How to find an Irish flute or tin whistle
Irish flutes are not usually found in a local music shop, but there are many ways to try out and purchase one. The Guide to the Irish Flute prepared by Brad Hurley will give you a very good idea of what an Irish flute is and who makes them.
An Irish flute with 'all-fingers-on' will have you covering six holes. The standard note which this sounds is D. (this is called a 'D flute'.) That's the kind you want.
An Irish flute with 'all-fingers-on' will have you covering six holes. The standard note which this sounds is D. (this is called a 'D flute'.) That's the kind you want.
A wooden flute without keys is the simplest choice. You will not be taught any tunes which need flute keys. Most traditional Irish music does not require a keyed flute.
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Some wooden flutes I recommend are those made by Patrick Olwell, John Gallagher (of Elkins, West Virginia), Chris Wilkes, Paddy Ward. There are many more makers listed on the flute makers directory. All these instruments are hand-made and often have a waiting list. A good starter flute can be a "composite" flute made of delrin or polymer. The best of these flutes are machined just like a wooden flute but with less expensive materials. Most flute players keep their composite flute forever, to leave out on a table at home or to use in inhospitable climates, because they are virtually unbreakable.
Rob Forbes, Paddy Ward, and Michael Cronnolly make great composite flutes. I'm happy to consult with you before your flute purchase if you are coming for lessons or classes. -------------------------------------------------------- Some great low end whistles are available from Jerry Freeman at his ebay shop. Higher end Irish whistles are made by John Sindt Michael Copeland Michael Burke; and others. Some have waiting lists, with or without deposits. |
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