Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hi,

Do you know of any pro delrin flute with Pratten design out there? Not Seery, Galeon or Somers. Thanks!

john Gallagher makes amazing Pratten flutes in Delrin if you want that, not cheap, but worth the money.

Not entirely sure what you mean by “Pro”…..

If you mean “Big Name” makers who produce a “Pratten’s” style flute, then Hammy Hamilton (now mostly retired as I understand it) has produced some of his flutes in Delrin, if I am not mistaken. Terry McGee could probably be convinced to produce such a device, and likely has done at some point in the past. No one else comes to mind at the moment, but I’m sure I’m forgetting one or more makers of Pratten’s type flutes and other’s will no doubt fill in the gaps.

Generally, I have found that one simply needs to ask the maker of a flute you are interested in if the would be willing to produce one in Delrin, and often they will oblige. That said, not all makers will agree to work with Delrin, but it’s worth asking.

eilam wrote: ↑Sun Dec 26, 2021 11:26 am john Gallagher makes amazing Pratten flutes in Delrin if you want that, not cheap, but worth the money.

Doh!! That’s who I was trying to remember! Thanks Eilam John makes makes top level flutes to be sure, and Delrin.

I don't play prattens, but I received my Gallagher flute about a month ago (small hole model) and it's wonderful. Like Eilam said, not cheap but worth the money.

Something worth noting for people sensitized to Allergia melanoxylon and other cursewoods: John also makes a 3-piece headjoint with the inner band in delrin and the outer bands in (black)wood. It's like the silver sleeve you see on many antiques, but in derin. John sent me a photo of a headjoint like this in blackwood/delrin, and it looked really neat Personally I went for olivewood, but it's worth considering for people who really want a blackwood flute but can't play one...

Paddy Ward. At least has in the past.

I was going to say Paddy Ward. I’ve been fortunate to play a Ward Pratten in Delrin and found it to be very good, easy to play with awesome tone and excellent intonation.

Copley, always mentioned very positively, is a great Delrin option. Not a true Pratten, patterned after a Hudson, but also a great flute which I find more similar in playing characteristics to larger holed Pratten patterned flutes than Rudalls.

BKWeid wrote:

Copley, always mentioned very positively, is a great Delrin option. Not a true Pratten, patterned after a Hudson, but also a great flute which I find more similar in playing characteristics to larger holed Pratten patterned flutes than Rudalls.

Actually, Copleys are closer to Hawkes & Son designs, as Dave says on their website:
Our instruments are tapered bore "simple system" flutes based on originals made in England during the 1800's, with the greatest influence being the flutes made by Hawkes and Son of London.
I've played several Copleys over the years and currently waiting on a delrin flute now.

Ah, yes. Sorry for the mistake. Nevertheless, very good delrin flute.

Rob Forbes. Fabulous instruments.
http://www.forbesflutes.com/

IIRC, I think Tom Doorley played a Seery flute on at least the first Danú album, which sounds like the definition of a professional instrument to me? But perhaps you have already managed to try one and have decided it's not for you!

Yes, yes, I know. I use "pro" as synonym of "instrument not specifically designed for novices and played by experienced musicians", sorry for the possible misunderstanding.

I had a keyless Seery in delrin 3 years ago, bought to a well known piper and after a year it was sold here. It was a nice flute, in sound and aesthetics, but nowhere as responsive, powerful or flexible in tone as the keyed Rudall flutes I already have, wooden and delrin. The holes and bore were smaller than both my Rudalls, to my surprise.

I´d want to try another maker who offers keyed instruments based in a solid Pratten design. My Rudalls are really nice, but I´d like to try something different before buying a Boehm haha.

Thanks for all your responses!

Juan Pablo Plata wrote: ↑Sat Jan 01, 2022 5:25 am I´d want to try another maker who offers keyed instruments based in a solid Pratten design. My Rudalls are really nice, but I´d like to try something different before buying a Boehm haha.

Perhaps when Damian Thompson returns to making keyed flutes again.

I second the recommendation for Rob Forbes’ delrin Prattens. Strong, reedy sound and good price.

OP seems to be asking for a keyed Delrin flute, not the keyless ones most have recommended.