I notice Sam has a fairly new website and promises keyless Flute delivery in a matter of months.
Quick question for anyone that has ordered a Flute from him of recent. Did you in fact receive your Flute in a matter of months? I would like to order an E flat Flute from him, but several years ago it was a bit of a roller coaster to actually receive the Flute I had ordered and paid for. Can anyone help me out here? Also does he accept paypal and credit cards now? Ive sent him an email,but as of yet have not heard back from him
There was a big festival (Volvo Ocean race) in Galway and this week it’s Willie week. Nobody replies to their e-mails.
Mr. Gumby, you have heard of I Phones and the web? 
iPhones & the web
v
live music and interacting with people - in person
which is more important?
not everything needs to happen 24/7
just my 2cents
Sam is very computer shy, i have always reached him immediately by phone whereas mails can take ages.
I got my keyless D flute last year in about 8 weeks (partly due to a change of orders apparently) and a friend of mine has a 6-key D flute in the making, which is due anytime now (on schedule)
Hi Mr. Blackwood, did you pay by Paypal or credit card?
I have bought several flutes over the years from Sam. I bought three from him in the past couple of years. A keyless boxwood flute was ready in about six weeks. Keyed D and E flat flutes took a bit longer, I think about 4 months.
All are great flutes and worth any wait.
Paul
Phone him on his mobile, best bet.
Neither. International bank transfer to his account, that’s the way he wanted it.
…
Well Sam got back to me fairly quickly and said he would be able to make me a Flute in 8 to 10 weeks, which is very good service for a nice high end Flute.
He did say however he does not take Paypal or credit cards. His payment method is still via Bank transfer. I told him I was a bit gun shy with ordering another Flute and using that method as I had fully paid him when he told me the Flute was ready the last time I bought one from him. Well I had to wait many months and many emails and phone calls before I actually received the Flute.
So just a bit ago I sent him an email and asked him if he would mail me the Flute and when I received it would it be OK to send him the Bank Draft then?
If he is willing to do this and trusts me I would be glad to place my order
What you’re really after is escrow - either a trusted individual that both you and the seller can agree on, or a paid service.
I think it’s unlikely that a flutesmyth will send you a flute, overseas, without payment in advance.
Also, speaking personally, IF, on the basis of past experience,
I distrusted the seller’s claim that the flute is ready, or soon will be,
so I should send my money, I wouldn’t be doing business with him.
More elaborate measures, like escrow, are liable to lead to more elaborate results–even
if you could set them up.
I mean this in a general way, not about any particular maker or individual, and if I really don’t trust
somebody, I don’t do business. Simple.
Actually I think an Escrow account of some sorts would be an excellent idea.
Ah, go on, it’s Sam Murray not a Nigerian scam, send the man the money, he’s not going anywhere and we all know where he lives
It took him 4 months to make an headjoint for my antique flute, and I was popping in his workshop every week (it’s really close from were I live in Galway). He was very busy in that period though.
How is your headjoint Othannen?
I recall you mentioned Sam for a broken flute I once had. Months later - it returned back into my hands - without the head, and in worse condition. Does Sam require the whole flute to make the headjoint?
…does he also add https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/looking-for-a-long-f-key-source/82597/1 keywork too 
Uh, did I? I wouldn’t recommend Sam for restoration nowdays. He did a great job with the headjoint though, I now have a really nice sounding flute with good power.
Without the full flute a maker cannot test the headjoint properly and make the adjustements required to make it sound the best way possible…
I’ve been waiting a year now for a 4 keyed model and have heard nothing in 5 months. The amount of time between placing an order and having an almost finished flute does seem a lot shorter than the time between almost finished and ready to ship. Am now wondering how others are getting their flutes in just a few months. Maybe I should call, but have no number. Can someone P.M. it? I don’t think its on his web site. Thanks