Flutes made of delrin

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Julie
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Flutes made of delrin

Post by Julie »

I'm sort of looking to buy a "camping" flute over the next couple months (camping in a 37' RV with climate control, not in a tent) because my rosewood deKeyser doesn't seem to like going to the sand dunes or lake--even in the RV.

The PVC flutes also seemed like an option, but I don't want to get frustrated if it is difficult to play. I can get lots 'o practice time in while camping--kids and hubby are off doing other things.

Any thoughts or advice? What can I expect to pay for a used delrin flute? I noticed that there weren't any on the board--I'm also wondering if anyone wants to part with one...:D

Julie
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by cquick »

I have Dave Copley's D and C delrin flutes and both are excellent instruments.

Don't think you can do much better!

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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by pmcallis »

Julie,
Another really excellent choice is a delrin flute by Garry Somers available from Doc Jones at the Irish Flute Store:
http://shop.irishflutestore.com/Flutes_c3.htm
I have the 5 pce. pratten model. Great flute!! Great price. :thumbsup: ...and I've played them all.
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by chas »

I agree that the Copley is a great flute. In addition to sound and playability, it's the lightest polymer flute (of five) that I've owned. Delrin is about 20% denser than blackwood, and if you're used to a rosewood flute, the weight of a polymer flute might be a consideration.
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by ecohawk »

Julie,

I'd agree with all those who've responded to you so far. I have a Copley keyless in Delrin and most of the folks I know say that it will serve my needs for many years. It sounds better than anything in it's price range. I have not heard Somers flutes but have heard Seery and Forbes. Others may disagree but I think the Copley is at least as good as these, likely better IMHO.

I paid $350 (used) on C&F last spring for mine with silver rings. I've seen them go used on C&F for $325 to $395 depending on whether or not they had rings.

I know Doc will let you try his flutes so it wouldn't be out of line to ask him about the Seery and Somers on his website. He's a great guy to deal with.

good luck,
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by plunk111 »

I'll second (errr... actually fourth, I guess) the vote for Dave Copley's delrin flutes. I use one of his for the exact purpose you are talking about and as a spare for my John Gallagher flute.

Actually, I hear John Gallagher is doing some work in delrin now, but the Copley is cheaper.

Pat
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by gorjuswrex »

I've not played the Copley or Somer flutes but I have Ralph Forbes which is great. Very well in tune with itself. Powerful and can give a good range of voices. BTW my signature tunes were before I had this flute. I think Ralph's website has some clips of Kevin Crawford on one.

While on the subject I would like to know who does keyed Delrin flutes.
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by Lars Larry Mór Mott »

It's Rob Forbes, not to be nitpicky, but for the benefit of people doing a Google search ;)
(Oh, and i have one of his flutes. A gem! Lent it out to Murrough O'Kane who agreed.

http://www.forbesflutes.com

EDIT: Dave Copley does keyed Delrin flutes according to his website: http://www.copleyflutes.com/
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by Doug_Tipple »

Walt Sweet is making a new flute from acetyl (also called Delrin). There is a topic about them quite recently on this forum. They are priced new at $275, which is a very good price for a conical-bore, acetyl flute.
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by Feadoggie »

The suggestions of the Copley, Somers and Forbes flutes are all good ones. I am partial to the Copley myself. You may not play your DeKeyser much if you get any one of these.
Julie wrote:The PVC flutes also seemed like an option, but I don't want to get frustrated if it is difficult to play.
I also would suggest that you look into the Tipple flute. Nothing difficult about it to my mind. They are good players and reasonably priced. It is a good camping flute, IMO, and tough enough to throw in the backpack and hit the trail with no worries. Just don't use it as a poker for the evening camp fire.

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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by Loren »

I can also recommend the Copley Delrin flutes. I've had two, both very good indeed. One of the nice things for travel, is that the Delrin Copley is has a shorter length over all than most standard "long footed" flutes, so it's lighter and more compact than most of the other delrin flutes out there. I've played the Seery, the M&E, the Forbes, the one Olwell delrin in existence, and I own a Glenn Watson in Delrin as well. I'd have the Delrin Olwell if I could persuade the owner to sell it (and I have tried), but I'd still keep my Copley as it's a great flute and better for carrying around than anything else I own due to the size and weight. Very easy player too, with excellent tuning and extremely well made - I say this as an experienced woodwind maker myself. Finally, Dave's customer service is as good as it gets.

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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by Julie »

Thank you all for your comments! I've been offered a couple of really great deals on really great flutes through pms and will likely have one shortly--just in time for a trip out to the desert in early May! :D
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by tucson_whistler »

i've played the Copley, Forbes, Somers, and Seery and of those the Seery is my favorite, but it's big ol' pratten monster and not for the week of heart. ;)

John C. also makes delrin flutes; one of which i owned for awhile and was quite good. :)

Cheers,
eric
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by Cathy Wilde »

Forbes & Copley :thumbsup:

The Forbes is thinner-walled and thus lighter and a little buzzier. The Copley's heft is kind of satisfying, though. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
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Re: Flutes made of delrin

Post by jim stone »

Garry Somers has a delrin/aluminum flute for 125 at the irish flute store.
find this instrument intriguing.

http://shop.irishflutestore.com/Garry-S ... uminum.htm
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