The Ultimate Busking Accessory

Irish Flute
1

I have a plan to fund whiskey supplies in my retirement. We live in a sleepy coastal resort town that booms for 6 weeks every summer. By “booms”, I mean that the population increases a staggering 5 fold, well-heeled and with time on their hands. I reckon I could easily busk a supply of whiskey to sustain me through the short winter!

Part of my plan is to equip myself with that Ultimate Busking Accessory, the Walking Stick Flute. But I’m clearly not the first …

I’ll be making my own instrument, but the one above is available from Magnus Davies. According to Magnus, his father Paul received this flute from Philip Bate, author of “The Flute”, and donor of the Bate Collection to Oxford University. So it’s a flute with connections! There are more images at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atterkop/sets/72157624216413795/

As you can see, it’s a 1-key flute, of wood turned to resemble cane, and with the single key disguised as a knot. A pair of small ivory lined holes above the stopper allow a piece of cord to act as a wrist strap. I understand the foot is a reconstruction.

Further details from “Magnus Davies” <mothchoir@hotmail.co.uk>

Terry

2

I’ve seen the Sweet walking stick flutes and wondered how well they play and how well they might hold up with potential use as a musical instrument, stylish accessory, walking/staggering aid and weapon. Now I have a new angle to ponder in its use as a busking tool. Alas I can’t currently justify the expense anyway.
http://www.sweetheartflute.com/walkingflutes.html

3

Perhaps the headjoint could double as the hilt of a sword, the blade neatly sheathed in the tapered bore.

4

I’ve got a Sweetheart walking-stick flute. It’s pretty sturdy as far as I can tell. I wouldn’t use it as a quarterstaff, nor probably go on an extended camping trip with it, but for something like busking, it would be fine. It’s one of the best-playing Sweethearts I’ve played, too.

5

Imagine if being caned at school meant having to listen to six of the best reels the teacher could do on his or her walking cane flute.

But, alas! I was born in another era …