Just wondering if anyone could give some recommendations on relatively inexpensive irish keyless flutes? Brands? Websites? Plastic/Wood etc.

I know that tony dixon do some rather good whistles - are they good for flutes too?

http://www.magictails.com/abydos/mid-east/wind.html

http://www.firescribble.net/flute/makers.html

A lot of info and many relevant links here:

http://www.standingstones.com/irflute1b.html#flinks

Or ask in a forum:

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=b0095faf58dcdc07bdb46e709a532f45

Isn`t Google useful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for a list of random links. Google is indeed useful for producing them.

However, it doesnt really help determining a good flute, or characteristics to aide me in finding one.

I`d much rather have input from a past/present player than just a random link, if you dont mind.

Sharp witty retorts! Aren`t they useful?

"However, it doesnt really help determining a good flute, or characteristics to aide me in finding one.

I`d much rather have input from a past/present player than just a random link, if you dont mind."

Why not? I included a forum for people who play such things. Yuu will find a thousand times more expertise to consult there than here, surely?

This just doesn`t seem the right place, so I was as helpful as I could be to point you in a better direction.

I feel it`s a bit rough giving such negative feedback after I have obviously spend a fair bit of time for you, from which I gain absolutely nothing.

Besides, there is a wealth of info AND many links to more Irish flute centred information in those specialist sites, which I don`t think you could have fully explored for the info you want such a short time.

There is no really famous irish flute makers well not here in Ireland its more that they make flutes for different styles of playing. If you live in Ireland or ever intend on visiting here pay a viait to a traditional maker. When I got my first traditional flute it was second hand from the newspaper and it just didnt suit me even though I could play it it just didnt feel natural. But for my birthday last year my parents brought me to a maker and it was brill. I got to chose the wood (different tones for different woods)and then I got measured for fingering(within reason of course) and then I got to design my case for it and then he engraved the box for free.
Sorry if this dosent help but its better to get it right first time.

Leprachaun

Ed, I welcome the fact that you out of everyone else who browse this forum decided to do something and help.

However, given the fact that it is internet based, and I too have access to google - would be reasonable to assume that i`d already tried the google route?

TBH it was your final statement of how good google was that essentially made me think that it was just an exercise in micky taking, and hence the (in my mind) suitable quippy remark.

I apologise if this is not the case.

Leprechaun, thanks for your response. Its good to hear that you found you`re own "Jim`ll fix-it" and made you an instrument that was bespoke to you.

It does strike me as rather odd though that there arent any reputable brands, other than the cursory "Dont buy anything from Pakistan!" statements as found on Chiff n Fipple. I mean, if a tin whistle which can cost as little as £1.50 gets reviewed/slated, then surely similar evaluation would take place of (relatively) far more expensive items?

"However, given the fact that it is internet based, and I too have access to google - would be reasonable to assume that i`d already tried the google route?"

Methinks you are side-stepping here. Did you join the appropriate forum(s) that Google found, and ask your question at such an appropriate place? If not, then I don`t think you really used Google. Just my opinion.