just to add to the discussion I started on a ganley flute, an ugly beast of a thing but it made a pretty decent sound. But I think I got one of the better ones. So they’re not all terrible but you’d want to be pretty happy with the sound from it before you hand over your money.. Still though I have fond memories of mine..
I started on one, too. What a horrible flute. Weak-sounding, out of tune, and it was actually painted black. That’s right, it had a thick coat of glossy black paint on it. I stripped it one day, and discovered the body was a reddish hardwood (maybe rosewood?) and the headjoint was some kind of blond wood (maple? pine? pear?) with knots that had been spackled over. The end plug was glued in place, so there was no hope no hope of ever adjusting the cork, which needed it.
Starting out on such an out-and-out nasty instrument did have one advantage, in that I could leave it lying around fully assembled and ready to play with no pangs of conscience.
Yeah, call him on the phone. His number is on his website. He speaks English and is a very nice fellow. I talked with him a month or so ago. Seems like he was around $550 for a keyless with an 8 or so month wait at that time (if I’m remembering correctly).
Good luck.
Doc
Ya Doc that is just what I did. Stayed up till 3 in the mourning. Very nice guy. My flute will be ready in Nov. I was so nervous I didn`t even ask the price. Thanks for all the help on this everyone. I will be flute fat here very soon. I have an Almount coming maybe today and after many emails with Tony Dixon I should have one of his in rosewood next month. (new credit card babtised). Now if I could just get my lips right…
Tom
Lehart makes the best flute I have ever played. Now, that being said, I’ve never played the coveted 8 key Grinter or the 9 key Aebi, etc. However, I paid under $800 US, and waited one year for a 3 keyed instrument that has to be played to be believed. The instrument plays itself. I had been playing on one of Skip Healy’s flutes- which is a good instrument in its own right- but the Lehart- holy God- the first thing you notice is how little air she takes, and secondly that all the notes are just THERE- I have never had to struggle for a low D, for instance. Its amazing. Other folks on the list you may ask about them include Jamey Hamilton, Sylvain Barou, and, of course, KC (although to be best of my knowledge Barou and KC now play Aebi and Grinter, respectively). So the point is, not only is the Lehart the best flute for the money, but as far as my experience goes, its just he best flute. That’s all.
rob
On 2003-01-15 18:58, RobBBQ wrote:
Sylvain Barou, and, of course, KC (although to be best of my knowledge Barou and KC now play Aebi and Grinter, respectively).
Sylvain Barou: D Flute made by Gilles Lehart w/Thomas Aebi headjoint.
Kevin Krell
I’m hoping Sylvain will chime in here, but is my understanding that he is now playing a Grinter.
Best,
Chris
Well Im starting to think I may have made a good choice here. Now I find myself walking around thinking what could happen in the next 10 months to ruin this deal. Like how can I stop Bush from invading Iraq, and what if I dump my Beezer or do a face plant on a Mack truck. Ya know I sure would like to hear one of these flutes. Ive been looking all over for a clip but so far no luck. Anyone know of any?
Tom
On 2003-01-16 02:16, Blackbeer wrote:
Ya know I sure would like to hear one of these flutes. I`ve been looking all over for a clip but so far no luck. Anyone know of any?
Giles Lehart flutes on Michael McGoldrick’s CDs. Clip on the Wooden Flute Obsession page at http://www.worldtrad.org/WFO_CD2.htm
Kevin Krell