The Curious Melody Flute

[Jaded]

I recently acquired a "Melody" brand (primitive) transverse flute made in Maryland. It was used, and after a trip through the dishwasher (without drying cycle), I gave it a try. This flute is constructed like a tin whistle turned on its side, with a "cheater" welded to the side to direct air flow to the embouchure hole. The "cheater" is a simple, rectangular, metal chute, like a fipple.

I originally thought the instrument to be a waste, as tin whistles are widely available and seemed to offer a simpler design. Now I've tried it. I find it has certain unique characteristics that differentiate it from the whistle, other than merely the need to play it in a transverse rather than vertical manner:

1. There is no notable resistance to transitioning to the second register.
2. There is no fipple with a narrow air chute to wholly or partially clog, so clogging doesn't seem to occur.
3. The sound is softer than some whisltes, and, as one might expect, flute-like.
4. There is no raspy sound due to moisture in the "cheater", as sometimes occurs with some whistle fipples.
5. (I generally don't get the odd little noises from it that I sometimes get from whistles.)

The instrument still affords the same reliable tone and effortless flow of air as a whistle.

All in all, although I had thought the tin whistle to be the ultimate fipple flute, this Melody flute is a fantastic instrument. I do like the sound of certain whistles, but this Melody flute is easily playable through the top of the second register, and seems to be a superior instrument for traditional music.

Does anyone know if new versions of this style of flute (transverse flute with cheater welded to the side) are still being made by any company?

Are the "cheaters" widely available as a substitute from a low cost source?