Looking for a modern traverso?

[Tonehole]

These don't come up often if anyone who likes baroque traversos which handle modern music well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180962104583? ... 500wt_1227

Don't know the seller, but it's unusual to see a Beaudin being offered from Europe.

[apossibleworld]

I've been meaning to write a thread about these for a while, and I eventually I will start a new topic with a review. I ordered one of these flutes from Mr Beaudin last year, after a trial with his demo flute. They are really excellent. What an amazing sound and power together. I don't know why more C&F players aren't using them, because there are a lot of possibilities in them beyond baroque music. Big recommendations from me!

[tin tin]

Yeah, these look like interesting instruments. New flute types/variants were invented left and right in the 19th century, but in our era of standardization, it's exciting to see a new flute development.
Here's a good article on Beaudin and his flute: http://www.robertbigio.com/beaudin.htm And a link to his site: http://www.flute-beaudin.com/Home.html

[Tonehole]

It didn't sell.

The few of us into traversos must be part of fringe culture

[apossibleworld]

Or it could be that for basically full price, anyone who wants one would like to order one directly from the builder, and help support someone who surely needs confirmation that his radical design is not just valid but exceptional. These are not ordinary traversos. If one of you folks who can really play traditional music superbly got your hands on one of these, the results would be amazing.

Here's a really cheap metaphor for what this flute does, in terms of 19th century flute design thinking. It has the power of a Pratten flute with the tonal depth and nuance of a small-holed Rudall and Rose. It really doesn't get much better, from my point of view.

[Tonehole]

In Europe, our customs/taxation system makes the flute reasonably priced for a used modern traverso.

Maybe Beaudin's challenge is trying to turn the rather rigid and traditional classical traverso market around. It's quite a feat.

Here's a really cheap metaphor for what this flute does, in terms of 19th century flute design thinking. It has the power of a Pratten flute with the tonal depth and nuance of a small-holed Rudall and Rose. It really doesn't get much better, from my point of view.

I quite like the idea of playing classical music on a traditional Rudall Rose style flute. On a really wild night out, I might try playing the Pink Panther on simple system

[Clinton]

Did you end up getting the 392 hz or 440 hz one? I ended up with a 392 hz that is absolutely lovely and rich (and loud and soft and complex and delicate and...) but am somewhat regretting not having one at 440 as well. After playing my Beaudin, my Windward Pratten sounds thin and anemic for a few minutes!

Clinton

[Tonehole]

Did you end up getting the 392 hz or 440 hz one? I ended up with a 392 hz that is absolutely lovely and rich (and loud and soft and complex and delicate and...) but am somewhat regretting not having one at 440 as well. After playing my Beaudin, my Windward Pratten sounds thin and anemic for a few minutes!

Clinton

Hi Clinton,

I ended up with an A=415Hz (preferred pitch), A=392Hz (favourite pitch) and am awaiting my A=400Hz (best pitch)

A=440Hz is terribly thin. When I've tried a variety from von Huene and Polak, I didn't enjoy them, no matter how well made. Simon Polak's right - there's just no (baroque) fun in A=440Hz.

I really don't miss A=440Hz, since my guitar friend can tune his 6 string guitar to A=415Hz without too much difficulty. I'm not a fan of the corps de rechange - intonation can be too quirky for some notes at non-ideal pitches.

I love the Luc Verhoeven A=392Hz traversos. I finally got one, and I'm really impressed at how beautifully well constructed they are. At the risk of being an obscurantist, I wanted the Beaulieu bore design: there are not many traverso makers who still specialise in this little known but incredibly sweet and rich dappled toned flute. Maybe Verhoeven is the only flutemaker who makes them. It comes with full baroque flavour

The icing on the cake with Verhoeven's flute (as I discovered), is that they come with a lifetime guarantee.

Best regards.