Hi Everyone,
I'm looking to buy a backup/travel flute that I can practice with on the run and let me kids fiddle with, too. My only criteria, really, is for the flute to be in tune with itself. What would you recommend? Does anyone have an old PVC or polymer flute they'd be willing to part with?
Thanks!
Yan

My first keyless flute was a Tony Dixon ABS one piece, not sure if you would say it is 'in tune with itself', but it sounds OK to me.

I keep it on hand for quick practice, as I can just pick it up & play.

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Keith.
Trying to do justice to my various musical instruments.

Thanks fatmac. That's pretty much what I'm looking for. I've got a beautiful flute from Casey and hope to save up, eventually, for a proper keyless delrin down the road, but I'm not there yet. The Dixon one-piece sounds like a good option for now.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Yan

In terms of playability and, as far as I can see, indestructability, combined with an amazingly low price, I think you'd be hard pushed to beat Hammy Hamilton's practice flutes.

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Is Hamilton still making flutes? HIs website says "my order book has been closed since May 2018"

Ah. That's a shame. In which case, try eBay.

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Might be worth checking directly with him. Something that is a stock item may still be in stock...

Best wishes.

Steve

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Doug tipple makes a pretty good flute. They're made from PVC so care is minimal, and they're a good price.

http://tippleflutes.com/

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Also, Gary Somers has a delrin head/metal body instrument for $145 that has had positive comments—if you can't locate a Hamilton practice flute.

Best wishes.

Steve

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I'm with Wanderer. The Tipple is the lowest priced new pvc flute. It's always absolutely in tune, has the lowest honking low D of my 13 flutes, is loud or soft and beautifully finished. Goes anywhere, does anything flute-like. No maintenance but for the occasional swab out. I suspect most people who started with a Tipple still play it, keep it put together ready to go however many flutes they've sold, traded or kept since. My Tipple fits in well with my accumulation of Olwell, Ormiston, M&E, Shannon and sundry wooden and aluminum flutes.

Best wishes,

K.

Ask Hammy on that very post he said that practice flutes are still avaiable.

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Francesco - Rome, Italy

As Radcliff says, Hammy's web site (scroll down) says that "Practice flutes are not affected" by the closure of his list.

Best wishes.

Steve

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I have a Hamilton practice flute to sell (keeping one). However, I did not suggest it because the OP wanted his kids to be able to fiddle with it, too. Unless, they're pretty big, I'd recommend against it. The flute needs some reach. Also, thought it might have exceeded his "least expensive" request, since I think there are other, cheaper alternatives. Great embouchure cut, though - sounds like a Hammy.

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Tipple.

Another option that I have not seen mentioned yet is to go with one or more inexpensive bamboo flutes ($25-$60). I know that George Tortorelli makes them in different keys; one of the smaller ones might be good for the kids. No, not as durable as pvc, but some bamboo is pretty tough. I've traveled quite a bit with some of my bamboo flutes, gone hiking, etc. and they have been no worse for the wear.
If interested George's site is Medicine Wind flutes. http://www.medicinewind.com/MedWind/HOME.html

Chris