Eb flutes

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JeffS
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Eb flutes

Post by JeffS »

I just listened to an interview with N. Connaught flute player June McCormack in which she mentioned that, left to her own devices, she prefers the sound of her Eb flute over the D.
Having never played an Eb, what do other people think here? Does the Eb sound nicer to you as a solo instrument?

If so, can anyone recommend a maker? Ms. McCormack mentions a maker - "Mike Winter" - from Australia, but I can't find him online. Anyone know him?


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Post by Nanohedron »

My Noy comes with both D and Eb bodies. If I'm playing solo, I tend to gravitate toward the Eb; something seems a bit more responsive about it, and since the body is shorter than the D, there's a relatively larger bore for the length in my case; this may account for the sense of greater volume I believe I get (a plus when playing for dancers). But this may be an illusion, and only a matter of the general pitch being higher. It does have a brighter sound; the D is more dusky by comparison, which I love for its own qualities. I could say that the Eb can sound more yearning, and the D more moody. Surprising the difference only a half-step of pitch can make.

I don't know if the bore would normally be different on an Eb-only flute as opposed to a D-only flute (given any particular maker), and if that would make a difference in perceived volume. Others have mentioned a sense of greater agility with Eb sticks, too.
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Re: Eb flutes

Post by kkrell »

JeffS wrote: If so, can anyone recommend a maker? Ms. McCormack mentions a maker - "Mike Winter" - from Australia, but I can't find him online. Anyone know him?
Mike Grinter
http://users.netcon.net.au/grinter/

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Post by Unseen122 »

I havea Copley Eb and I love it. Super loud and super responsive, it is like driving a sports car.
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Post by jim stone »

I've talked to at least one flutesmyth who believes that
Eb is the 'natural' key for the Irish flute, where the
flute is most alive and responsive. I certainly understand
why he says this, though my heart remains with
the D. I prefer busking with the Eb, lovely sound,
more audible.
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Bart Wijnen
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Post by Bart Wijnen »

My heart remains with the D too, though I'd like to buy an Eb some time.

I have an F-flute, maybe that key is a little too high to sound 'nice' but it's fun to play, no stretching for my fingers. Harry Bradley plays some tunes on F.

And was it Dervish that plays all in Eb?

Bart
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Post by jim stone »

I busk with a Copley F too. Very nice flute for the street.
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Post by Hornpiper »

I'm thinking of eventually getting an Eb body for my new Grinter after it comes. Olwell Eb is the greatest I've played to date though.
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Post by RudallRose »

I play a keyed Eb Olwell on the Wood Flute Obsession III recording.
Most incredible flute I've ever played in any key. It sparkles.

but I have a keyed Rudall/Carte Eb available for anyone wanting a nice solid flute in this key. $2k (dead-solid A=440)

dm
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Post by Unseen122 »

Bart Wijnen wrote:
And was it Dervish that plays all in Eb?

Bart
Yes it is.
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Bart Wijnen
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Post by Bart Wijnen »

Unseen122 wrote:
Bart Wijnen wrote:
And was it Dervish that plays all in Eb?

Bart
Yes it is.
:lol:

Glad it is , not it was, I think it's a nice band.

Bart
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Post by Whistlin'Dixie »

David Migoya wrote:I play a keyed Eb Olwell on the Wood Flute Obsession III recording.
Most incredible flute I've ever played in any key. It sparkles.

dm
I would have to say, IMHO it's one of the best tracks on the CD.
And you are right, you make that flute sound fantastic.

M :party:
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Post by mcdafydd »

I've got to jump in and mention Terry McGee's GLP model Eb as well. I had the chance to try one recently, and my gosh it was probably the most fun flute I've yet to play. Exceptionally vibrant.
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Post by GaryKelly »

Bart Wijnen wrote:
Unseen122 wrote:
Bart Wijnen wrote:
And was it Dervish that plays all in Eb?

Bart
Yes it is.
:lol:

Glad it is , not it was, I think it's a nice band.

Bart
It is was. They no longer play in Eb since a piper joined them on their latest tour. They're now playing in concert pitch because of that.

Dominic Allan makes a superb Eb keyless.
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Post by Cathy Wilde »

Eb Hammy. Fun, fun, fun (after about 45 minutes' playing in). But a bit lonely .... :-(

I probably still get an even bigger kick out of F flutes, though. There's just a madness to them I love (Madness. Me. Love. Are we surprised?).

A major chunk of Matt Molloy's first album is on an Eb, yes?
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