In case there’s anyone thinking about taking the plunge and buying a flute, here’s my experience and evaluation.
I received my Tipple PVC flute (two piece, tunable in gray PVC) a few weeks ago to tide me over while waiting for my Folk Flute. I was really surprised by how much flute $45 bought me and would highly recommend this flute to any beginning simple flute player out there. It was very easy blowing and very in tune.
One thing I noticed is that it is a little hard for me to make super quick cuts, I think because of the position and size of the finger holes. Also, I found myself having to swab out often as PVC isn’t absorbant.
My folk flute came in yesterday and again I am impressed. My first thought taking it out of the box was how simply beautiful the flute was. The pictures on Casey’s site do not do this flute and mopane justice. The grain is just lovely. The folk flute is not as easy to blow as the Tipple. I’ve found I need to keep my diaphragm pretty engaged, but what a sound! What projection! Every time I play this flute I feel like I am getting to know it better and I look forward to taking it out again.
My only con about the CB Folk Flute is the weight. Just like Doug can’t change the laws of physics to put holes exactly where he wants them or make PVC absorb my saliva, I realize Casey can’t make wood lighter. I did want to mention the weight in case there is someone for whom it is important because of medical reasons. The Tipple is very light and, despite the wider set holes, may be more comfortable for someone with joint problems in the left hand.
I am happy with both of these flutes and am glad I got both. I think I will be playing more on the CB Folk Flute, but the sturdiness of the Tipple means I can take it places I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking a wood flute (such as around my preschoolers, who want to touch, grab and crayon everything!).
I would recommend the Tipple for the beginner wanting to learn the basics and start making music before ordering or while waiting for a wooden flute. It is a great flute and absolutely not wasted money because you would be able to stick it in your purse or backpack or leave it at your desk without worry and practice anywhere.
I think the Folk Flute will take me further past the learning to blow, finger and jump octaves. It seems more responsive to differences in embouchure, breath control, even fingering. Ornamentation speed isn’t limited by ergonomics. I sound good (to me, at least) on this flute, but I can tell there is so much more to learn and so much more that it is capable of doing.
In short, I recommend them both. They are different, but I’m having a good experience with each one.
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