That's not right, either. My reading gets me "Every (any) simple system flute will have some quirks and limitations."

Did you??!?? Oh well, if that's what he meant, why didn't he say so? That makes perfect sense. A bit blindingly obvious, but still ...

Now you're just being obtuse, Hall. The meaning is quite obvious (to others, apparently) even with the redundant double negative. Just invert them, as Kevin showed. Simples.

Me? Obtuse? Why, I was called "acute" only yesterday! At least, I think that's what they said ...

Ok, maybe my post was not so interesting... and better don't write "fourteen years ago" (yes, a long waiting list, but I have another flute and I could wait: otherwise, no Wilkes, unless you find it on Ebay, but it's not so easy, less for me being left handed)...

Any opinion more, strictly focused on the topic?

Your post was extremely interesting, in my opinion, Etruscan, not least because, as I say, I too am on that waiting list. Hopefully, only another 10 years to go now.

I know Chris well (as does Jem), and that waiting list is entirely reasonable and practical - for him. Also, the flutes are so good that you hardly ever see them being re-sold, so yes, getting on the waiting list is the way to go if you want one. They're worth it, in my opinion. And even more so now than ever.

Just to add some specifics:

I know reasonably well two older Wilkes flutes, one from about 20 years ago and one from 13 years ago. The one from 20 years ago is lovely, but is lighter in weight, feels less solid and has a very sweet, and somewhat gentle tone. It's not a flute to really push, although I've seen Chris himself push it and it sounded fine. The one from 13 years ago happens to be one of the best flutes I've ever met. It feels much more solid, is heavier to hold, and, at the least provocation, will split eardrums at a distance of several miles.

The newer ones that I've met are more like that second one. But Chris makes for players, and it may well be that there were specific characteristics that each of the owners of the above flutes were after when Chris was making their flutes. So you can't really say that the above shows a development over time. We'd need to have more examples from people to draw that sort of conclusion.

I ought perhaps to mention that Chris himself wouldn't take my opinion on any of this stuff - he just wouldn't think I was remotely qualified to give an opinion. And he'd be right. But they're my impressions, nonetheless.

I've played John Rynne's Wilkes, large hole Rudall style, it had an ivoy embouchure. He claims it was Chris' first flute, but it seems very unlikely to me. It was an older one anyway. I was very impressed, strong and heavy unlike the one Ben tried. Not the easiest flute to play perhaps, but really nice. John said it can be a bitch sometimes, but he always sounds amazing on it (well, he's some player, one of the best I've heard).
I've also tried Jean-Michel Veillon's Wilkes, I think it may be less than 10 years old. Not much dissimilar from John Rynne's, maybe a bit easier, but had a similar impression fro it.
This being said, I've had them for a few seconds only...

I suppose it's a matter of degree. What angle were "they" looking from? Not a complementary one, right? This could get protract(or)ed.....

this is a brilliant sentence.
and certainly not untrue.

Here we are again...

It's a forum, Etruscan, what did you expect? Let people have their levity. You're getting some serious replies from some knowledgeable people here amongst the others. If you want that to continue, I would suggest that it is in your interest not to carp.

Also, you're new around here. I would suggest that you get used to the culture a bit before appearing to attack perfectly friendly folk engaging in a bit of light banter on your thread.

Ben - Moderator

Ah yes, now you are starting to understand how it works around here. Consider yourself lucky to have sussed it out only 11 posts in, unfortunate others spend years trying to get straight answers before they see the light.

Although I have owned just about every other worthwhile flute over the years, I've not had the pleasure of owning or even playing a Wilkes, otherwise I'd contribute something more helpful here.

That said, I AM looking for a Boxwood Wilkes flute, preferably nitric acid stained, but I won't be picky about the latter if someone should have a Boxwood Wilkes they'd consider selling. In all seriousness, please contact me.



Loren

serious long shot, that

...and anyway, your flute is almost ready, so you'll find out soon yourself. Nothing would change (if not in your head) if somebody said "new Wilkes are complete crap"... My answer above was only for the sake of conversation really