The flute is sold, thank you.
Hi folks,
Price is $750 for the D flute, and $200 for the body, total $950, plus shipping, sale limited to the USA. I will consider selling the Eb body separately. However, I would give the buyer of the flute first choice at buying the body or not, and then offering the Eb body to anyone who has a Ward that might want a cheap way to get an Eb flute. Both flute and body come with their own soft case, as supplied by Paddy.
I’ve had some flutes coming in and nothing going out, so it just makes sense that I sell something now to help with covering their costs. So, I am offering my favorite Delrin flute that I’ve come across so far, and it’s got a Ward Delrin Eb body that I bought separately from another Chiff member, that also plays and sounds great with this headjoint and foot of the D.
The D flute has a highly polished body, where as the Eb body (two sections) is a satin finish, which is good, since you can tell them apart more easily. No Delrin flute I’ve seen has been more carefully made than Paddy’s-it’s just top notch craftsmanship, and the tone and playability are up with the best too. That is why the price is higher than most, but as it is now, even a new Seery lists for over $600 and M&E’s are now up to $500, so it’s even getting to be a better deal as time goes on and prices keep rising. And the condition is excellent to near new-nothing to mar the beautiful looks or playability.
This is a medium holed flute (only large hole is the E), with an easy stretch both top and bottom compared to many others I’ve had, even other Wards.
So, why sell such a great flute? I replaced it with a Delrin Copley, which I like a lot-even though it doesn’t have as warm a tone as the Ward, and I don’t think it quite has the range of voices either. But for my level of playing, the Copley is all I need, but has no metal tuning slide like the Ward. This Ward is a flute that you can Session with or use to play with others and be able to adjust to them very easily, and without care for any harsh conditions, being made from Delrin.
The Ward has more of a resistance in the embouchure, which probably contributes to the expressiveness, though it requires just a little more work to get there, and have that range of voices. It is also capable of being played at a nice range of volume levels from honking to sweet, just depending on your input. Though, as I get older, easier is better for me, so the Copley with its rounded rectangle just plays with less effort for me (but I’m also not saying the Ward is hard to play-because it’s really not), and still gives me a flute I can just leave out to play at will, but at less cost for me. But I think the Ward is a special flute, and if you want a really nice Delrin, this is it, and a nice compromise between Rudall and Pratten with qualities of both.
Email is best-or PM as you choose, by clicking on the bottom links for any questions or interest. I can take PayPal (credit cards too through them,at +3.5% to cover my costs), or US Postal money orders, or a personal check if I know you already.
Paddy only rarely makes a Delrin flute now-and at higher cost, so this is an excellent chance to buy one of his lovely flutes in a condition that is as good as new, all considered. Thank you for your consideration.
Pictures to follow soon.
