Need Recommendations for Delrin Flute

[psychodonald]

Would like some opinions regarding a nice sounding, "woody sounding" Delrin (plastic) flute. I recognize that this is a very subjective issue (what exactly constitutes "nice sounding," "mellow," etc.?) I do know that I get tired of the issues reagarding the playing of wooden flutes ( the humidity, the temp. the way your hair is parted or the color of your eyes ), the sound of wood is beautiful, and I'm currently beating myself about the head and shoulders so the purests won't need to.

I'm looking for a conical, Delrin, flute that I can just pick up and play right out of the case without all of the other previously mentioned variables having to be taken into consideration. I just want a damn nice sounding Delrin flute. How about some suggestions? Thanks, Don.

[Feadoggie]

I'm currently beating myself about the head and shoulders so the purests won't need to.

Why? I've carried a delrin/polymer flute around for years with no beatings resulting.

I've owned M&E, Seery and Dixon. I've played Copley and McGee delrins that I liked a great deal. I'd buy a Copley personally. And there are more that I am sure others will mention. Just get one from a reputable maker and start playing. Look at the used instruments board. Doesn't matter what the flutes made from but rather how well it is made and how it's played.

Feadoggie

[cquick]

I have a number of flutes (too many in fact), and I recommend the Copley delrin - I had an early M&E, and in my opinion, the Copely wins hands down.


Good shopping

Chuck

[I.D.10-t]

Do you ever plan on getting keys?

http://www.forbesflutes.com/ Forbes is another Delrin flute maker, but I have no experience with any of them.

Some times Doc Jones has used flutes so it might be worth checking out. http://www.irishflutestore.com

[radcliff]

IMHO forbes is a bit better than others and he's also less expensive...
I vote for Forbes!

[dontf]

I have owned three delrin flutes, current and favorite is one of Terry McGee's large holed Ruddall models. it's really a very good flute!

[Jayhawk]

I'll vote differently...one of M&E's new ebonite flutes would be my vote. They just sound woodier than any other delrin or PVC conical flute I've played or owned (caveat - I've not played a Forbes nor a McGee delrin...I've owned a Seery, Dixon 3 piece and an M&E PVC conical...also played a Copley delrin but not owned one).

Eric

[plunk111]

I'm with Feadoggie on this - I'd buy a Copley. Oh - wait - I DID buy a Copley! Two, in fact, after I got seller's remorse from selling the first one. I had Dave make me one with an elliptical embouchure and a C-nat thumbhole. He doesn't charge extra for either one and is just a super guy to deal with, too! If you're anywhere near Dublin, OH in August, he usually comes to the Irish festival. My current lust is one of his F-flutes in either delrin or blackwood.

[edit] I just noticed that the flute in my avatar is my old Copley...

Pat

[paddler]

I have both a Copley and a Forbes Delrin D flute. Extravagant, I know. I got them with the intention of keeping the one I liked best and selling the other. The trap with that approach is that I ended up liking both of them and now I can't decide which one to let go! Every time I think I prefer one I pick the other up and like it just as much, although they are slightly different to each other. The Forbes seems to require slightly more air and has slightly larger tone holes than the Copley. In other words, it seems a little more Prattenish. But both flutes are capable of a dark reedy tone and I can recommend either one.

[brotherwind]

Hi,
I played M&E, Seery and I own a Forbes. I'd vote for the last one. It's hard to beat even by some wooden flutes.

Moritz

[Doc Jones]

The Forbes is a Pratten as is the Seery. Copley is a Pratten/Rudall hybrid and M&E is a Rudall.

I like them all. No bad decision there. The thing that irritates me is that I get one in and decide it's time for me to keep one for myself then some joker buys it! Story of my life.

I'm one of these days going to special order myself a Copley E,F,G set and a D/Eb set. Maybe I'll have him engrave my name on it or something so I can't sell it.

Doc

[Denny]

you could have him use a different color than black
http://www.boedeker.com/acetal_p.htm

[psychodonald]

Thanks to all who have responded, your experience and opinion are very valuable to me. The two flutes that I have in mind are the Forbes and the Copley with a slight edge toward the Copley. Frankly, I've given thought to buying both of them for different reasons; however, "She who must be obeyed" would have me sleeping with the dogs (just kidding, honey) . As many of you have stated, a person couldn't go wrong with either one and I'm sure that's true. If others, who haven't seen the post as of yet, wish to give me their feedback, it is certainly welcome as I will not make my purchase until next week.

[Jayhawk]

In all honesty, you can't go wrong with any of the flutes listed...just get one and play, play, play.

[m31]

Delrin Copley with traditional / elliptical embouchure hole.

BTW, what does plastic sound like?