Hey all, I’ve been looking around for a new flute since the one I have been playing/practicing on is not mine. I have been looking at getting a Hall Crystal Flute since it’s in my price range and the MP3 they have on the website sounds pretty good. I was just wondering what people who have this flute think of it’s sound quality and playability. Also here’s a really dumb question but the fingering for the flute is the same as a penny whistle (both in D) right?? because that’s what i’ve been thinking, but if you look on the hall website they have a book that is called fingering chart, and in the bottom right of the front cover there is a music score and the G note is shown as having what looks like a C nat fingering (atleast on a penny whistle) but i guess maybe the book isn’t for a flute in the key of D. Anywasy just wanted to ask what you guys thought. Thanks for the help.
tipple?? gotta explain this stuff for me, i’ve been playing whistle for about a year and a half, but only started practicing with the flute about three months ago. And i don’t want to spend more than 100 if i can help it. Just looking for a good practice flute that sounds nice, nothing amazing, and doesn’t have to be tunable since it will be only for solo play.
the first flute that i purchased was a hall crystal flute. i did this before i researched things well and checked everyone’s comments. i’m pleased with my hall crystal flute but…i’d like to have a flute that i feel more comfortable traveling with…i’d like a flute with a tuning slide…i’d like a flute that separated into 2 or 3 pieces. i can play in pitch with everyone but the one person playing keyboards with whom i play regularly. check out my thread about breaking a hall crystal flute.
I shouldn’t post, I have never played a Tipple and I have only played a Hall at the store.
The Hall seems to have mixed reviews about it’s embouchure. It is very different than other flutes in that it is raised above the rest of the lip resting area. (you can probably see this from the photos) I am pretty sure that the head has a taper in it that has a “Boehm” taper in it, taking it out of the truly cylindrical flutes. Many people think it is really pretty and it helps them to pick it up and practice.
The tipple is truly cylindrical and has the tuning “problems” associated with it. It seems that this is solved with a removable wedge that can be purchased for a little more. It is a bit wider due to it’s material but is tunable and a little less prone to damage than Pyrex glass wear.
If you do not like the flute after trying it, you will probably buy another. The plastic flutes are nice in this way because after you buy a new flute you still are afraid to bring your “good” flute traveling. If you do not, resale is an issue, where they seem about the same.
If I were you and I enjoyed the whistle, I would learn the tunes and take my time looking for a flute.
Concerning the Tipple: I’m a newbie and I have one in D. It is well-made and sounds good. But I have found the stretch to be godawful. I bought it used and it has the straight fingering. I’ve really struggled with it. I would strongly recommend to someone buying a Tipple as a first flute to order the “ergonomic” fingering. I am waiting, as I write, for delivery of a Burns Folk Flute bought (also used) in part because the stretch is considerably shorter, even in his standard ergonomic version.
The stretch on my (offset holed) Tipple D is no harder than that on my (normal holed) Pratten-style D. Overall, it’s easier to play, but different enough that I have a bit of an adjustment period when moving from one to the other.
If you do choose a Tipple, spend the extra few bucks for wedge and lip-plate. It produces a good flute for under $100.
Ya i haven’t decided on which flute to get yet, but i’m trying to decide between two, the Hammy Practice flute from Doc Jones’s site, or the tipple. Let me know what you guys think between these two, i know the Hammy Practice flute is twice as much in price but if the sound quality is better than i will go with that one. Plus it’s still under 100 (if you don’t think about shipping) . Thanks for the help.
Either one would work well, and they’re both (comparatively) cheap.
I think the important thing is to find something that plays like a real Irish flute so you can get an idea whether it’s for you, and (if you decide you like it) gives you a good base to build on.
If you’re still hesitant about deciding, you may want to come the next SF Bay Area C & F party on Oct 7 (Tony Higgins is hosting - get the details over in the whistle group). There are usually quite a few flutes there, and most folks are generous about letting others play a tune or two. I’ll be bringing my Casey Burns Folk Flute and Jon C Rudall - you’re welcome to give both a try.
after checking out the tipple web page for a while and listening to the audio clips i think i’m starting to lean in that general direction. I wish the Doc Jones’s site had an audio file/ clip of the Hammy practice flute, but it doesn’t that i could see. So i would rather get something that i’ve heard before rather than something i haven’t. Unless you guys could convince me otherwise, i’ll probably go with the tipple three piece D with the wedge.
. Thanks for the help.