Is there anyone on this list that has a Tom Aebi keyless D flute? Does Tom make an R&R model with tuning slide now, or are all his flutes still made with a fixed (no slide) headjoint?
How do Tom’s flutes compare with say a keyless Wilkes, Murray or Grinter? Is it possible to get strong solid bottom end notes from a Tom Aebi R&R model D flute? Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.
Hi Steampacket,
The flute player of the group Steampacket (!) plays an Aebi, but a keyed one. You can hear a clip of the flute if you click on “Listen” and then on the first set of reels (“Bunny”). The flute kicks in more clearly (without fiddles) when the tune changes. You can here some of the flute again toward the end in the other reel they have posted as well.
I own and play a Tom Aebi flute.It’s a keyed R&R model in cocuswood,
and I think is a fabulous istrument.Unless otherwise requested flutes made
by Tom have a traditional fully lined headpiece.They’re very well balanced
instruments, I mean that you can push them very hard without breaking
the tone, but at the same time you can as well obtain a full tone by by blowing quite softly.
Mine (that is the one I know better!) has a really charming voice, big and creamy and complex,
and also it has a wide range of tone colors and
an amazing ease in tone modulation.
The bottom D is great-big & booming-but if aren’t used to R&R type flutes you’ll have to work a bit on tuning,
as it tends to be slightly flat. The cross fingered C is
spot on with the trad 0xx 000, differently from other R&R inspired tubes.
Compared to a Grinter is notably louder and fat sounding and cheaper(!),
but the Grinter is slighty faster in response and more crunchy in articulation. Both great flutes in my opinion.
Ciao
Michel
The flute sounds nice, thanks for the link - small world though I’ve met Tina in Ireland playing with other German musicians, she’s a good fiddler - I’ve also met Rolf a few times. I didn’t know they were in the same band. I also believe I’ve met the flute player. I’ll have to drop Tom Aebi a line and ask about his headjoints as I want a sliding headjoint
Aebi’ s flutes do have a tuning slide.
M
Hi!
The flute played on that track is a modified Pratten model though. I have also ordered a Rudall type Aebi which will be ready in November. I might let yous all know what it’s like when I get it.
@ Steampacket: Go for it while his waiting list is still short as it is these days! Tom’s flutes are getting more and more popular on the European continent but they still seem virtually unknown elsewhere.
Listen to Sylvain Barou’s sound samples to hear what Aebi’s Rudall type flutes can sound like… err.. some talent provided:
http://www.folk.be/barou/ra.htm
BTW: I’ve never seen an Aebi without a tuning slide so far.
Regards
Claus
Hallo Claus,
herzlich willkommen an Bord. Was macht die Soundbox?
Habe am Dienstag dein Schwesterherz in concert gehört. War echt klasse!