FS: 2004 Eamonn Cotter 4 keyed flute

I have a blackwood Eamonn Cotter flute with Cnat, Bb, G#, and short Fnat keys. It has a one piece centre section. I have the original case. It is a lovely flute which has been used for sessions, gigs and recordings, kept well oiled, rings and keys regularly polished, cling film on the pads when oiling to keep them good, etc. The bore is smooth, the pads fit tightly, the rings are secure. It’s a belter. I’ve been keeping it for emergencies since buying an Olwell in 2012, but I’m now wanting to sell it to raise money for a C19th flute I’ve found.

In 2007 I had the Fnat key block repaired by Andy May of Edinburgh. It’s a very neat repair. In 2008 I had to get the barrel replaced and the tenon repaired after an accident on the road. That work was done by Eamonn himself. It’s been absolutely fine since then.

If anyone wants to ask about it, to see some photos, or hear some sound files, please email me at markmalinky at hotmail dot com

I would like to get in the vicinity of £1700 for it, plus P&P. I don’t know the shipping cost, but will make enquiries if I get any interest. I prefer not to use Paypal for a UK buyer, but happy to discuss options with anyone outside the UK. £1700 is about 2100 Euro or about $2500 US.

I’m based in central Scotland, so anyone close by is welcome to come to Edinburgh or Fife to see/hear/try it for themselves.

Thanks
m.d.

Just to say so, a four key flute is fully chromatic and so could take a flute player a very long way. True, a six key flute has some additional flexibility but a four key flute can get the job done. The seller here seems to know his stuff and seeing as how the flute has been overhauled by Eamonn Cotter himself …

There is no such thing as a “perfect” flute and so this is as good as anywhere. C’mon, flute players.

The seller does indeed “know his stuff”.

Kenny, yes, I gave a technical analysis of a four keyed flute’s ability but after 40+ years on all sorts of flutes I can attest to the accuracy, honesty and integrity of emmdee’s comments and description of the flute he has for sale. Yes, fellow flute players, this is the kind of flute which could take you well into and to beyond Irish traditional music. (Jeremy, am I allowed to say such blasphemy?) But yes, emmdee is offering a high quality flute and this is an offer which should not be ignored.

I’m sure it is a great flute and every flute has it’s price and a buyer. I don’t know what Cotter flutes sell for but I got a lovely six keyed instrument from these gentlemen http://traditionalirishflutes.com/index.htm a couple of years ago for about two thirds of above asking price, though I see their prices have risen a little since.

Money is money but in this case the discussion is of a high quality flute with no question about the seller and no question about the flute. The seller has been entirely aboveboard and honest, the flute comes from a reputable maker and has been overhauled by the same maker. C’mon, flute players, try this one, especially to those who have never tried a chromatic flute. This four key flute can take you a long way.

The transition from a keyless D flute to a four key D flute opens a whole new universe of music potential.

Thanks for the interest and comments, folks.

I have seen keyed Cotters offered for that sort of money before, but it’s always tough to pitch a sale at the right level. There are many flutes being offered at the moment, which makes it harder. I would be flexible on the price if someone asked me, certainly, but luckily I don’t have to sell it immediately and I wouldn’t just give it away. The C19th flute I was after is off the menu now anyway, but when I finally sell mine it will be to buy another good 6 or 8 keyed flute in case either of my sons takes an interest. 4 keys will do the job, but I prefer the versatility of 6.

ATB
m.d.

Is the flute left handed?

The holes are, mate, but the keys aren’t 🙂 Sorry, it’s a standard righty.
m.d.

Let me say it again especially to those of you who are now playing a keyless D flute that this high quality four keyed D flute could take you a very long way into music, fully chromatic. Yes, a six keyed flute offers more flexibility and an eight keyed flute offers even more but a four keyed flute brings you genuinely into the musical world of chromatics.

And let me add that o’muirgheasain isn’t on a commission, folks!

m.d.

True, I have no financial interest in this matter whatsoever. But a four keyed D flute really is somewhat of a jumping off point for those who are playing a keyless D flute. This flute can go just about anywhere.

Thanks a million for reply. Sounds like a lovely flute. Best of luck selling it 🙂