Wanted: Inexpensive Flute With Authority

[Denny]

Chiffed...no one likes loud beginners...

15 years playing silver flutes = not a raw beginner, I expect.

Hidden in the "wink" was an "I knew that..."

I don't think that the CB Folk would be to your liking. too woody.

I'd suggest one of the delrins, given your funding...
Don't overlook Jon C.

[Chiffed]

Thanks, Denny - guess I got a tad defensive.
Delrin is looking better and better. I really love wood, but ABS and composite clarinets have always served me well...

[Denny]

There is a lot to be said for being able to leave the thing put together and out of its box...

I haven't done more that a couple of hours on the wooden one since I got a delrin.

Looked like...you titled the thread!

[Chiffed]

Thread title edited. Clarity is a beautiful thing, I've heard.

[peeplj]

There are many sessions out there that give people the cold shoulder and the feeling its an exclusive club.

Doubtless that's true, and I've read about such sessions online--but, so far, every session I've attended in person has been warm, wecoming, and friendly.

Here at home, we always make a special point to welcome new players.

So if you encounter a session where you and your flute aren't welcome, just try another session. You'll find one that fits.

--James

[Lambchop]

Chiffed...no one likes loud beginners...

15 years playing silver flutes = not a raw beginner, I expect..

Your initial post made it appear that you were a beginner. Look:

My PVC flutes just aren't doing it for me anymore, and I can't afford retail on the 'recommended' beginner flutes

But then you went on to talk about how you're rushing off to sessions. And then got defensive about everyone assuming you were a beginner.

It's no wonder everyone was confused.

[Chiffed]

Wow. Sorry to have caused confusion, offence, global warming .....

Thanks again to all who've given leads and advice. I've got things narrowed down to a Seery Pratten, M&E, or Jon C. I'll leave the Siccama Bb for next year

[Denny]

Chiffed...no one likes loud beginners...

15 years playing silver flutes = not a raw beginner, I expect..

Your initial post made it appear that you were a beginner. Look:

My PVC flutes just aren't doing it for me anymore, and I can't afford retail on the 'recommended' beginner flutes

But then you went on to talk about how you're rushing off to sessions. And then got defensive about everyone assuming you were a beginner.

It's no wonder everyone was confused.

I was just teasing him for setting himself up...not confused!

I used to know a younger sax player that doubled on flute...well.
somewhere back in the '70s...

[Chiffed]

Eventually I'll be a flute player that doubles on sax!

[Jumbuk]

Thread title edited. Clarity is a beautiful thing, I've heard.

Sorry, mate - I took the original title in a literal fashion - I thought you meant a REAL beginner, like me.

I picked up my daughter's silver flute a while back - couldn't make sense out of the keys - but it was nice and easy to blow!

[Henke]

I've got things narrowed down to a Seery Pratten, M&E, or Jon C.

All three are great choices I'm sure. Have you decided if you want a Rudall style or Pratten style?

M&E is Rudall= Warm, deep tone, pretty powerful, easy to fill.
Seery is Pratten= Dry, crisper sound, powerful, harder to fill.
Jon C could make you both Pratten and Rudall.

What you choose in the end is a matter of personal preference. Any of these flutes would do great, and you probably won't outgrow any of these ever. I love my M&E and I'll never sell it. Jon C's Rudall flutes are great, I'm probably getting one later on (or a Pratten). I can't say if any one is better than the other, they're different. Jon C's flute is a bit prettier though, that's all I can say

[Wormdiet]

I've got things narrowed down to a Seery Pratten, M&E, or Jon C.

What you choose in the end is a matter of personal preference. Any of these flutes would do great, and you probably won't outgrow any of these ever. I love my M&E and I'll never sell it. Jon C's Rudall flutes are great, I'm probably getting one later on (or a Pratten). I can't say if any one is better than the other, they're different. Jon C's flute is a bit prettier though, that's all I can say

How does the weight and balance compare between the MERR and the Jon C.?

[Henke]

How does the weight and balance compare between the MERR and the Jon C.?

Can't really answer that as I haven't tried a Delrin Jon C, only a wooden one. With the same materials I'm guessing they'd be pretty similar in weight. The Jon C might be just a tad bit lighter, but that's just a feeling I have.

[Matt_Paris]

The Jon C might be just a tad bit lighter, but that's just a feeling I have.

Yep. Much lighter actually. The M&E is a good but big flute, and quite heavy. My Jon C just feels like a keyless wooden flute. (And sorry to say that, yes it's prettier )

[David Levine]

Ah, dear Dragon, but it is an exclusive club. I am not saying that beginners should be treated rudely or get the cold shoulder. But beginners should certainly be humble in the face of those who know more and who have been at it longer than they. You can't just pick up a flute and waltz in to a session expecting immediate acceptance.
Its members -- those in the session club -- spend hours and hours developing to the point where they feel accepted by their peers. Then a musician must spend hours and hours to move on up to the next level. It isn't a club that accepts all aspirants. Why should it? You must prove yourself worthy to be fully accepted. And it is daunting. No question about it. Irish music -- any music, when treated seriously [like classical, blue-grass, or old-time] -- is a demanding art and those who are respected practitioners have honed their art for years.
You would not get immediate acceptance at an old-time venue in Appalachia, or a blue-grass session in Nashville, or a good session in Galway, unless you can really play and not just be a pretender. Most Americans -- I hope Dragon is not included here-- believe that if they buy the gear they can play the sport. Sadly, that ain't the case with most things, not just traditional Irish music.