Chiff and Fipple Forums

Looking for feedback, impressions for Geert Lejeune flutes. Probably a keyless model. Thanks!

I have ab eight key Rudall model in cocus. It is very nice. He also makes pratten models.

I have a new Geert Lejeune E-flat flute that I got at the beginning of this month. It's a lovely little flute, very responsive, and a sweet tone. I haven't worked with it a lot, so I don't really have much else to say. I do have a feeling that his D flutes would be similar. One thing that I've noticed but haven't worked on is that the tuning is more challenging than my D flute (keyless mopane Solen Leseouf).

From what I understand, he currently makes a Rudall model, a Standard model, and a Pratten model. The Standard model is a hybrid mix of Rudall and Pratten qualities. I bought a keyless "Standard" model from Geert. It played easily right out of the box with great power or softness - I found it is quite flexible in that regard with a very strong bell note. On this forum there is quite an array of skill levels and opinions, so impressions are likely to vary widely.
Here is a clip of one of Lejeune Standard model being played by Barry Kerr. It demo's that it can handle whatever you give it under pressure of performing live and holds up quite well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcqbjwOey14
I will be trading my keyless flute in for a keyed one from Geert. However, if you are interested in buying it from me, please send a PM.

I’ve no experience with Lejeune flutes, but I can attest that Rama is a fine player who knows his flutes. Over the years I’ve played several of his flutes from differing makers, and I bought yet another flute from a third party that rama previously owned, this after getting his impressions on how that flute played. To the best of my recollection we’ve always agreed on how these flutes played, and I’d be quite comfortable purchasing a flute he spoke highly of, particularly one he had owned personally.

That said, it’s always wise to keep in mind that one of the hallmarks of a truly fine flute maker is the ability to produce consistently great flutes. Since few people get the opportunity to play many examples of of all but the most common maker’s flutes, it’s tough to get a good grasp on consistency from a maker like Lejeune. Point being, if I were looking for a keyless Lejeune, I’d contact rama regarding his.

I have had a keyless and Lejeune Pratten in blackwood for about 1 1/2 year and recently got a six keyed body from Geert (and sent him back the keyless one).
First of all, Geert is a really fine business man. When I ordered the keyless flute, I got it exactly within the 1 month time span Geert announced - the same for the the keyed body. He mentioned a 18 month waiting period and I got it exactly after 18 months. And ever time I had a question, he mailed me back quickly.

Compared to other flutes I put my hands on ore owned, this flute does take a bit more air and relatively focused embrouchure. I love it for its strong tone, loudness and the "reedyness" I can give it. In fact, I think I since owning the flute, I haven't gotten my hands on a flute that can be pushed as much as my Pratten Lejeune flute- and that I would trade for it! Especially the low d can be really lent into, at least if you find the sweet spot with your embrochure. For me it took some time find this spot, it is not the easiest flute to play.
I want to emphasise that the sound can be soft and woody if you like, but the flute can certainly be driven to an extreme loudness and projection In smaller circles of musicians I sometimes have to make sure that I don't play too loud. Obviously, this can make playing the flute physically more challenging, at least if you want to "max out" in terms of loudness.

If often feel like I can come a lot closer the sound colours of Louise Mulcahy, Callum Stewart or Matt Molloy with this flute, than to the ones of Kevin Crawford or Grey Larson. But that might be just my bias, because I prefer the sound of the former three ones.

Multiple really good flute players and two professional ones (one being a former Ireland champion, another one playing an Orwell) stated that unkeyed one is a really good flute, after trying it out. Since then, because of Corona, only one flute player was able to try out the new keyed body and liked it a lot. And I think it is even better than my old unkeyed one..but that might be my bias
The only downsides I can mention is that two keys pads fell probably off, but that was fixed by myself within a couple of minutes. And the barrel developed a small crack shortly after I got the flute (bad time for playing in a new flute, it was during January or February). But his barrels are fully lined, therefore it is only cosmetical - and I am probably the only person who has ever noticed it.

I haven't played his newer standard or Rudall models, but the Pratten one certainly is really good and strong, but of physically a bit more challenging than most other flutes I played.
Do you plan on getting a keyed or unkeyed one? My fully lined headjoint + the fully lined barrel made the keyless flute notably top heavy. The keyed body is of course quite a bit heavier than the unkeyed on - but it feels much lighter when playing, because of the increased balance.

I have a low C by him I like quite a bit. I'm less familiar with typical low Cs but I would have preferred it include the typical footjoint with the two holes. From what I have learned making woodwinds myself, I feel that style of footjoint dramatically improves the response, especially on the E position.