I'm trying to find a good wooden flute

fixationdarknes · Post by **fixationdarknes** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:06 pm

I enjoy playing instruments of sorts and listening to/composing music. And mostly for fun, I want to buy one of those wooden flutes that is played much like a recorder.

I want to play songs like the one played in Hobbiton of Lord of the Rings, and songs that are in the Zelda games that Link plays on his ocarina. Mostly to mess around and have fun, but I do want my flute to sound well too.

A link to an ebay listing of wooden flutes:
http://search.ebay.com/wooden-flute_W0Q ... QQsbrsrtZl

I was wondering if you guys could tell me which of those are good to get, or subsequently which ones not to get.

Thanks in advance.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 4:00 pm

Are you looking for something along the lines of a whistle, or a wooden Boehm flute (what you usually think of when you hear "flute", but made of wood)? Many of the flutes listed in that eBay search are instruments native to other cultures, and most likely will not produce the tone (or possibly even the notes) you are looking for. There are other forums dedicated solely to the various types of whistle, so if that's what you're looking for, I'd suggest asking there. If it's a flute you're after, most wooden Boehm flutes are quite expensive (even the cheapest run about 1500 USD), so for the limited number of pieces you want it for, you may be better off buying a cheaper metal flute, and playing that. You could even buy a wood headjoint to put on it that would give it that "woody" sound, and still spend considerably less than for a full wooden instrument. Then there's also the option of a simple system/Irish/Baroque flute, which has not been the standard for some 100+ years now, but can sound quite nice. High quality simple system flutes also can cost a great deal, though, so buying one off eBay might be the best solution. Regardless of what type of instrument you want, keep in mind that you often get what you pay for in the musical world, so if something looks too cheap to be true, it probably is. Also be sure that whatever you buy is free from cracks, and any keys (if any) operate smoothly. Pads and corks and such can be replaced for a price, so are not of the greatest concern, but if you want to play it right away, be sure that the pads are free from splits, cracks, wrinkles, holes, etc. I hope all of that helps a bit. If you can clarify exactly what you're looking at buying, I feel sure the people here can provide additional information.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 6:56 pm

Umm... just in case you want to know exactly what kind of flute it was that played the theme in hobbiton in the LOTR, here it is the story. If you listen to the theme in the first film, and then listen to it again in the third film, it is actually two different kinds of flutes.

The composer (Howard Shore) made this change to show a subtle evolution in the music to reflect the changes in the charachters and how their view on the world has changed. So, in the beginning, it is an Irish tin/penny whistle, and in the end, it is the normal Concert flute.

Also, a type of flute that I really like is the Alto Recorder. they are very mellow, and sound great (or at least those made by Yamaha). I know that if you listen to the flute solo in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it is played on an Alto Recorder (I am 90% sure about this one, but it might have been an transverse irish flute in the key of g ).

I dont play any video games, so I dont know the theme from zelda, but if it is a high pitched flute, it might be a fife or piccolo.

So, if you are just wanting to play folk-like songs, and simple things, then a simple system flute is the way to go. If you might progress to things that have more chromatic/ accidental-ridden patterns, a concert flute is the way to go.

Also, if you look around, and cant find the instrument you want in wood (or afford it

) you can always go with plastic. High quality plastics (ABS Resin for example) also give a great tone. They are more mellow than metal, but more shrill than wood.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 7:24 am

I want to buy one of those wooden flutes that is played much like a recorder.

I'd think a penny whistle might be up your alley.

Just as flutepicc06 mentioned, there are a LOT of wood flutes out there and depending on the materials used, the sound can vary quite a bit (for ex, rosewood vs. bamboo).

That's cool information about the music behind LOTR, fluteguy18.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:33 pm

Yeah, I thought it was really neat too. I was watching the DVD the LOTR Symphony, and there were segments with commentary. VERY cool.

legolas · Post by **legolas** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:52 am

Hi
Thank you for reading my post.
does any one know what used to play this?
It is from Narnia movie and it is really, really good.

http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/72819 ... ullaby.mp3

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:18 am

to me it sounds like a sort of bamboo flute. It sounds very similiar to one of the bamboo flutes used in the music of Memoirs of a Geisha (and not the shakuhatchi)/

It is definately a flute of sorts, and definately wooden, and most likely a simple system flute. MY best guess is a bamboo flute.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 12:15 pm

It sounds more like an English Horn or some more obscure reeded instrument to me. I can't claim to be an expert on exotic flutes, but it doesn't sound like a flute to me.

legolas · Post by **legolas** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 12:31 pm

During my searches i found this :
http://www.ringflute.com/hearit.html
it is very soft voice and i never heard such good voice before.
can you please refer me some good and affordable flutes?
I am beginner

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 12:55 pm

Those flutes can be found on ebay quite easily.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 4:47 pm

One of my best friends here at EKU plays the english horn in our symphonic band and orchestra. To me it sounds similiar to an english horn, but more like a flute. I too dont consider myself an expert on exotic flutes, but I have played in multiple ensembles where they were the main type of flute in the ensemble.

It sounds like a sort of chinese bamboo flute IMHO

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:15 am

I am unable to hear the links now, but from the url I will assume you
found the Fawn's lullaby from "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe"

That was played on an Armenian duduk.
This is a double reeded instrument, and yes it is a simple system
instrument.

As to wooden flutes, it would depend upon what you want, to be honest.

There are several variations out there, from simple system to Boehm
system.
with prices to match.
I grabbed one off ebay on a lark and have come to regret it, as I am
going to have correct the tuning and refinish it.

If you want a good one, you can go to Sweetheart flutes, for a selection
http://www.sweetheartflute.com/
or perhaps see what you can get from Terry Mcgee.
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/

If you want to stick with inexpensive you could try Erik at:
http://eriktheflutemaker.com/

lstanford · Post by **lstanford** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:31 pm

Check out Chris Abell's wooden Boehm flutes. Abellflute.com

Do a search on the "casey burns folk flute"

Check out M&E polymer flutes and Desy Seery polymer flutes.

(Don't worry, the polymer flutes sound just as good and are indestructable. I've tried all of them and think the Seery is the best.)