thinking of buying one of these - thoughts?

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Callidor
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thinking of buying one of these - thoughts?

Post by Callidor »

http://www.serenitybambooflutes.com/dar ... lutes.html

These look like a nice thing to have, and the price is right. Judging by the testimonials, people seem to enjoy them. Do any of you have any experience with bamboo instruments? Anything I should be aware of before I purchase one? Thanks.
"There was never a bad peace or a good war" -Benjamin Franklin

"Those who dream by day are aware of much which escapes those who dream only by night." -Edgar Allen Poe

Tarandros
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Post by Tarandros »

I haven't played one of these but I did try a Tony Dixon six hole polymer Irish flute. It cost about $35 and the layout looks very similar to these bamboo ones.

http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/GR2154-p ... e-page.htm

Apart from the new fingering and the very shallow embouchure hole, what really finished it for me was the very wide spacing between the e and d holes (i.e. third and fourth fingers of the right hand). I found it impossible to stretch that far with the fourth finger without getting cramp and also I got a feeling of tendonitis in my left hand as well because of the contorted position.. The bamboo flutes are obviously in different sizes, and based on my experience, if you buy one, go for one of the shorter varieties as it will be a lot less of a strain on your fingers and hands.... Kind regards, T.

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Callidor
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Post by Callidor »

Interesting link - I was originally looking for something of that style, but made of wood. Unfortunately, it's pretty tough to find keyless 6-hole flutes like that...at least for any reasonable price.

Anyway, the fingering distance is something I hadn't even considered, and now that you mention it, the space does look pretty considerable. Like anything, I wish I could try it out before buying, but alas, I have no means of getting to their store in Mass. Oh well...thanks for the advice; I'll definitely consider it.
"There was never a bad peace or a good war" -Benjamin Franklin

"Those who dream by day are aware of much which escapes those who dream only by night." -Edgar Allen Poe

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Phineas
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Post by Phineas »

Here is where I get my bamboo/cane/wood flutes.

http://www.eriktheflutemaker.com/
http://www.sunreed.com/

Eric in particular has the over all best selection. He is also a great player! Other than that, both place have reasonably priced instruments.

If that is not cheap enough, you can get them made of Cane here

http://www.magictails.com/abydos/mid-east/wind.html
You can get a cane flute for pretty cheap. However, they are not as durable as the bamboo flutes.

If that is not cheap enough for you, you can always make a PVC flute. There are so many websites, I would just say do a search and pick one.

Hope this helps!

Phineas

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Callidor
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Post by Callidor »

wow, Erik's stuff looks great. I'm strongly considering getting one of his 12" major fifes. Thanks for the info!
"There was never a bad peace or a good war" -Benjamin Franklin

"Those who dream by day are aware of much which escapes those who dream only by night." -Edgar Allen Poe

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