Okay, I’ve been hanging out here and feel like I know ya’ll well enough to say why I am in the market for a flute. (Thanks again to all who offered help on that).
In 1988-89 I was an exchange student at the Queens University of Belfast, which is where I fell in love with Irish music. I took up the whistle and sought out Sam Murray while there. I ordered a 4-key flute from Sam which arrived in late 1989 or early 1990. I struggled with it but never progressed very far. In 1994 the head joint cracked and I sent it back to Sam. A few months later he phoned to say that it had cracked further in his shop and he would collect insurance on it and make me a new one.
That was 1994. I am still waiting. During mch of the period after that I wasn’t playing anything–I’d gotten married, moved, taken a new job. But in 1999 I started up again on whistle and in 2001 started lessons with Mike Rafferty with an M&E.
This last year I’ve been writing Sam regularly. For the last few months I have sent him one postcard per week. I have tried phoning but have only ever gotten voicemail except once, about 7 weeks ago. Sam said the flute would be ready in 4 weeks.
At this point I’ve given up on him. It is better for my mental health to try to put this behind me and think about a new flute by another maker.
There must be moral in here somewhere. I’m not sure what it is for me, but for all of you, I guess, it’s: Caveat emptor.
Thanks again to everybody for your thoughtful advice on my next flute!
There are many stories about people having a hard time trying to contact Sam. Don’t give up. If you’ve paid your money for the flute, then keep on with the postcards, or try and get contact by phone. Best if you know someone in Belfast that could go round to Sam’s workshop. I read in IMM by the way that he recently has, or will be moving to new premises in Belfast, in the near future. Sam’s flutes are very good. Try contacting flute player [personal contact info elided --rich]
I also recommend contacting [elided]. He’s a great guy and a bit of an ambassador for Sam’s flutes. He’s very, very trustworthy and values his reputation enormously. He’ll set Sam straight.
Chris
Please let us know if the Derry address is correct. I need to send him a copy of the Wooden Flute Obsession CDs, although I think that the label, CIC, is probably pretty good at forwarding.
Here’s the latest. The address, email, and phone number all worked (he was away and didn’t get back to me right away). I heard from him yesterday and he said he’d spoken to Sam, who will be sending me a check (which I never asked for but obviously Sam is washing his hands of this). We’ll see if it arrives.
In the meantime, my sister has lent me her Murray flute (the same as mine that is now lost–4 keys) since she never plays it. So I’ve got something to work on, indefinitely I think.
Sorry to hear you had to go through all of that Tim. Hopefully you’ll get the check soon, and it’s nice that you have your sister’s flute.
Too bad Sam has been such a bear to deal with, judging from the (8-10) recordings I’ve heard, Sam’s flutes have a somewhat unique and wonderful sound, it’s too bad it seems he’s not worth dealing with.