I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this thread and the fact that it is sticky. It answers all of my (abject newbie) questions. I am currently making a passable penny whistle and I intend to begin making flutes as well, however, I need to learn to play first! So, I am buying both good and bad examples of flutes in order to understand the difference. This thread is a very great help. Thanks a bunch!
I decided I wanted to play the Irish flute. I didn’t have a lot of money but wanted a wooden D flute. I bought a Pakistani one and it sounded pretty good. I played it for about three years until I got a little better and could save money for a much better instrument (Olwell).
Although I can currently tell the difference between the Pakistani and the Olwell, the former definately served it’s purpose. It is what it is.
p.s. I’d like to think I wasn’t dumb for buying it.
Best regards,
Jeff
If you got a “nice one” then “fortunate” may be a better adjective. 
i used to work in a music shop
we sold paki flutes
out of the 10 that would come in 4-5 would be sent back
but they are a lot better for someone who wants to start off onthan the plastic one
never buy apig in a bag 
In Dublin there was this music shop selling Irish flutes made in Pakistan. I did not buy one of them because I went to another shop and bought a Seery blackwood. I have told you this already I think but why I am saying it again is to make a point.
The point is that people in Ireland call an Irish flute (meaning a simple system D flute) an Irish flute regardless of whether its made in Scotland, Eire, France, Pakistan, Australia or North America. And there are probably good, bad and middling Irish flutes made in many countries including Eire herself.
I do not think it is appropriate to refer to an Irish flute (good or bad) by labelling it in terms of the country it was made in, particularly if the reference to the country is abbreviated into a form associated with a term originally popularised by racists and the like (namely “Paki” instead of “Pakistani”).
Is an Irish flute made in New York a yankee flute? And another thing - Why are gringo flutes mostly dark?
And so it goes …
“I do not think it is appropriate to refer to an Irish flute (good or bad) by labelling it in terms of the country it was made in, particularly if the reference to the country is abbreviated into a form associated with a term originally popularised by racists and the like (namely “Paki” instead of “Pakistani”).”
That’s all well and good, but noone here is making a slur against another group of people. Note that the warnings are about the instuments, not about the people. I have several Pakistani friends, and they are marvelous, considerate individuals. Besides Paki flutes, there’s also Paki pipes (uilleann and Great Highland) and also Paki drums (some of which aren’t too bad). I’m sure you realize that the term is used because “Wooden conical-bored keyless flute made in the Asian country known as Pakistan” tends to wear down the fingers. Diplomacy is a virtue, but not if taken to the extent that sense and implied meaning are lost in the attempt to not offend. If you’re trolling for a heated discussion, C&F has an appropriate place for that in another section of the website.
As a beginner (though not totally clueless as I’ve meddled) I just ordered a Seery. My life experience has taught me that if I want to learn to turn wood (for example) then starting on a top class lathe with good wood will make me adapt to the high quality of both, whereas starting with a junk lathe and cheap wood will cause me untold stress and possibly even discourage me. Hence the Seery - I’ll rise to it, knowing it’s me that has to become skilled, and giving me a fun challenge to boot.
I would be grateful though for any help from experienced players as to exactly what I’m likely to find challenging at first..?
“Every flute harbours a Muse”
I like that Talasiga.
Not that the Seery is bad quality. I meant is was harder to play than the Sweetheart.
Watch rosewood flutes as well. I had gotten one from a smaller instrument company. It was my first Irish flute and I had no direction when I purchased it. Virtually unplayable. They exchanged it grudgingly as they did not accept returns. Watch return policies too. A lot of these places online seem to have ‘fine print’ return policies.
But… but… but… I want a wooden flute and the eBay cheap garbage is what I come closest to being able to afford.
You’d probably be better off using that money to buy a lot of chocolate with which to console yourself for not having a flute.
Mmm… chocolatey.
