I have a Dixon flute thread in regards to this topic but thought that maybe I should begin another. As stated in the other thread, I have a budget of about $100. I am seeing irish flutes now of PVC, bamboo, and one of metal (the Hamilton practice flute). Of the three materials, which would you recommend to begin with? Thanks for you all your input and sorry for the new thread.
PVC
Agreed. Most here will call a PVC Tipple flute your best buy under $100. I think someone’s even got a used one up for sale right now. You won’t do better for the money.
At your budget, a PVC Tipple is the way to go, but if you can afford it, I’d also suggest adding the optional lip plate, and the optional Fajardo-Tipple wedge. These two options will improve the flute, so it will serve your needs longer into the future, allowing you to put off any future upgrade for that much longer, thereby saving you money.
Thanks everyone. It sounds like PVC is the way to go.
Cork - I understand that the lip plate probably can’t be added later but can the wedge be added to an existing flute on down the road?
I’m guessing, here, but probably both of these options could be added at a later date. However, at this time I likely could be trespassing on Doug’s territory, and as he is a great person to deal with, right here on the C&F FF, let me suggest that you send a PM to Doug Tipple.
In general, flutemakers are known to occasionally update their flute models, so perhaps there could be some issues in regard to upgrading an older flute, should you find one.
The wedge takes nothing to install. He can send it to you, and you can install and remove it at will, (unless you glue it in, like I did). To install the lip-plate later would be a pain. You’re best to buy a flute with both options, IMO.
Interestingly enough, I play both the Tipple (8-hole) and a Dixon (the good one in 3 pieces). I find that the Tipple has better projection but is a little more finicky in the low range while the Dixon has a much easier low range, but is not as solid in the second octave. If you put the wedge in, the low range is even tougher when you start playing, but the tone is nicer - not sure how to describe it.
Bottom line - buy a Tipple…
Pat
Right!
Assuming that the wedge fits any of DT’s flutes, it would be a piece of cake to retrofit. And, assuming that Doug uses an end mill to make the initial cut of the embouchure, the existing head joint could be “located” on a mill, the new lip plate could then be installed, and then the end mill could mill right through the very same hole, with the advantage that the new head joint could then be more undercut, to create an even better flute, well, technically a fife, where the wedge then in essence transforms a fife into a flute. The only drag, here, comes to the cost of retrofitting a lip plate, along with shipping costs. Therefore, I suggest getting a Tipple D flute with both of these options already installed.
Yes, a player is better off to get a Tipple flute with both of these options.
However, because flutemakers apparently do make occasional changes to their flutes, and let me assume that Doug is no exception, here, there is a chance that the specifications of an older Tipple flute may not have the same specifications of a newer Tipple flute, so, in that regard, it seems to make sense that a potential client first contact a maker, just to get the straight story, or the story straight, so to speak.
Anyway, IMO, for what he offers and at the price he offers it at, the Tipple D flute with the lip plate and the wedge appears to be the best available.
Thanks to everyone for their much appreciated advice. I have it narrowed down to two; with one, of course, being the Tipple with lip plate and wedge. I would still like to hear others opinions on the Hammy Hamilton Practice flute and which is decided to be “easier” to play. I admit that I have a more less than good embouchure and need to find the most forgiving to blow. I know the best answer is to perfect my embouchure, but at my age I would rather have fun playing than get frustrated perfecting. Sure it would be a different story if I were trying for the symphony orchestra, but I really just want to play:) I hope you all understand and don’t hold it too much against me:( . . . Thanks again to all!!
please check private messages
I’ve got a tipple 6 hole with wedge for sale, PM me if interested.
Yes, the flute embouchure indeed does have some skills to master. However, please, no matter what musical instrument one could study, piano, violin, flute or whatever, when the music takes over, one’s skills will improve, without concious effort.
Enjoy the music!