Looking for good wooden flute

DaveAuty · Post by **DaveAuty** » Mon Jan 28, 2002 9:48 am

Hi everyone,

I am thinking of buying a wooden keyless flute. I play a silver concert flute which isn't ideal for playing Irish type music, (for me anyway.)
Have any of you flute players suggestions as to where I could get one and what in your opinions are the better ones? Someone suggested a 'Wilkes' any comments on that?

Thanks,

Dave.

Dave Parkhurst · Post by **Dave Parkhurst** » Mon Jan 28, 2002 1:16 pm

I'm hardly an expert, but those who play say that Wilkes makes an awesome flute. There are others you could get while waiting the 5 years for a Wilkes, also.

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Jan 28, 2002 4:17 pm

Get a Copley.

Jessie

croberts · Post by **croberts** » Mon Jan 28, 2002 5:38 pm

Hi Dave,

If you decide on a Copley, check http://home.earthlink.net/~migoya/id10.htm

Chris Roberts

DaveAuty · Post by **DaveAuty** » Tue Jan 29, 2002 6:32 am

Thanks for that info.
Those 'Copley' flutes sound nice!... I am getting spoilt for choice as someone has offered to sell me a 'Skip Healy' flute.
I would prefer buying from the UK though as this is where I am.
I suppose I will have to leave the 'Wilkes' I don't mind a few months but not years!
At least now I have more options.

Cheers,

Dave.

OdinDane · Post by **OdinDane** » Tue Jan 29, 2002 8:15 am

Wilkes waiting list for a Keyed flute is 5 years but for a keyless it's much shorter. Under a year

DaveAuty · Post by **DaveAuty** » Tue Jan 29, 2002 5:51 pm

Cheers Odin, I will look into that.

Dave.

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 6:06 am

For starters, a Ralph Sweet is not bad, although I'm told they vary quite a bit from one to another. I had one for quite a long time, then sold it in favor of a Thin Weasel, which I absolutely love.

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 6:07 am

BTW-- before you give up on your concert flute, drag out your Cherish the Ladies and listen to Joanie a bit more....

ChrisLaughlin · Post by **ChrisLaughlin** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 10:17 am

My advice... call Patrick Olwell right now. Order a D bamboo flute from him for delivery now and get on the waiting list for one his unkeyed wooden flutes. The bamboo costs $100, plays beautifully, and is available now. If you get started on it now the wooden flute will arrive just when your fingers and embouchure are ready for it. After that you'll never need another flute again, unless you want keys that is!
My two cents,
Chris

DaveAuty · Post by **DaveAuty** » Sun Feb 03, 2002 11:54 am

Thanks everyone for all the useful information.
I have just ordered a Wilkes keyless in D. Chris reckons about a year which gives me something to look forward to.
Chris, Brian Finnegan plays a bamboo flute is that an Olwell?

Dave.

ChrisLaughlin · Post by **ChrisLaughlin** » Sun Feb 03, 2002 11:58 am

You are going to be VERY happy with that Wilkes! I didn't know you could get an unkeyed flute from him so quickly. Those are superb flutes.
Yup, the bamboos Brian plays are made by Patrick Olwell.
Chris

DaveAuty · Post by **DaveAuty** » Sun Feb 03, 2002 2:45 pm

A Bamboo flute sounds the Bees Knees and only $100.
What with my already deep seated WhOA! I am now getting the flute version! Is there no hope?

Dave Parkhurst · Post by **Dave Parkhurst** » Tue Feb 05, 2002 5:48 pm

No Dave, it doesn't get better.... I started with one silly little Clarke classic, am now making my own whistles, have purchased 3 flutes so far, and am starting to salivate whenever I see photos of high-end concert flutes, cellos and violas..... quick somebody, get medical assistance....and order a Wilkes...(gasp)

ChrisLaughlin · Post by **ChrisLaughlin** » Tue Feb 05, 2002 6:09 pm

No, it most certainly does not get any better. I have a Grinter blackwood in D, a Copley blackwood in D, Owell bamboos in D and Eb, and I'm on the waitlist for a cocus Olwell in D.
All the flutes I have so far are superb.
As far as wooden flutes go (bamboo excluded), David Copley's flutes are fantastic players and a fantastic deal.
Chris