Robert Tipple Flutes

Irish Flute
1

Hi!

I’m finally de-lurking myself, thanks to Dale’s promise to review Robert Tipple’s inexpensive flutes.

I own a Tipple low D and one of his G flutes (both in PVC), both purchased from Robert (Doug?) Tipple through e-Bay.

I haven’t been playing all that long, so I’m still at a stage where my own day-to-day variability outweighs the more subtle differences between instruments. I’ve compared my $30 Tipple D with a friend’s $300 Delrin flute, though, and could tell no difference in sound quality between the two. In fact, I preferred playing the Tipple because of its light weight and ergonomically placed holes. My inexpensive acoustic guitar tuner says that both flutes held true equally well in both the lower and upper octaves.

As for being seen with it, well, you do have to get over the fact that it’s a piece of PVC wrapped in wood-grained contact paper. But hey, do you want a beauty queen, or a good friend?

I’m happy with my Tipple low D. It has a rich, full sound, good volume, and was more than worth what it cost.

If I had to come up with a complaint, it would be that my Tipple D does seem a little “sluggish,” especially when dropping back down to a low D or E from the upper register. (Again, some of that is certainly my own lack of consistent practice, so I’m looking forward to seeing reviews and comments from others.)

I bought my Tipple G last June or July, just after he started making them. It’s not bad, but I didn’t think it was quite up to the sound quality of his D flute. Maybe it’s the thinner wall? He’s had some time to work on it since then, though, so perhaps he’s made some improvements?

Has anyone else here tried Tipple’s PVC flutes? I’d love to hear from anyone who has – especially from someone who’s experienced enough to really give a good critique of them.


Also, I have yet to find a simple G flute that comes close to, of all things, Lark in the Morning’s bamboo walking stick flute – which is great if your’e hiking, but gets strange looks from musicians and airport security. I’ve tried other bamboo G flutes, but they just haven’t measured up. If anyone knows of a good, relatively inexpensive G in wood, plastic, or bamboo that will fit in a backpack, please tell me.

2

The fact that you found the Tipple flute and the higher quality Delrin flute equal was probably (no offence) due to yourself. I haven’t heard you play and can’t comment on that, but I’ve heard many other beginners, including myself, play the flute in a fassion that they are not usually played by skilled flutists. Often producing a low whistle like sound that virtually any flute is capable of. The quality of a flute is made obvious when played hard, pushed to the edge with a firm embouchure, good breath controll and the like, producing the raspy, projective, sonorous flutey sound that one usually hears among irish flutists. I haven’t played Roberts flutes, but a qualified guess would be that they are not much different than other simple system, cylindrical bore plastic flutes. They are good to learn embouchere and fingering on, but would never be able to play like a “real” conical bore, quality flute. If you have gotten used to playing the Tipple flute with the low whistle sound and in the range of volume it is capable of and then play a high quality flute the same way, it is likely that they would sound the same. But if you give them both to an experienced player to try them side by side, I think anyone could hear the difference.

What was I thinking? There are alot of things to add here. Hopefully, someone else will do that.

Cheers

3

Sweetheart G flutes are good and not very
expensive.

4

Hello Henke,

No offense taken. It’s why I asked – I’m new to this and am hoping to hear from more experienced players. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

Jim,

Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve been eying the Sweetheart G (among others), but have been reluctant to buy another G because I’ve already struck out a couple times with them. Sounds like I should start giving that Sweetheart some more serious thought.

– Daryl

5

I have a Sweet F flute that I keep in the car. It’s been there for years now with no problem. I do make sure to oil it every other year. I play it at stoplights and on the freeway when it’s clear and I can hold a steady speed below ninety. Brian Byrne taught me the technique. It’s certainly no more dangerous than hang-gliding or mountaineering. Much safer than bringing a bodhran into a good session.
I also have an Olwell F bamboo which I like very much. I’d recommend either. I’m not sure the bamboo coould take the abuse that the Sweet’s been subjected to. My Sweet G is also be a good flute, as is the Olwell G bamboo.
People posting to Chiff often comment on their search for a cheap, good flute. When you think of how long you’ll have the flute (assuming now that posting here implies more than a passing interest in flute-playing) you’re talking pennies a day. And a good flute, unlike a cheap flute, will accrue value.

6

David Levine said …I play it at stoplights and on the freeway when it’s clear and I can hold a steady speed below ninety.

David you don’t know how lucky you are. Cars where I come from are right hand drive. To get the flute horizontal the driver’s window has to be open and the sound just disappears.

It is possible with cruise control on to move over to the passenger seat but it is then hard to keep the speed up without a stick to jam accross onto the throttle. Cornering becomes an issue as well because you can’t use your right leg to tap the tune time when it is tied to the steering wheel.

Iknow - – I know – I could get a left handed flute .

7

Of course, if the flute was mounted so that the embouchure stuck out the window, then it might be possible to steer with one’s teeth. Hmmm. That would probably limit you to only the upper octave on the freeway, though, unless you were stuck in rush-hour traffic. Stop-and-go… Maybe not such a good idea after all.

I think I’ll just shut up and let you guys continue with the good ideas.


– Daryl

8

I confess, you guys scare me. Cell phones
are bad enough.

9

What Jim said. :boggle:

10

You could play the whistle with a right hand drive auto.