It’s my belief that used instruments are like used cars-----you have to be very careful who you buy them from. Often times you get something good, but sometimes you get a real lemon. I would trust used instruments being sold by a member of a local irish music chapter or a builder like Sweetheart flutes. He posts flutes in their exact condition. That way you know what you’re getting. If you buy second hand from a local musician, you can look at it, try it out. If they’re honest, they’ll let somebody reputable check it out for you. Let local musicians know you’re looking. I’ve found the Irish music community to be super nice and helpful if you’re looking for something. Ebay is a wonderful thing. Just make sure what you’re getting and that you can return it if you are unhappy.
I’m fairly new to Irish music, only a couple of years, but I’m not new to wood instruments. There’s so many factors involved in getting them in good condition second-hand. They may not have stored it in a good environment. Temperature is a HUGE factor. As anyone will tell you, cracks can develop in a lot of little places that can effect the instrument’s playing ability. Cracks you may not see. Cracks the seller may or may not know about. If it is a keyed instrument, environment plays a big factor in the function of the keys as well. The pads can dry out or swell. And can make for a pricey repair.
You may want to check out Patrick Olwell’s bamboo flutes. They are very affordable and a good quality instrument. My only complaint is that my hands are a bit small for the reach and fingers a bit small to completely cover the holes. Hardly the flute’s fault. I still love it. There’s also a fellow in Florida named Erik The Flutemaker. He makes an Irish flute, but it’s for larger hands. I have purchased some of his Arabian flutes and been really happy with the quality. He’s affordable as well. You may also want to consider a resin instrument. I’ve heard M & E makes a nice one. I’ve played one and they sound good. They’re no substitute for wood, but it’s an option. I have a 3 piece Tony Dixon resin I’ve been very happy with. It was under $300. If you’re set on wood, I’d save up for an Olwell. Takes a bit of time for one to be built, but you could save the money in the meantime and have a wonderful instrument that will last.
Or, save up that money you would be spending on chocolate and use it to buy the flute. Works for me.
Some people I know have raised money in a pinch by contracting with friends and relatives for casseroles, BBQ ribs, etc. Everyone loved their dishes, so when they needed some fast cash they got orders for items that do well when frozen, then went out and bought ingredients and some of those disposable oven-to-freezer pans, and made up a batch. Sold them for about twice the price of what went in them.
If you’re good with desserts or bread, contract for those and deliver them fresh once or twice a week. Pre-made school lunches are a winner, too.
I bought a black 8-key plastic (or whatever) irish flute from an indian flute dealer for 35 dollars. It sounds okay but you have to tilt your head a different way for every note in order to play in tune. It reminds me of my shakuhachi in that sense. i knew exactly what i was getting for the money, and just thought I would be cool to have a junky flute to kick around. Is this the pakastani thing you’re talking about?
How hard is it to make a wooden flute? Could one make a flute out of bamboo or pcv?
Not to big, not too small
about the size of Montreal!
You could make it out of chocolate.
hi all
does anyone know of, or can anyone think of, a way that flutes or flute makers could be certified to be of a certain quality or skill level?
as I see it, Pakistani flute makers, like flute makers anywhere, should have the opportunity to strive for success but the headline of this post is not going to encourage them at all to keep honing their craft.
maybe things would be a bit easier for everyone if all crummy bamboo flutes were labeled FOR FENG SHUI PURPOSES ONLY…then the good flutes get marketed to people who actually want to use them for music.
I am sort of joking about the Feng Shui thing but this is actually a serious question…it really is problematic for us that so many poorly made flutes are being sold to the public.
First, it furthers the notion that bamboo flutes are not “real” flutes, which increases the chances of “affordable” silver flutes from Wal-mart winding up in the landfill.
Second, it reflects badly on the culture of bamboo flute making in general, which is truly a shame.
just curious to hear people’s thoughts and ideas on this…
-Suzy Nees
ps. there is a bit of bamboo flute making info at windwoodflutes.com and bambooflutes.org.
Interesting question but I’d say no.