Small Toneholes

Irish Flute
1

Good afternoon, all

Who is making flues with small tone holes and a narrow bore?

I am looking for a new flute and it is hard to get precise information sometimes. I have average size hands, so stretch is not much of an issue. Unfortunately my finger joints (like the rest of me) are 68 years old and not quite as dexterous as they once were. I seldom play in sessions, and I am not concerned about volume.

I have done some research and the names I come up with are Sam Murray and Casey Burns. A Murray flute may be a bit of a stretch financially. Are there other names I should consider?

I am looking at blackwood, but I live in a harsh climate. I would consider Delrin if that were the best option.

Regards to all.

2

Terry McGee’s Grey Larsen Preferred model.

3

John Gallagher and Peter Noy also make small holed flutes. The smaller bore of the two would be the Gallagher small holed Rudall model..

4

Bryan Byrne in Vermont is making small holed rudalls.

5

And here’s one in the Used Instrument Exchange https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/fs-terry-mcgee-rudall-perfected/98130/1

Best wishes.

Steve

6

Hey David,

Some “Irish” flutes (Rudall models) with small holes:
McGee Rudall Refined http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/models.html
Rod Cameron http://www.cs.jhu.edu/~scott/flutemakers/rod-pricelist.html
Chris Norman http://chrisnorman.com/flutes-made
Patrick Olwell makes a smaller holed Rudall model
Phil Bleazey http://woodenflutes.co.uk/index.html

But there are other options (especially if you want really small holes):
French simple system flutes.
Or Baroque flutes.

Happy Hunting!

7

Thanks for the great replies. I am following up. BTW, I can’t find websites or contact information for Rod Cameron or Chris Norman.

8

Suggest you check the wooden flute maker’s list, above on the board, for
contact info–perhaps you’ve done it already.

Also it occurs to me that many of the wonderful flutes we’ve mentioned are
quite expensive. If I may make another suggestion,
Gary Somers makes a good small-holed Rudall in delrin
that you can probably afford. I’ve played one. I thought it a
very good flute and definitely a Rudally flute. If you don’t need
something great and/or expensive, and you prefer to avoid wood,
this might serve you admirably.

9

I have a Francois Baubet and it seems to have smaller holes than my other Rudall and Nicholsen style flutes while still having a very nice tone.