I can’t believe this is being sold: https://www.mandeirishflutes.ie/product-page/blackwood-6-key-flute
I’ve never seen anything anywhere near as affordable as that. I own an M&E polymer flute, and I can’t play very well on it, but that’s probably me and not the flute. I’ve heard people say M&E wooden flutes are good, but did people really buy them at such a low price, or is this some kind of new model?
I had a look, and apparently it is just a 50 Euro upcharge from his polymer version. Might be a longer wait if the blackwood is not already well-seasoned. Design & construction appears the same as his polymer ones, so I guess Michael’s partnership with his foreign key providers makes this affordable. After all, it is a 350 Euro add to the keyless blackwood flutes he offers. Seems fair for inexpensive & pinmount keys & a few extra holes.
Yes it’s pretty amazing. I’m guessing he will sell quite a few of those.
Every Polypenco/Delrin flute I’ve picked up was excessively heavy. I’d welcome any kind of wood over that.
Hah! On the “History of M&E” page he says his flutes are “Rundle and Rose” models. https://www.mandeirishflutes.ie/hstory-of-m-e
Might want to fix that.
Some years back, I had the opportunity to give a brief toot on Jerry O’Sullivan’s flute (described here). It was quite nice. Can’t tell whether Jerry’s is identical to what is being offered above or whether Jerry got a specially good one but, if that’s what Mr. Cronnolley is producing, seems like a pretty good deal.
Best wishes.
Steve