Hello all fluters,
I have a good friend, classically trained flutist who is starting the switch to ITM and wants to buy a decent wooden flute. She wants keys, at least 3, but can only afford between $750-900 US at this time. What is a good maker that makes flutes that can have keys added later? I have a Murray and she loves the sound of it.
Thanks so much for your excellent advice,
Bill Coulter
There are three approaches, if you want to add keys later. 1) Have blocks carved on a keyless flute, to which keys can be added later; 2) Choose a maker who does pin-mount keys, 3) Get a keyless flute from a maker who will allow the keyless body to be traded against a keyed body later.
In the price range you state, I think the following makers could be good options:
Casey Burns
Dave Copley
Martin Doyle
Glenn Watson
You may also find a good deal here: http://www.irishflutestore.com
George Ormiston is another possibility.
I have a Casey Burns in Mopane and love it. Casey is helpful, friendly, and easy to work with.
There are many great flute makers around, but I recommend Martin Doyle. Great flutes (with or without tuning slide or keys); easy to play; fantastic tone with full top and bottom ends; very reasonably priced considering the quality and generally not much of a wait. Friendly and helpful guy as well. He’s out in Clare and will have a website up later this month (July) at: http://www.martindoyleflutes.com