Why have an Eb flute?

Irish Flute
1

Just wondered why one would want to have one, since tunes are almost always played using a D flute? J.

2

For fun and the rare Eb session.

3

To continue in my futile efforts to keep up with Liam Kelly and Dervish. That’s why I’d want one.

4

Supposedly they’re easier to play than the D flutes.

5

So you can play along and learn the Eb flute tunes on the WFO CDs. :smiley:


Doc

6

I think they speak a bit faster in the articulations than a D flute, plus they probably take less air, might be good for band work…

7

ditto on all… and if anyone has one they want to give me, don’t hesitate to email. :smiley:

8

Me too.

9

I’ve never played an Eb flute,but having played Eb whistles,the key sounds amazingly ‘brighter’ than the key of ‘D’.
Apparently Eb flutes take less air than a ‘normal’ ‘D’ flute- Micho Russell chose to play one in his latter years.
And of course,Matt Molloy’s solo album was recorded using an Eb flute.

10

I am selling an Eb keyed Radall Carte flute and a Hawkes and Son Eb piccolo on eBay, both have simple system fingerings. They both play well, but I find I seldom play them any more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3778060068

Chris Roberts

11

I’ve never played an Eb flute, but I play my Eb whistle more than my others. It is much brighter, and is a little easier to play. And Eb is a fairly common key, even in some sessions.

Max

12

I think when I buy my first non-D flute, I’ll get an Eb.

13

I have one of these: ebay #3778221134 and its a great flute for the money, and a great way to get into the simple system keywork, the key’s are not that bad, I have the flute always assembled, and when I’m working on a tune that uses keys, I pick this flute many times during the day when I have a moment, and work on the tune, later on I play it on the D flute.

14

Because Bb is the relative minor. Otherwise you’d have to add a low Cnat key to play bagpipe tunes on a Bb flute. Sure, Bb fifes have them but they’re too bloody shrill.

Cheers,
Aaron

15

Me too! The footjoint was a little wobbly on mine but easily fixed. Cheap as a cheap thing and good fun too. I also have the Allan Eb keyless. Not sure I’d agree that they take noticeably less air than a D though.

16

To play along with Frankie Gavin’s wonderful flute CD which I have just rediscovered, and heartily recommend to you all. There is something very engaging about his tone. I mentioned this when Onkel (whose playing I love!) posted his Bb clips - when playing in the upper register there was a very strong low-register overtone (undertone?). Well, the same goes for Frankie Gavin’s Eb playing, the upper register is still full of low register tones. Hmmm - does that make sense to anyone? If not, just buy Frankie’s CD - you’ll love it!

Graham

17

yeah John, the tone definitely does it for me…not least of which has been influenced by Molloy’s solo album, many gorgeous tunes on various Jean-Michel Viellon recordings (with and without Kornog), and Flook as well.

I’ve played my friend’s Olwell Eb (a separate midsection for his D flute), and ditto to all the above, crisp response, less air - just fun. Like driving a Porsche through twisty canyon roads.

Also, though I’ve never played at one - the potential for Eb session would be a fun thing to partake in should some fiddlers wish to tune-up :slight_smile:

Cheers,

  • Ryan
18

Hey, you’re still there! Or are you writing from Utah? Uh-oh, I’m busted! :smiley:
BEYOND THAT, I wondered about those flutes. Thanks for the recco; for the price it’s pretty darned hard to beat.

19

for a french guy, an Eb flute is useful to play in a breton band, where the bombard and the biniou-koz are generally in Bb. (Actuyally some bands play in G)

It is also good for scottish music.

20

Thanks for the tip! I loved the few flute/flutified tracks on “Fierce Traditional”, so I’ll give it a go. You’re right – his tone is truly unique. Like a knife-edge.