Reasonably priced and slim profile (R&R essentially) since I’m dealing with some significant left forearm/wrist issues and slimmer flutes are more comfortable at the moment.
Boxwood or other relatively hypo-allergenic wood preferred.
Must be an excellent flute: Murray/Wilkes caliber player, etc.
Prefer unlined headjoint.
Keyed flutes are probably out of my price range at the moment, unless someone has an 8 key boxwood, acid stained Wilkes with engine turned rings that they want to sell cheap
Please use my email address to contact me, rather than board PM, if you have something.
If you find one, Loren, let me know if it’s got a sister.. I’ve had the same problems (elbows, fore-arms, mostly, and probably not caused by fluting, directly, as I’m still managing with my Hamilton when I don’t have to do other stuff, like type or wrestle poodles in the dark.) I’ve been more-or-less in the market for a flute much like you’ve described for some time.
Unfortunately, no one seems to be giving them away…
Have you considered taking a reasonably slim flute and doing Nicholson’s L1 knuckle clearance mod? Plus any flattening off of the tops of the holes as required?
Does look like a nice one, but I don’t expect to be bidding as I’m sure it will quickly go out of my current price range. Someone will get a killer flute though.
have you ever made a flute like that? i love playing the way nicholson prescribes, but it’s a lot of stress on the tendons in the arms without something help with the grip.
I second the tip about Jon C’s Ruddall, just got one and found it a little thin by L-1 so put a little piece of rubber tube there to fatten it up. Besides, I want the Murray!
I have, and I’ve played Nicholson originals. I didn’t find the modifications helpful, but perhaps that’s only saying I don’t need them. It would be interesting for anyone finding difficulty to try them.
The easiest one to try out is the sharkskin insert for the right thumb. Just take a piece of sandpaper and stick it to the flute (coarse side out) with double-sided tape, or a few rubber bands.
I haven’t played one, but there was a guy in town I’d sometimes see at sessions with one. He got a bloody good tone out of the thing, very reedy and plenty loud to boot, but I suspect he’d sound about the same on nearly any flute.
Hey Rama, have you seen him at any of the sessions this year? I believe he was a student, so he may not be around any more. Actually, I think he reads/read the message board on occasion, but I can’t recall his name or handle at the moment.
Thanks for the heads up on the Lehart profile info Michael, I’ve got small paws as well, which I suspect is a contributing factor with regards to my current forearm/wrist issues. (Although Rama has other ideas )
Yup Michael, I believe that’s him, if my memory serves, which it often doesn’t these days
Seemed like a nice chap, although I never got much of a chance to talk to him as he seemed to come in usually as I was going out. I’ve been on a very early morning schedule ever since I moved to Boston (usually up at 4-5am) which means I either don’t get out at night, or I have to bail very early if I do, usually just as things are starting to heat up.
)