Best Beginner's Flute

jGilder · Post by **jGilder** » Wed May 29, 2013 12:54 pm

What's the consensus on the best flute for a beginner in the $400 range?

plunk111 · Post by **plunk111** » Wed May 29, 2013 1:25 pm

OK, I'll start...

Copley delrin...

Next?

Pat

maki · Post by **maki** » Wed May 29, 2013 1:32 pm

jGilder wrote:What's the consensus on the best flute for a beginner in the $400 range?

As for best, well thats always going to get mixed opinions.
Copely is usually on the top on many lists.
PM sent.

Jleo Fipple · Post by **Jleo Fipple** » Wed May 29, 2013 1:44 pm

I would consider one of M and E Rudall and Rose Model D flute Polymer Flutes if I was flush

M and E Website
Crock of Gold played on M and E Polymer Flute (YouTube Video)

Feadoggie · Post by **Feadoggie** » Wed May 29, 2013 2:20 pm

I'll pile on in favor of the Copley delrin 3 piece model.

pipersgrip · Post by **pipersgrip** » Wed May 29, 2013 2:25 pm

Casey Burns Folk Flute. That's a good flute for a beginner to a seasoned player.

MeMyselfandI · Post by **MeMyselfandI** » Wed May 29, 2013 3:18 pm

Copley Delrin, Forbes Delrin, Casey Burns Folk Flute (wood). I hear the Walt Sweet flutes are good.

Tjones · Post by **Tjones** » Wed May 29, 2013 4:31 pm

JGilder

Just wanted to say I really enjoy your flute playing on your album Jody's Heaven. I still play it on a regular bases.

Tjones

cquick · Post by **cquick** » Wed May 29, 2013 6:15 pm

My vote is for Dave Copley's delrin! In my opinion best bang for the buck.

tardiffism · Post by **tardiffism** » Wed May 29, 2013 7:08 pm

Well, I AM a beginner: I got my M & E delrin Rudall and Rose in January. I don't know about Copleys or other models (which may be better than my flute) but I am really happy with what I have. It's forgiving but not too forgiving. The tuning slide came in handy in my group classes, and I love the fact that it's low maintenance delrin: I can leave it around assembled and practice whenever I have a spare minute. That's really helped. Again, I am ignorant of most other makers, I just wanted to put in a good word for the M&E.

Steve Bliven · Post by **Steve Bliven** » Wed May 29, 2013 7:23 pm

And again, a mention of Walt Sweet's Shannon model. At $275 it's a great sound, easy to play and finely tuned.

Best wishes.

Steve

monkeymonk · Post by **monkeymonk** » Thu May 30, 2013 6:47 am

tardiffism wrote:Well, I AM a beginner: I got my M & E delrin Rudall and Rose in January. I don't know about Copleys or other models (which may be better than my flute) but I am really happy with what I have. It's forgiving but not too forgiving. The tuning slide came in handy in my group classes, and I love the fact that it's low maintenance delrin: I can leave it around assembled and practice whenever I have a spare minute. That's really helped. Again, I am ignorant of most other makers, I just wanted to put in a good word for the M&E.

Second that. I started off with an M&E R&R in ebonite 2 1/2 years ago after not playing for about 18 years. It was a great flute to start back out on. Easy to play and with a lovely dark tone. eventually i moved on to larger holed flutes as that was what my teacher was playing and i admired the sound she was able to create. I will be selling that M&E soon because i don't play it anymore but when i do play it i am always surprised at how lovely sounding it is and how responsive and easy to play with plenty of volume.
I don't think the M&E are beginners flutes just because they cost less and are easy to play. Ease of playing is something many folk seem to seek in a flute.

Latticino · Post by **Latticino** » Thu May 30, 2013 7:47 am

Gary Somers gets my vote. Great flute with a real tuning slide and rings for $400.

LorenzoFlute · Post by **LorenzoFlute** » Thu May 30, 2013 7:51 am

Vincenzo Di Mauro, you can read my review a few threads back.

plunk111 · Post by **plunk111** » Thu May 30, 2013 8:47 am

Latticino wrote:Gary Somers gets my vote. Great flute with a real tuning slide and rings for $400.

Shoulda mentioned this one myself! My current backup flute is a Garry (yes, 2 "r"s) Somers Pratten in delrin with no frills. Great sound and the cheapest of the lot at $265 (from the Irish Flute Store).

Pat

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