Planning to order a flute?

[rh]

Maybe this will help to focus one of the topics brought up in the "Dollar is toast" thread?

It might also be helpful here to elaborate a bit and specify what country you live in.

Q: Are you planning to order a flute from a maker in the next 12 months?

In my case, no. I've been looking at used 6 keyed flutes, as there have been some deals of late -- but at the moment (and likely the forseeable future) i lack the available funds. I do have some mandolins i'd consider selling, but the used instrument market in general looks pretty soft and i'd rather hang onto what i've got than dump instruments; been there, done that, felt like a fool.

I wouldn't consider myself anything more than a hobby player, i don't go to sessions, and at the moment a fully-keyed flute is more of an indulgence than i can afford. As far as keyless flutes, i have more than enough. So i would say i'm not seriously in the market right now.

I'm in the US.

[jemtheflute]

I do some small scale buying, refurbishing and re-selling of low to medium level 2nd hand flutes - mostly antique, but sometimes by current makers. I would hope to make some advantageous purchases from the US by virtue of the present state of the exchange rates.

Direct answer to Q as stated: No - not unless I win the lottery - then, makers look out!

I'm not really in the market for brand new "maker" flutes - and if I was for personal use (rather than trade), it would be from Wilkes or Grinter most likely, with sufficiently long waiting lists that the current financial situation is scarcely a significant factor. Murray, Aebi, Olwell or McGee might feature in my wish list and buying such high level flutes, I would only be interested in fully keyed models - which puts them utterly beyond my present means so I can't even think about it, regardless of the international economic situation. I might look to buy a high level antique if certain things came up and I could scrape up the dosh! In fantasy land, I'd like a good Eb and I also fancy a low Bb and or A, but again would want fully keyed including foot joint, making it a very expensive fantasy!

I am thinking seriously about ordering a Swayne Low D whistle and I'm supposed to have a John Glenydd pibgorn on order, but that seems to be kind-of in limbo......

I'm a fairly serious long-standing player, regular session attender and semi-pro as a teacher and performer as well as a low-level dealer/restorer.

[Jay]

I'm on two waiting lists. One should come up in a month or so. The other will be quite a bit longer...

Jay

[Gabriel]

Yep. Will place the deposit in early december. Estimated wait around two years. European maker.

[sbfluter]

I voted no but not because of economic conditions.

I really need to focus on the business of learning and not on the business of buying. I've got three really good flutes already. If I cannot become a good player with these flutes, another flute isn't going to make any difference.

I cannot understand if money was a little tight why someone would sell a $1000 flute. That's not enough to pay the rent. The flute costs nothing to own. Sell the stupid gas guzzler in your driveway instead. Not only will you gain a little extra cash you'll lose a big huge continuous expense.

If someone is selling a flute because they have more than one already, then that's a good thing. They may be spreading the joy of Irish music to someone who doesn't have a flute already. Creating a possible future new flute order.

[segv]

Just last week, I upgraded from the plastic brick I'd been playing for a year to my first "real" flute - a keyless Grinter made in 2001. What a joy to play! I don't know what took me so long. (And big thanks to everybody here who helped me figure it all out).

The dilemma I'm facing now is that on the one hand, I know I'll be happy with this flute for some time to come, but on the other hand, I know that I'll want keys eventually. Since most makers (I'm leaning Aebi) have waiting lists for keyed flutes that are 18 Months or more, I should probably start worrying about getting on a list sooner rather than later.

[Thomaston]

I'm just a whistler so far, but I plan on ordering my first flute from Tipple in the next couple of months, so I can learn.

[eilam]

segv - why don't you get really used to the Grinter............if you love it in a year, send it to a maker who will put keys on it ?

[Jon C.]

I have no plans on ordering a new flute, (of course I would just make one )but I am always looking for a antique..

[Denny]

Q: Are you planning to order a flute from a maker in the next 12 months?

Well, no....not planning to....

wouldn't be the first time that he was wrong...

[dow]

I voted no. But I just got a new (to me) refurbished (by Jon) 1850's Hall & Son six-key a couple of months ago. I'm satisfied.

[Denny]

I'm satisfied.

I so like those fleeting moments!

[seamasL]

I have a McGee GLP due to be delivered sometime this Spring. Six keys, made from Gidgee. It is going to be beautiful, I can hardly wait!
I have a McGee GLP keyless now, made from Gidgee. I love it!!
I would not have ever learned about Terry if it were not for this forum, it is a wonderful place to learn.
Jim

[chas]

I'm through with ordering flutes. I have a Rottenburgh model on order from Peter Noy, but that will definitely be it. I'll likely be selling a couple in the not too distant future.

[dow]

I'm satisfied.

I so like those fleeting moments!

Dangit, Denny! Now you just stop that. I've almost got myself convinced!