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David Angus Flutes

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 2:05 pm
by Ceol binn
Hi everyone. I'm a new member here. I'm in the market for a flute suitable for a beginner. I had pretty much decided to buy a keyless M&E as they are not too far away from me and they seem to get lots of positive comments. However, I recently came across this site with Angus flutes. They look really nice. http://shop.fifeanddrumshop.com/epages/ ... __Category
I have seen lots of positive comments about Angus fifes but not much about his flutes. I'm wondering if anyone has played these and whether they are a suitable flute for a beginner. Thanks.

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 2:26 am
by fatmac
I got hold of a pre used Dan Angus aluminium flute, it plays quite well to my mind, but I'm only a beginner at flute myself.
It's a bit louder than my delrins, but not overly so, if you think you'd like an aluminium flute, I'd say go for it. :)

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 2:43 am
by Ceol binn
Thanks Keith. That's helpful. Have you played an M&E? I assume there is a difference in the tone (that dark irish sound) but just wondering how the Angus compares for playability.

I was really interested in finding out about the Angus wooden flutes as well. None of the flute players I know around here know anything about them. They are a really good price compared to other options out there and would suit my budget.

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 6:15 pm
by bigsciota
I owned an Angus fife at one point, and have met the man himself. I think he makes very nice instruments. I also think that you should get an M&E flute. They're well-made, well-regarded, and Michael Cronnolly is specifically an Irish trad flute maker. I do think that makes a difference over someone whose primary business is in fifes.

If Cronnolly made fifes and you were looking for one I would say the same thing reversed (buy Angus, not M&E). It comes down to areas of expertise. I think M&E flutes have proven their worth time and again among trad players, and you'd be very happy with one as a beginner.

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:47 am
by Ceol binn
bigsciota wrote:I owned an Angus fife at one point, and have met the man himself. I think he makes very nice instruments. I also think that you should get an M&E flute. They're well-made, well-regarded, and Michael Cronnolly is specifically an Irish trad flute maker. I do think that makes a difference over someone whose primary business is in fifes.
If Cronnolly made fifes and you were looking for one I would say the same thing reversed (buy Angus, not M&E). It comes down to areas of expertise. I think M&E flutes have proven their worth time and again among trad players, and you'd be very happy with one as a beginner.
Thanks for that bigsciota. Sensible and wise advice.

M&E it is.

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 2:20 am
by fatmac
Yes, I have an M&E 'F' flute, so the sounds are different, because of the different keys, but I think they are both decent instruments.
(I have been thinking of getting one of his 'G' fifes.)

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 2:23 am
by JoFo
I bought one of his low whistles a couple of years ago and sent it back.
The (low) E note was way sharp! So much so that playing in E minor would sound bad.
I recently listened to a soundclip of one of his flutes and it had the same problem. Low E was far too sharp...
So I second the M&E suggestion.

Re: David Angus Flutes

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2019 12:37 pm
by Ceol binn
Thanks for the information everyone.