OK, in dealing with Casey Burnes for a flute case, I noticed he has a mopane flute in D (without slide) for $450. Does anyone else know any other wooden flute makers (other than Ralph Sweet) logging in under $500 that are of good quality? Tuning slide is not a must…
Thanks,
Eric
Not under, but an Olwell keyless (no slide) in rosewood is $550 (blackwood $650).
Kevin Krell
Aren’t Tony Dixons wood flutes under $500?
Cheers,
Aaron
Michael Cronnolly (M&E Flutes) makes blackwood flutes for $495.
–James
James - I had forgotten about M&E’s blackwood flutes. Have you played one or know someone who has? How do they compare to the polymer R&R model he makes. In some ways, if/when I move up in flutes, I’m now wondering if the R&R polymer or maybe a wooden flute might be my next choice. Granted, I couldn’t take it canoeing, but I’ve now met a few folks who take their wooden flutes camping, etc…
I have heard from two folks who play wooden M&E flutes, one of blackwood, one of rosewood.
Both were pleased with their flutes, but I don’t remember any details–I have had a major computer crash since then, and unfortunately their emails were lost in the crash. This was right about 1999.
I do know Michael Cronnolly was making wooden flutes long before he started on polymer.
–James
Mark Hoza starts at $320 (without rings or slide); $470 with brass rings. The slide seems to make a big difference in the price.
Mark makes beautiful and genuinely great flutes.