Best Beginner's Flute

[Steve Bliven]

Fully agree with the above. I'm guessing that the OP is seeking a flute that provides a "safe and easy" entry for a beginner. Something affordable (which mint retain sesame value if the beginner decides flutes are not for him/her), easy to get a decent (or even goog) sound from, in tune, etc.

Thus far, seems like all the suggestions would fit the criteria.

Best wishes.

Steve

[chas]

Again, I just don't get on so many levels why one would want a flute or any instrument in Delrin.

Camping!

[monkeymonk]

Again, I just don't get on so many levels why one would want a flute or any instrument in Delrin.

Camping!

Took my delrin Forbes out for a kayak ride in the Estuary last summer. Marshes and sandbars. Never would have done that with a wooden flute.
On days that i have off, when i'm trying to figure out a tune it's nice to have a flute to leave assembled so i can just pick it up and play.

But you're right Casey, nothing can compare to wood

[Jayhawk]

To each their own on the wood vs. other material issue. I wonder if wooden Boehm flute players are looked down upon for not playing a nice, metal flute like a Boehm flute ought to be?

Eric

[Loren]

Again, I just don't get on so many levels why one would want a flute or any instrument in Delrin.

Camping!

Yup, camping, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, traveling when you are concerned about loss, theft or damage. Also good for loaning to clumsy friends. And, while I prefer wood flutes, I like to leave a flute out all the time, in order grab a quick tune during commercials or as short break from things I'm working on, without having to haul out, assemble, swab, disassemble and repack a wooden flute. It's typically only about 20% RH in my apartment at a given time (A/C in the summer, heat all winter), so a wooden flute will crack if I leave it out.

Honestly, for beginners, Delrin can be a great choice for the low maintenance factor alone. And if you do play for extended periods, Delrin won't swell, locking your flute together, like Boxwood, Mopane, etc.

And then there are the rookie mistakes, like dropping your flute, or sitting on it, or forgetting it's round and letting it roll off the table.......Sure, one shouldn't let these things happen, it's undignified and disrespectful to your instrument and the art of fluting But shnit happens, particularly with a first flute, and Delrin is a helluva lot more durable. I've repaired enough busted woodwinds to know how often people screw up, and how expensive the repair can be.

Yup, lot's of pluses to polymer flutes, but hey, it's all about freedom of choice.

[Casey Burns]

Loren, a number of my clients report they take their Folk Flutes camping on a regular basis and these do just fine.

Casey

[MTGuru]

Jack ... Jack ... hello??

[MadmanWithaWhistle]

I think Casey's being a bit uncharitable with his characterization of delrin flutes. No, it's not wood and never will be, but there's no reason that a fine instrument can't be made out of it. In my experience it's the hand of the maker that is responsible for 95% of a flute's quality.

[LorenzoFlute]

I think Casey's being a bit uncharitable with his characterization of delrin flutes.

Well this is all his folk flute business is about isn't it
I too prefer wood to delrin, but I've tried some really great sounding delrin flutes as well.

[monkeymonk]

So, anyone read any good books made out of delrin lately?

[chas]

Loren, a number of my clients report they take their Folk Flutes camping on a regular basis and these do just fine.

If all you're doing is staying in the woods (or leaving your flute in the tent in the woods), then, sure, wood does just fine. I've taken a wooden flute camping in the woods myself with no harm done. But I don't really want to leave an expensive flute behind at the campsite when I'm out all day, so the flute spends a lot of time in a car in the sun during hikes. I haven't measured the temp in my car, but it can get up to 180 F/85 C in a car in the sun. It might be fine, but I don't really want to test a wooden flute under those conditions. Delrin and other machined plastics can withstand it, and I'm lucky enough to be able to afford a travel flute.

[MTGuru]

So, anyone read any good books made out of delrin lately?

No, but the Canadians are using plastic money.

[monkeymonk]

So, anyone read any good books made out of delrin lately?

No, but the Canadians are using plastic money.

I would feel very safe taking those Canadian bills camping.

[Jon C.]

Couldn't resist!

[Feadoggie]

So, anyone read any good books made out of delrin lately?

I'm sure there is delrin in my Kindle somewhere. So, yeah.