As you some of you may know, in addition to my veterinary practice I’m also a clinical herbalist. I do a lot of clinical case work with animals and people and also do quite a lot lecturing, seminars and workshops helping other folks to learn to be herbalists http://homegrownherbalist.net/. I’ve also been writing books and developing an online education program for would-be herbalists. As if this weren’t enough, I’ve recently started naturopathic medical school. My “irons in the fire” level has always been pretty high but with the addition of the med school, something had to give.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to place The Irish Flute Store http://irishflutestore.com/ in the capable hands of my good friend Blayne Chastain. Blayne has been running a similar website (whistleanddrum.com) for many years. He’s a good business man, a great guy and a fine tooter of fine tooters. There are very few people to whom I would be willing to give “my baby” but Blayne will be wonderful. He’s well-connected and well-liked in the Irish music community and will take good care of things.
Blayne will be leaving irishflutestore.com much as it is for the foreseeable future. He will continue to offer top of the line instruments new and pre-loved. He will continue to do consignments trade-ins and all the other things that have made the Irish Flute Store what it is today.
I can’t begin to express the gratitude I feel for all of you who have supported the store with your patronage over the years. Your friendship means a great deal to me and I’ll miss our regular interactions. I’m still happy to answer tooter questions, shoot the bull and catch up with all of you. Don’t be strangers. Heck, I may even have time to post on C&F once in a while.
I’m also grateful to those of you who have supported the Foyer de Sion orphanage in Haiti over the years with your generous instrument donations. You have made a remarkable difference in the lives of my kids down there. You have literally saved lives. God bless you all.
Blayne will continue to accept donations of instruments for the kids if any are so inclined. Donations are tax deductible.
So, onward and upward. I predict that the The Irish Flute Store will be better than ever under Blayne’s care and that he’ll take wonderful care of you all.
His phone number is 855-294-3571. In a week or so the new number will be 855-IFlute2.
Thank you so much for your blessing. It’s a great honor to carry on the great work you’ve done.
Friends here at C&F, as Patrick mentioned, I’m very excited to carry on and grow IFS. Do give us a shout anytime.
(855) 294-3571 for the next week and (855) i Flute 2 (435-8832) after that…
@plunk111 / Pat - so glad you’re still enjoying your Gallagher! Besides my Olwell Nicholson and Peloubet that Patrick restored, I love my large holed Gallagher Rudall!
Congrats to Doc and Blayne for respectively starting and continuing such a useful venture. Instant gratification in the Irish flute world? Revolutionary!
My only caution is to be wary of a stage coach robbery as the flutes make their perilous way from Idaho to Colorado. Wyoming is full of (flute-playing) outlaws.
Doc’ thank you so much for the flutes that you helped me buy and sell over the years, it was great feeling there was someone real and reliable on the other side.
Blayne, i too, play Gallagher’s new R&R model daily, and love it. Welcome to the Irishflute…com !
Hi Doc,
Thank you so much for the honest and very genuine way you have always treated everyone in general and me in particular. Best of luck in your new endeavors and I look forward to hearing from you in future. I am sure you will be happy and successful in whatever you do. You have done us all a great service.
Kurt
Doc,
We are going to miss you. You are an outstanding member of our Irish flute community and a great help to us with F.A.D.
(Flute Acquisition Disease).
thank you and all the best,
Paul
Doc
With all you do, you are truly an inspiring man. Good luck in your various endeavors, and thanks for placing the flute store in good hands.
Michael
Hi Guys!
I know Patrick has saved my butt many a time! My relentless search for a particular, feel, sound, and play-ability - has me buy in lots of flutes & whistles from all over and dozens of makers, and quite often - they aren’t quite what I am after. - using up all my ‘toy’ funds - and then some! Patrick has always taken in the heaps of ‘tubes with holes’ and managed to find loving homes for them - and replenish my toy fund in the process. Then the process starts all over!
I was wondering if Blaine might add a video of the instrument being played or a sound bite?
-but then a great player can make a tuna-fish can sound good!
Ed Gilkison - Lakebay , Washington
Patrick, as part of the deal does Blayne get the blue sofa cushion (?) with the purple and orange flowers that has been the background for your photos?
Doc thanks for the great service in the past.
Surely you will still hang around.
And no doubt Blayne will be the best to give as great a service as you did before him.
Blayne, I wish you all the luck in the world with that it was a nice surprise today to see you’re the new owner1
Another critique, if you will… Try clicking on Uilleann Pipes… I tried to get the free practice set, but when I put it in my cart, it said it was $750!!! The main page says it’s on a 100% discount at a cost of $0.00!!!
