, but there probably are some.
–James
Hey Kim,
You should check out Boaz Berney here: http://www.berneyflutes.com/ He makes several different styles (none cheap though), check out his “Romantic Flute” a copy of a Koch (type of flute dreams are made of).
Charles Wells also makes Renaissance flutes (his web page is currently down) contact him at: charlie@kawells.fsnet.co.uk
Best of Luck!
I don’t play the things and don’t know any of the names, but these names may be helpfull. I don’t think any are in the price range of Ralph Sweet though.
Filadelfio Puglis
Kobliczek workshop had some one (from Germany?) named Christoph Hammann making Flutes
There is also a page in Italy listing many renaissance flute makers
How would a bamboo flute compare to these Renaissance flutes? I know Patrick Olwell used to sell his bamboo flutes at Renaissance festivals. They are cylindrical. Of course, he’s not making them anymore…
Just wondered if a bamboo flute would be comparable…?
Jeanie
Most modern bamboo flutes have tone holes that are much larger than renaissance flutes, and give a much larger and less characteristic sound.
I was not able to find any inexpensive renaissance flutes when I looked. I guess there’s just not the market for mass production. Boaz Berney’s do look nice, and sound great on the clips he has posted. I chose to get mine from Giovanni Tardino of Italy and am very happy with them.
Geoffrey
Again, as Ralph Sweet has made these in the past,
he may be
willing to make one if you talk to him about it.
It’s worth an e mail or a phone call.
Kim, in addition to checking with Ralph, which is a good idea, you might want to call the Von Huene Early Music Shop, as they often have a number of used early music wooden flutes in stock at a given time. Lots of used F&P, Cameron, and other flutes go through the retail shop. Eric and/or Sarah would probably be the best to speak with, as they are both accomplished early flute players. If they don’t have anything in your price range, they may be able to offer some suggestions on where to look.
We did have a number of absolutely gorgeous Flame Maple Von Huene Ren Flutes up in the workshop when I was there, and I doubt they’ve all sold yet but I’m sure they weren’t cheap.
Best of Luck in your search,
Loren