Sweetheart D Flute

Irish Flute
1

I have just won a this from e-bay UK. American Rosewood Sweetheart ‘D’ Flute. Mint condition,rarely used. I haven’t played a wooden flute before and wonder whether it will have to be played in, oiled etc. Can anybody advise please. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2367997167
I’m a bit puzzled over the comments about the wood. With it being Christmas I won’t get it until after New Year but had several e-mails from the seller so was able to check that it was what she said it was from the pictures. Have heard a wooden flute before and it was haunting.

2

Hi Selkie,

I saw that flute, too, and I’m pretty sure that it’s not “rosewood” as most of us think of it. I think it’s Cherry. Look at the pictures on Ralph’s sales page:

http://www.sweetheartflute.com/flutes.html

I had a Cherry fife of his that I really liked. Congratulations!

Eric

3

There are loads of sites that discuss the care requirements for wooden flutes. If this one is rarely played, it probably needs some play in time to be on the safe side.

http://www.firescribble.net/flute/maintain.html

http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/newflute.html

http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/flutecare.html

Those are some good sites. Many other flute makers have sites for woden flute care as well.

4

I don’t think it needs to be played in, because the maker covers his instruments with varnish/laquer and that protects the wood.

The current retail price for this flute new is 155 pounds sterling, not 300, as the seller stated.

5

The seller added that it was made of cheery not rosewood. And you are lucky selkie that I am looking for an Alto recorder or I would have sniped that flute to be sure. In fact I was only secounds away from doing just that. I just hope I can find as good a deal on the Alto as you got on the flute. Have fun and let us know how it sounds. I still don`t have one of his flutes. I think though it will be one of his baroque flutes.
Take care

Tom

6

Blackbeer. Check your PM’s :slight_smile:

7

Just play it. Sweetheart flutes are soaked several
times in tung oil and are largely impervious
to moisture. I have three of em, no problems.
By the way, it should sound pretty nice,
cherry sounds fine. I have a Sweet C flute
in cherry. Best

8

Jim, what is Tung oil? I have severe nut allergy and can’t use Almond, sesame or linseed oils.

9

It is obtained from the seeds of the tung tree.