FLUTES

[Michael w6]

Opinions on Gary Somer's and Doug Tipple flutes?

[kkrell]

Both good. Doug's a good value for an inexpensive starter cylindrical flute (with added taper in the headjoint to correct some tuning), and preferred over a straight tube.

There is nothing at all lacking in a Somers flute if you want something suitable for session play, quality craftsmanship, and a lifetime of use. Even if you later acquire expensive fancy modern keyed or keyless or antique flutes for Irish music, the Somers can still have a place in your stable.

[pmcallis]

Somers pratten - a big, rich, powerful sound! Great flute and a steal for the price! I second Kevin's comments.
Paul

[kkrell]

Somers pratten - a big, rich, powerful sound! Great flute and a steal for the price! I second Kevin's comments.
Paul

Except mine's his Rudall model.

[plunk111]

My Somers is a Pratten and it's great! The Tipple flutes are super for cylindrical tubes, but they really aren't in the same class as the Somers flutes. I own both and think the Somers is the best choice unless your funds are extremely limited.

Pat

[jiminos]

Nothing but praise for both.

I have both and fill a unique niche. I love the Tipple for its virtual indestructibility. I have one that lives either in my back pack of glove box. Intonation is excellent. I can take well into the third octave. I take it everywhere. It's my go-to for travel, camping and the like. Great tone. Easy player.

The quality of the Somers is very good. It's loud. It's robust. It is also indestructible. Intonation is spot on. Easy player. Great all around flute.

Both are a tremendous value. Great bang for the buck.

I've never regretted either purchase.

[Michael w6]

Based on the responses here I purchased an aluminum practice flute from Garry. It has excellent tone and is very well made. There is a problem. The Delrin head joint is coated with beeswax and Vaseline (I learned this from Garry) This coating seems to be releasing some airborne particles which leave a rather unpleasant, lingering taste in my mouth. Has anyone else encountered this?

[kkrell]

Based on the responses here I purchased an aluminum practice flute from Garry. It has excellent tone and is very well made. There is a problem. The Delrin head joint is coated with beeswax and Vaseline (I learned this from Garry) This coating seems to be releasing some airborne particles which leave a rather unpleasant, lingering taste in my mouth. Has anyone else encountered this?

Is there any reason why you can't clean it off?

[Michael w6]

@kkrell - Before emailing Garry I did not know there was a coating on the head joint. Garry suggested cleaning it off with isopropyl. My post here was to ask if anyone else has encountered the bad taste. I have found it very noticeable and quite unpleasant.

[kkrell]

@kkrell - Before emailing Garry I did not know there was a coating on the head joint. Garry suggested cleaning it off with isopropyl. My post here was to ask if anyone else has encountered the bad taste. I have found it very noticeable and quite unpleasant.

That mixture is sometimes used as a cork grease, or for loose slides. I have not encountered it as a surface treatment. Might work as a wax for wood flutes, but I don't understand why it's there on his aluminum flute.

[Michael w6]

The coating is on the head joint, which is Delrin. Garry did not give a reason for this but I'll email him and relay his response.

[Maihcol]

The coating is on the head joint, which is Delrin. Garry did not give a reason for this but I'll email him and relay his response.

As it may be of general interest, I'm not sure what Michael is reacting to on the delrin headjoint of the flute. We've already exchanged emails on this and I gave him some advice yesterday on what to try.

Regarding the finish on the delrin surface of the headjoint, a tiny dab of beeswax/vaseline grease is rubbed on finally to bring up the dark, matte finish on the surface. That could also be done with vaseline on its own.

To date, I've heard of nobody having any kind of allergic reaction to either delrin or the beeswax in the grease finish. The beeswax element of the finish is there because it is dryer than vaseline on its own and helps a little to improve grip.

So, I suggested to Michael that he could clean off the finish with alcohol and see if the plain delrin still causes the reaction and if not, he could then try a dab of (pharmaceutical grade) vaseline without the beeswax to restore the finish. There is also the possibility of some kind of dust having fallen on the surface of the headjoint, or gotten into the bore, which could be washed off.

[kkrell]

Regarding the finish on the delrin surface of the headjoint, a tiny dab of beeswax/vaseline grease is rubbed on finally to bring up the dark, matte finish on the surface. That could also be done with vaseline on its own.

Petroleum Jelly is for external use & probably should not be ingested. It seems that it also traps bacteria. One of the reasons it is not suggested as a personal lubricant.

Potential side effects

Allergies: Some people are more sensitive and can develop allergies if they use petroleum-derived products. Always keep an eye out for irritations and adverse reactions when using a new product.

Infections: Not allowing the skin to dry or cleaning the skin properly before applying petroleum jelly can cause fungal or bacterial infections.

Aspiration risks: Check with your doctor before using petroleum jelly around the nose area, especially in children. Inhaling mineral oils may cause aspiration pneumonia.

Clogged pores: Some people may break out when using petroleum jelly.

Do you treat your conical Delrin flutes in the same way? I have one, purchased used, & I didn't notice anything like that, nor had any problem with lip contact or the flute's appearance. Might it be an unnecessary step? From the description, I am assuming that it's intended to provide some highlight/contrast to the texture, to make it "pop" a little.

[Michael w6]

I'm pleased Garry as joined the thread and may speak for himself directly. I have tried the suggestion of cleaning out the inside of the head joint and this seems to have helped a bit. The unpleasant taste seems to have lessened a bit. I suppose the taste is just that, a taste and not an allergic reaction. I'm not getting a rash or irritation typical or allergic reactions. I will try the isopropyl and see if it resolves this problem.

[Maihcol]

Do you treat your conical Delrin flutes in the same way? I have one, purchased used, & I didn't notice anything like that, nor had any problem with lip contact or the flute's appearance. Might it be an unnecessary step? From the description, I am assuming that it's intended to provide some highlight/contrast to the texture, to make it "pop" a little.

Yes, that's the same finish on all of my delrin flutes. When delrin is sanded to a smooth matte finish, it will have a dry, greyish appearance. To bring that up to the usual black finish, only requires a very slight amount of oiling. A tiny dab on the tip of a finger goes a long way and the flute can be rubbed dry after.

It is highly unlikely to be the finish that's causing the problem. I would suspect some kind of dust on the surface, or in the bore. Another possibility would be a mould which began to grow during transit. Any smell of mould there, Michael?