Who makes short D flutes (no B/C foot or extra holes on end)

Bretton · Post by **Bretton** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 6:41 pm

It seems that most flutes I see people playing at sessions (with the exception of one) are very long and have extra holes and/or an extra joint at the end. If I understand correctly, in many cases this would allow the addition of low C and B keys at some point. I've also heard that maybe this makes the flute more in tune and/or louder.

Are their any makers that offer a standard D flute that is shorter without this bottom 'foot' ?

I'm about to go investigate this on the Web so I'll probably find an answer, but I'll check back here too.

Thanks!

-Brett

Ronbo · Post by **Ronbo** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 6:53 pm

You might try George Ormiston, who makes fine flutes. he is accessible through the web. Tony Dixon's are short foot, also, as are some of Ralph Sweet's. I am sure that your web search will turn up several more.

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 7:08 pm

I'm pretty sure any of the big folks would do it for you. Aebi does, I think Pat Olwell will, and I know Terry McGee does.

I think most makers would be accommodating with that kind of request.

Most of our (IrTrad, simple-system) flutes that have long feet have C# and C keys, not down to B. What you want would be called a D foot. Some people might make it integral with the lower hand, others might have a little part for you to stick on.

Stuart

herbivore12 · Post by **herbivore12** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 7:09 pm

Terry McGee makes a short foot, as well. My R&R copy has a short foot, and is very loud and in tune. Some people feel that the short foot is better balanced, some find it less balanced; try both before you commit, to see what works for you.

Bretton · Post by **Bretton** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 7:27 pm

I'm just beginning to work with the flute and will probably devote a few months to it (at the very least) before buying an expensive one, but Terry McGee's Grey Larsen Preferred model looks good. Anyone have one of these?

-brett

glauber · Post by **glauber** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 8:54 am

Bretton wrote:I'm just beginning to work with the flute and will probably devote a few months to it (at the very least) before buying an expensive one, but Terry McGee's Grey Larsen Preferred model looks good. Anyone have one of these?

Only Grey Larsen, i think. This is a brand new model by Terry.

Most makers make "short feet" on request, BTW. Hamilton comes to mind and wasn't mentioned before.

phcook · Post by **phcook** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 1:16 am

Hi

Fred Rose make flutes without foot joint; mine is a one piece flute, with head joint and tuning slide. It plays rather loud.

Philippe

kkrell · Post by **kkrell** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 1:29 am

Michael Copeland's flutes have a short D foot..

Kevin Krell

chas · Post by **chas** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 5:18 am

Glenn Schultz also does flutes with a D foot.

Ben Shaffer · Post by **Ben Shaffer** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 6:11 am

Brett,
I had a Terry McGee RR Flute with a short D foot, which I really liked. The Trend however is towards the long foot which only exists because they were canabalized Flutes with keys that were taken off and then contemporary makers just started making them that way. They then became the norm. Thes so called session Flutes while quite loud and well suited for playing in big groups, make me feel like I'm holding a baseball bat or yardstick. I prefer a more diminutive Flute....
A Flute I would HIGHLY recommend would be a copy of a Rudal Rose Flute from the Dayton Miller Collection that Pat Olwell made back in the 80's,( he calls this a Prototype), had in his shop, wasn't interested in selling it in the past, but has recently sold it to me. It's in D, in boxwood, 4 sections, short D foot. The Flute is Boxwood, with a nitric acid wash. I'll use the Flute mainly for Colonial events, but the Irish tunes sound great on it as well.This Flute would be an excellent choice for someone with small hands.
This Flute sounds like a dream and without Silver rings Pat will make you one at a very reasonable price.
Ben

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 8:00 am

For a brief discussion of short feet, check Phil Bleazey's website.

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 8:00 am

For a brief discussion of short feet, check Phil Bleazey's website.

mrosenlof · Post by **mrosenlof** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 9:54 am

I think just about any flute maker can or will make a short foot flute. Casey Burns, Ralph Sweet, Mark Hoza are three more that certainly do.

feadog39 · Post by **feadog39** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 3:54 pm

I myself happen to have a Hammy with a short D foot. I didn't order it this way, as i got it second hand. I would venture a guess that there is not much of an inherent difference between a flute with the "full" foot versus one with the short foot, unless of course keys were being used. In other words, a keyless pratten Olwell with a long foot would sound the same as the same style flute designed with a short foot. However, this is bald speculation on my part, as i haven't spent any time comparing two flutes on this basis before. I'd certainly be interested in what the word on the streets is on this issue, or what a flute maker would have to say on this issue...

hans · Post by **hans** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 6:18 am

I have been playing a Dave Williams flute with short foot and no keys and another Dave Williams flute with a long foot and 4 keys. I swapped heads, played each flute-body with the same head. The flutes were of the same type, same hole sizes and diameters. I found the long foot definitely more satisfying in the tone quality. I would always recommend a long foot unless you really need a shorter flute because you have less space.

Hans

Chiff and Fipple Forums

Who makes short D flutes (no B/C foot or extra holes on end)

Who makes short D flutes (no B/C foot or extra holes on end)

consider the Olwell RR prototype Flute