I continue my search for a inexpensive but professional keyed flute for a session pal. I´ve just come to Glen Le Bot web, who makes flutes based in Edward Purday’s flute, famous flute maker around 1830. Sounds good (there are sound clips in the web and youtube) and really good price for a keyed instrument.
¿Anybody tried his design and has seen his instruments in person?
They certainly look nice. However, I didn’t see a price anywhere - in English or French.
What does he charge for a keyed flute?
Eric
Gilles Lehart does an inexpensive keyed flute, and your friend can add keys over a period of time if it suits his finances. I’d say more people here have experience of Lehart’s than Le Bot’s (both have post mounted keys).
Here’s one in action
Mail from Glen about prices:
Flûte traversière ebony with rings XIXème fix wood / 800€
Flûte traversière ebony with rings XIXème fix ball / 580€
key / 80€
Option
Argenture all keys / 50€
Argenture all rings / 50€
Black case / 40€
Head metal / 100€
Head marquetry / 150€
Fairly good price, I think.
In late 2007 I had the chance to try a keyless Le Bot delrin in a shop at Quimper, Brittany. I thought it was well made, good looking and easy to play with a pleasing sound. I had brief email exchange with Glen, he was a pleasure to communicate with. I think his flutes are worth considering. Mind you, I am not a flute expert although I have owned and played concert flutes for almost 10 years now.