Baroque flutes

Irish Flute
1

I have a long-dormant interest in Baroque music, and lately have been gathering information on and about Baroque flutes, particularly the modern replica makers, in an effort to buy myself one. Since there seem to be a number of Baroque players on this board, I’m sort-of fishing for recommendations; I know of several lesser-known early flute makers and have been in contact with them, but since I haven’t played their instruments, I have no real idea how they stack up against the top makers. I’d like a clean-slate approach here (or as a private messages), rather than asking if anyone has played flutemaker X or Y (not their real names… :slight_smile: )
Before it’s suggested, I’m not a big fan of plastic, so the Aulos is not an attractive option at their current not-so-low prices, even though I understand they play decently.

2

http://www.firescribble.net/flute/makers.html has a list of wooden flute makers, many baroque, several of whom have web pages. I unfortunately, have not played any of them.

Folkers and Powell, Peter Noy, Rod Cameron are some of the most respected names I’m familiar with. Ralph Sweet makes a baroque flute that’s going to be one of the most economical ways to get started…

3

One flute you should definitely consider is the plastic 1-key Baroque flute from Aulos. Not a cheap flute by any means (around $300), I think its a wonderful instrument.

Here’s some info:
http://webhome.idirect.com/~toot/plastic.html

Works well for trad Irish as well, albeit a bit soft of tone:
http://www.granitehillsdesign.com/michael/flute/aulos.mp3

Cheers,

Michael
http://www.michaeleskin.com

4

Another maker to consider is Clive Catterall. He makes a few Historical models as well as some contemporary adaptations. His web address is:

http://www.flutes.fsbusiness.co.uk/

The website has some nice maintenance articles too, such as rewinding thread tenons and replacing the pad on a key.

I have one of his boxwood session flutes, and I’m very fond of it. Clive is a frequent contributor on the Woodenflute list.

5

Thanks, everyone, for your replies.
I do know Clive, as much as one knows someone over several years of Woodenflute chatter, and I have had several private correspondences with him about his flutes and other things semi-related.
I am glad to hear an endorsement of his work, since my feeling that his flutes are probably pretty good is based on gut (and his obvious knowledge), but not actual experience with his work. Since he’s a friend, he does sit at the top of my list.
Aulos flutes are a safe bet, but as said, they are not cheap until compared to, say, a boxwood. With my love of wood, I will undoubtedly turn around and want a wooden one soon enough anyway, but having just spent a chunk I don’t have on a plastic one, I won’t be able to.
Again, thanks all, for your input.