I just posed the question out of curiosity. As for conclusions, it seems many people play or dabble with multiple instruments. (Although the survey is likely skewed–those who only play flute didn’t answer.)
Okay, I’m just a flute player, though I started on the whistle, but it was too much for my ears, especially as I wasn’t that good when I started, so I was self concious about the poor neighbours. Also, I promised my wife that I’d only start on another instrument when I’d mastered this one, which I knew would be for the rest of my life!
However, I have started thinking of something that doesn’t require blowing, as my asthma is getting worse and I find it hard to play sometimes and lack capacity to play well at other times. This wasn’t a problem when I started out 7-8 years ago. I noticed that a few replies mentioned concertinas, Jon was one. Does anyone have any advice on this instrument? I seem to remember there are three main types, English, Anglo(-German) and Duet, and from what I’ve read, the Duet seemed ‘good’, but I don’t think it’s what most people use for Irish music (Anglo I think). Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. I also considered the Uilleann pipes, for obvious reasons (i.e. fingering), so it’s a toss up between the two at the moment (I didn’t mention fiddle, as there seem to be more than enough of them where I play!), that is if I decide it’s necessary, as I’d rather stick to flute if I can.
Andrew.
i make horrible noises with the keyless flute, silver (Boehm system) flute, whistle, and guitar.
be well,
jim
Silly me! Thanks for the reminder that there’s more to this forum than what I normally look at!!
On a flute related note, how easy has it been for flute/whistle players to migrate to something like a concertina and what difficulties did you face?
silly me! I thought that I’d PMed that one 
I play trad flute and whistle and thats how I earn my living. I did play guitar and bass guitar and sing in folk bands but those days are gone. Since my teenage daughter has promised never to bring her mates to our house again if I dont stop playing the djembe, it has been a regular feature of late in my kitchen…
the peace and quiet is great ( contradiction in terms only if you dont own a teenager)
own a teenager 
that is not the way I remember it working
You have a different perspective?
a long time ago, in a place far away
my wife and I were outnumbered by them 
It is okay now, they’ve left and gone away,
some of them have teenagers of their own 
Then there is a god? Mind you, how do you deal with the loss of mind games? Did you find the brain slowed or has it rested and therefor improved? In otherwords does the ability to play increase or decrease after the nest empties? In praying it increases! 
not sure about god, I’m good with revenge though.
I’d take rested. They are quite rewarding later, after they become adults.
Bit quieter…seems to help
I`ve been living for the revenge myself 
the look on the eldest daughter’s face
after leaving her three year old with us for the day
We took the kid and bought her Wellingtons and taught her to jump into puddles while making a lot of noise. (she was a bit in need of hosing off)
Eldest daugter walks up, while developing a look of absolute horror
Kid sez “Mom’s a sissy.”
Eldest daughter had so earned it
There are many schools of thought about the playing of traditional music. I belong to the one that says it’s fun and rewarding. I would love to master all of my instruments but I’m having so much fun just learning and playing them that mastery will just have to be put on the back burner. I may die not having mastered all my instruments but what a wonderful life that would be, yes?
So in the end, maybe it’s not how well or how many. It’s maybe did playing this music bring you and others joy.
Fair enough. When looking at the forum I view the topic and if it sounds interesting enough I take a look at the thread. I viewed this thinking there might be some pearls of wisdom but found mostly there was little comment. I guess it’s more of a chit chat social type of thread. Fair enough.
For example, it might be nice to see if players who are multi instrumental feel they are better on their main instrument than they would be if they had stayed mono instrumental. One of the benefits of taking lessons or musical training is that the player progresses more quickly. So it would be nice to know if the multi instrumentalists are trained of self taught?
I think there is a purpose to this type of thread but should they be archived? Is it possible for the software to have a tick box set, by the poster, which would allow it to be removed after a length of time?
I for one subscribe to the mastering one instrument theory. I play a few, but the flute is my main and bread earner. When I was younger I woild devote time to the guitar and flute. However I became frustrated with the length of time it was taking me to progress. As I favoured the flute, I decided to concentrate on that alone. The result was that I had more hours to practise and build up my stamina, therefore my tone improved and I became a more consistant player. I drew the conclusion that in my case I had to practise at least 5hrs a week to maintain this, and after 20yrs I still adhere to this principle.
I play a Yamaha 300-something, bought used, and it is a pretty good flute. I don’t play classical on it, though, because I just don’t the knowledge (I’ve tried, though; it wasn’t pretty). Bass mainly, fretless and fretted, and an Azola acoustic-electric “baby” upright bass. Some guitar and piano. Now, I hope Irish flute. Akiba, your clips sound great – great time feel and breathing/phrasing, IMHO.
cello and couldn’t live with out my flute and cello they are part of me now 