Hi folks I’m looking for a second hand or new D flute (blackwood/delrin preferably) that isn’t a Pakistani flute and is around £300 or less. Would anyone be able to tell me makers of flutes that match my description and also if you have any for sale that match my criteria.
I’ve seen quite a lot of people say about Forbes flutes, M + E and also copley but don’t enough about them myself
cheers
Martin
Of the flutes you mention I own the Copley bottom of the line delrin,
which is very good (good volume, good sound, easy to handle)
and also quite reasonably priced. I consider it a professional
level flute. The delrin slide works well.
I’m in the UK offering a Delrin ‘student’ model at £290, here’s a link to my website-
https://www.thompsonflutes.com/
Francois Baubet makes wonderful keyless delrin flute for £308 (350 euro). I loved my keyed Baubet so much I bought a keyless for travel.
Eric
I’ve been looking at the price range, and there are actually quite a few options out there. Like mentioned, Copley, Forbes, M&E, Baubet, are all common recommendations. Another one is Shannon. I’m sure you’d be fine with any of those, just take a look at the styles and see which you would prefer.
Copley - without a doubt…
Since you may not want to import from the U.S. (Copley, for instance), you should indeed consider Francois Baubet or perhaps Damian Thompson for your price range.
Research ChiffnFipple or The Session for many testimonials for the TIPPLE, a carefully crafted plastic flute by a painstaking musician well known to and admired here by discerning fluters. You can buy three Tipples for the cost of one of the others mentioned and be well satisfied for many years, particularly by the low D honk, tone hole configurations, responsiveness, handsome finish and lightness.
Best wishes,
K.
How many years, exactly? I lasted about 6 months before realizing the Tipple was not doing it for me. As I’ve gained experience with the “Delrins” - having owned a Delrin Forbes, Baubet and a Copley C flute - I think there is a night and day difference in sound quality, tuning, and playability between all of those and the Tipple. There are lots of flute players more accomplished than I who can work wonders with a Tipple, but I don’t think that’s a good gauge on whether it’s a good starter instrument or not. Add in Somers, Sweet, etc. (I have no experience with these), there are a plethora of well priced options.
I think if all you have is £100, then buy a Tipple and don’t look back. However, with your budget, I’d get as good a flute as you can (I highly recommend the Baubet, but others will highly recommend the other makers!).