~Slide Head Irish ‘D’ Flute (A=440Hz)~
The Rudall & Rose 8 key block mounted flutes have become legendary for their beauty and playing qualities, however few of us could afford one. My slide head flute is based on an 1840 Rudall & Rose with the keys omitted since Irish folk music rarely requires them. It is supplied with cleaning rod and maintenance instructions [ click here ], a wooden case is also available.
The flute has a tapered bore and is in 4 sections. The lower three sections are made of specially selected African Blackwood; probably the best flute making wood available today.
In the vast majority of flutes the first section (the head joint or headpiece) is made of wood, lined with a brass tube which fits into a similar tube which lines the barrel. However the lining of the parts with brass gives rise to major problems. The coefficients of expansion of the wood and the metal are quite different. With changing temperature and humidity the wooden tube and internal metal tube expand differently, leading to cracks. Usually as the result of cracks the liners may become loose, perhaps even rotating and blocking the mouth hole. Neither do the liners make a very satisfactory tuning slide, often proving either too loose or jamming as a result or dirt or corrosion.
To conquer these problems I have designed my own unique slide head. I make the head and barrel out of black acetal engineering plastic which is completely moisture proof and stable. I’ve also developed the slide section to incorporate an ‘O’ ring seal which provides a fine, precise tuning mechanism.
The use of a plastic is not in itself unique. There are references to flutes made of the early plastic 'Ebonite', as far back as the Great Exhibition of 1851. From about 1870 Messrs. Rudall, Rose, Carte & Co. manufactured ebonite flutes that proved very popular. Neither does the use of a plastic affect the tone or quality of the flute in any way. To the contrary, in the opinion of the great Rockstro:
".....a flute made of ebonite possesses great endurance combined with capabilities for producing power, softness, volume, brilliancy, sweetness, clearness, flexibility, and the general variety of tone, in a greater degree than one of any other material.....ebonite must be pronounced the veritable beau idéal of the material for the tube of a flute." - p146 'The Flute' by R. S. Rockstro
I've sold many of my slide-head flutes over the last ten years, with very satisfied customers. This flute has proven itself a reliable instrument, with a high standard of workmanship, based upon a solid design. An excellent choice for the discerning player or student.
Other flutes...
Although the Irish slide-head flute is the most popular flute I make, I have experience in making a variety of flutes. These have included the 18th century Millhouse flute in the key of D , the Baroque Flute D'Amour in B flat and a replica Villars Baroque flute. For more detailed information and pictures please click here.