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.
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.
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.
Might be worth checking directly with him. Something that is a stock item may still be in stock…
Best wishes.
Steve
Doug tipple makes a pretty good flute. They’re made from PVC so care is minimal, and they’re a good price.
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
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.
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
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.
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
The Tipple flutes have a big advantage over most of the others for the simple reason that they break down into three pieces. One piece flutes have the obvious issues with tunability, but they’re also somewhat awkward to carry around given their dimensions. Two piece flutes are a little better, but usually you end up with one very short piece and one very long piece, not really cutting down too much on the bulk. A three piece flute, though, usually breaks down into three more or less equal segments, and is much more compact.
If travel is one of the reasons you’re interested in getting this flute, I’d suggest one that can break down.
There do seem to be a lot of good options well under $500 dollars.
A PVC flute seems pretty ideal for travel. Virtually indestructible in any conditions ordinary life is likely to present and very light. A three piece PVC flute would be very easy to carry. I like my delrin flutes but they are heavier and as I understand it a delrin flute left in a closed car on a hot sunny day could be subject to softening and “creep.” I’d be somewhat inclined to favor a conical bore flute but 've never tried one of Tipple’s flutes and the difference might not matter
PVC distorts beginning about 140 degrees Farenheit.
"When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172.”
I think Delrin is good to near 250 degrees, and has pretty good creep resistance.
I had a couple of creeps come after my delrin flute one evening in a pub and it was no where near that warm—so I’m not so sure about how resistant they are.
Best wishes.
Steve
(Recalling Feadoggie on another thread, I was prompted to offer this …)
The makers listed above are aiming for a much higher bar than, “passable backup.” Any of their flutes could be someone’s go-to instrument.
This is the real answer to “Absolute least expensive.” Some assembly required.
By all means, order a good flute from a professional maker. But while you’re waiting, take a trip down to the hardware store, and see how close to “passable” you can get on your own for around $10. Get the kids involved, so when they play it, they have the extra thrill of having helped make it.