Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hi Folks,

Just a quick question. Can anyone recommend a good Low Bb Flute Maker? I've looked at Casey Burns, Gilles LeHart and a couple of others. I'm not sure who to go to to buy one.

I'm in the UK so would prefer a UK or Irish maker.

Anyone had any experience with LeHart flutes - I've heard some sound bites that sound awesome but a friend of mine says he's had a bad experience with one (there was a problem with it he didn't know about).

Thanks in advance,

Rich

Hey Rich, did you ask Tony, I know he's busy until November but it might be something he would consider? How you getting on with the D?

Is it low Bb pitch month?


A while back I was trying to do what you were - it was just impossible finding a low Bb flute to demo anywhere, unless you were willing to try an alto Boehm flute to get a feel for the pitch, volume and breathing challenges - it still gives little indication of the fingering challenges.

Glenn Watson is on the verge of producing one:

http://www.watsonflutes.com/

and Peter Worrell has a keyed version in production - possibly the first UK maker to offer this as a regular stock item, although I couldn't find any in Justflutes who stock his flutes from time to time:

http://www.peterworrell.co.uk/Bbbassflute.htm

I settled for a Solen Lesouef low B flat flute, mostly for the embouchure plate to stop blackwood induced allergy.

I think it's a bit of blind guesswork, trying to limit down to a local or close to local selection, or what's available (and there isn't that much). As a result, I'm finding the coverage of the fingering very difficult. Lesouef's low Bb has closer finger hole spaces which attracted me, since I really cannot use piper's grip. For this reason, the Siccama styled flute is my preference, which has closer fingered right hand key. Coming from this direction, you can imagine how difficult it is just to try and get to grips with this monster flute.

Nonetheless, I recorded a clip on it just to try and work out how bad my initial trial on it is. Not Breton nor Celtic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unGmwrPBKNM

sorry not a great clip nor effort. I've been busy messing with other instruments lately

Hey Stu,

Yes mate, I contacted Tony but he's no plans at the moment. Mate, the D is sweet, I've no experience of other wooden flutes so I can't compare - but I'm now converted to wood. The Bell note is amazing, I've wound the cork out a few mm and with all the playing it's had it is sounding (to my ears) amazing. I just wish I could really do it justice.

I'm now about to embark on a big spending spree to replace the polymer F and Eb, I'll get a Millyard F coz Tony says they're great - and I believe him...lol.....I think I'm either going to go with a De Keyser or a LeHart Eb. But the Bb is stumping me. I've heard of one player that I really respect having issues with a LeHart flute - but so many others that love em - and Gilles does a Bb as well as Eb.

Tonehole,

Thanks for the reply, and sorry I don't know your real name! I shouldn't have major problems with the extra stretch - I have very long fingers - my bloody middle finger is too long .

Thanks,

Rich

You might consider Hammy Hamilton, I have his Bb and it's a great flute! I also have a Burns low A, it's actually a little easier finger placement then the Hamilton, but I don't have a problem with the Hamilton. The Burns flute is easier to pickup and play, a little more forgiving. The Hamilton I feel like I have'nt begun to reach it's potential. The Hamilton is a more demanding flute, and the more I play it the more I can appreciate what it will offer.

Tjones

I have a LeHart low Bb keyless flute. I really like it. It sounds just like the flute JM Veillon plays on Beo! Not that I can play anywhere near that well, of course, but the flute definitely has that lovely characteristic voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuJqApp5t7o

Olwell Bb

I have a very nice keyless Bb from John Gallagher. http://gallagherflutes.com/

Chris Wilkes Bb keyless there is none better
http://wilkesflutes.co.uk/Site/Contact.html

Thanks,

What prices does Chris Wilkes ask for a Keyless Bb? There is no price list on his website.

Rich

Ah, yes there is....lol, found it! But blimey, a 10 year wait........

I doubt it is a 10 year wait for a keyless flute, that refers to the keyed flutes. I understand the keyless flutes are made in batches. I'd contact him by e-mail and see what he says.

..Or get a LeHart, probably in a month or two. I am quite convinced you will get your money back if you decide it's not for you

Aebi makes a very nice Bb as well.

Doc