Folks,
I’m thinking of buying at some point a polymer D flute and was hoping you could offer some recommendations. The only flute makers I can think of who offer polymer flutes are M&E and Tony Dixon. What other makers would you recommend?
Price is a bit of an issue, as I’d prefer not to spend too much. This would be a backup flute, as I already have a Sweetheart maple D (which I love dearly).
Any suggestions appreciated!
Thanks,
Walt
The ones I tried:
Desi Seery. Good Pratten design http://www.worldtrad.org/Seery/
Jon C. (on this board) Rudall & Pratten, wood or delrin
I personnaly don’t like M&E flutes very much. But it’s just a matter of aesthetic. I don’t know the Dixon.
There’s Paddy Ward, too. Never tried one.
I’d ask Jon, he’s a nice person to talk to and his flutes are not too expensive. But if you do so, I guess the Sweetheart will become your backup 
M&E, Seery, Jon C, Dixon, Paddy Ward.
Just do a search
Thanks for the recommendations. I thought about running a search, but I wanted to get the benefit of the experiences and expertise of folks on this forum. Your recommendations carry more weight than do Google search results!
Much appreciated,
Walt
They meant a forum search. There should be a “search” button in the top right of your screen.
The Seery is similar in measurements (bore size, hole size & placement) to your Sweetheart. Different cut embouchure, though - the Sweetheart is more forgiving in my opinion.
I’ve never heard a Ward or one of Jon C’s flutes, so I can’t comment on them. I like the sound of M&Es, but like Matt don’t like them on a purely asthetic basis.
The Dixon is a good instrument, and if you want a flute as a back up to your Sweetheart it’s probably your best bet. It’s a smaller tone holed flute, though, so it’s a bit of a different beast to play.
Eric
Paddy Ward is no longer offering Delrin flutes.
I can honestly say that out of the crop of makers offering polymer flutes, that Jon C. is the way to go. Cost is comparable and the delrin Rudall I have is THE best polymer flute I’ve ever played, hands down. I’d even go so far as to say it’s better than some of the good wooden flutes I’ve played. The asthetics are also right up there.
[[/quote]
They meant a forum search. There should be a “search” button in the top right of your screen.[/quote]
Ah, thanks for the clarification. Before posting I did a forum search for the term “polymer” and sifted through the results. Most results mentioned M&E and Tony Dixon, but I suspected there were other gems to be uncovered.
Walt
Thanks, folks, for the Jon C. recommendations. So many people have spoken highly of him in this and other threads (just did a little forum searching), that I’ll definitely keep him in mind.
Much obliged,
Walt
Terry McGee also makes polymer flutes. I have a Rudall Refined from him that is an excellent flute. I believe Doc Jones usually tries to have a few McGee Polymers in stock.
I’ve had a Seery and M&E, too. Had the Seery for about five years before I sold it and bought the McGee. I liked the sound of the Seery, it’s similar to my main instrument, a Hamilton 8-key. My right hand would tire after playing the Seery for awhile, the stretch is just slightly more than the Hamilton and I have smallish hands. I would highly recommend the Seery, if you want a Pratten-style. I didn’t care for the M&E quite as much.
I’d give a very high recommendation to Terry McGee’s polymer flutes. Just got mine, a Rudall 5088 from Doc Jones. I’ve also had a M&E original style. The McGee is so good that it is one of my favorites and not at all what I expected it to be - namely a good back up flute. Looks great too.
I have a seery, which is quite good but the embouchure
is perhaps a bit demanding initially.
Dan, how did you arrive at an 8-key, and how do you like the bottom keys? I have a Hammy 6-key, and wonder if it’s worthwhile to extend it.
Kevin Krell
When I was talking with Hammy about my flute, he talked about the lower footjoint keywork causing the low E and D to lose some of their power.
Do you feel this is true? Also, do you have 2 footjoints or just the 8-key footjoint? It always seemed to me that having both footjoints was the best of both worlds. If we ever get to the point that we can financially consider such things again, I’m going to have him make me the additional 8-key footjoint.
–James
It shouldn’t be too hard to take the footkeys on and off right? Aren’t they just attached with sprints through the woodblocks?
Yes, but the footjoint for an 8 key flute is actually bored differently to enable the flute to reach those notes with the keys. Even if it wasn’t, removing the keys wouldn’t matter because unlike the other keys, the C and C# keys on an 8 key are open until used.
If you really want 8 keys, why not just order a 2nd foot?
Yes, but it’s said that removing the bottom keys of an 8-keyed flute will give you a more powerful low end, probably because of more open airflow through the C# and C holes in the footjoint. Many old 8-keyed flutes like R&R and Pratten Perfected have had their bottom keys removed by ITM players for this reason.
If the cost isn’t too high, ordering a second foot might be a better idea though.