It is possible for all flute players to have an instrument which:

• made of well-proven tonewood
• has a traditional conical bore
• speaks easily, with a strong low D
• has correct intonation
• is aesthetically attractive
• is reasonably priced

The Folk Flute of the Future

The Folk Flute now comes as a 3 piece instrument made from European Boxwood. This excellent wood has been used for wooden flutes for centuries. The new 3 piece Folk Flute design allows rotational adjustment between the left and right hands. This flute is available in my Standard and Small Handed Flute Model configurations.

What it is and how to get one

The Folk Flute is a three-piece wooden flute for playing traditional music: nothing more, but nothing less! Crafted individually by hand in America from European Boxwood by an artisan flute maker, each Folk Flute is unique and will only gain character and depth of tone with age--as will all traditional wooden flutes. It is designed for:

• beginning and intermediate wooden flute players
• beginning Irish music players
• whistle players getting a "first flute"
• younger flute players
• experienced players with limited budgets
• experienced players who want a fine instrument for travel
• players who want a great instrument with a proven track record

The Folk Flute is the Best Choice for beginning players, period. The Folk Flute features the same accoustical design as my more expensive Standard Model Flutes, voiced and tuned with the same degree of care and attention, using exactly the same reamers and processes. It plays as well as my more expensive models! Available in European Boxwood, right or left handed, Ergonomic Standard and Small-Handed versions, Standard and Small Handed Straight Line versions.

"It plays beautifully: intonation is excellent, response is really good, the tone is wonderful, and it is very comfortable to play. I give it two thumbs up." Grey Larsen, noted Irish flute player and author of The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle

Is the Folk Flute is an appropriate choice for me? Beginning traditional flute players want an easy to play and maintain instrument that they can grow with. The Folk Flute fits these requirements well. Intermediate players want an instrument that has a good tone and quick response that will hold up well in sessions. My more expensive flutes (many without all the acoutrements such as tuning slides and keys) are widely used in sessions. The Folk Flute is acoustically identical - and thus works well for sessions. The player is not limited by this instrument.

I am considering keys or a tuning slide later on. Should I get one of the other models? The Folk Flute is a good reference point even for those unsure about these extra options. Many of my Folk Flute clients decide eventually that they want a flute with all the works from me or one of my contemporaries, many of which who make fantastic instruments. Once in hand, some have reported keeping their Folk Flute as a handy traveling instrument, or a comfortable and familiar fallback when they just can't cope with the new keywork. Others have reported quickly selling their Folk Flute to a new owner - commonly for the same price as the purchase price.

Is the Folk Flute tuneable? I make the Folk Flute with a 32-33mm long headjoint tenon, which allows for some adjustment for when tuning to other players. The headjoint can be pulled out or rolled inward to flatten it as needed. Since most everyone plays at A-440Hz only a small range of tuning adjustment is needed. The range is similar to that found on wooden recorders.

What doesn't come with the Folk Flute: end cap, rings, tuning slide, keys and retrofit capabilities. Leaving out these options allows me to quickly make these flutes available with quick delivery times - for a price most can afford. A simple cloth case is now provided.

Why are these now made in European Boxwood instead of Mopane? Those familiar with this flute are probably wondering why I stopped making these in Mopane. For a number of years now there has been a significant shortage of Mopane, due to it being overharvested for such "noble" uses as Parquet Flooring unfortunately. I usually want to conserve what I have or is available to me for my more expensive flutes. What I can get is also somewhat wet, requiring additional time for the wood to equilibrate to my shop humidity, which means a longer delivery time (currently about 6-8 months) which doesn't work well for a flute promised with a short delivery time! On the other hand, I am able to easily get European Boxwood at a price comparable to Mopane. Given its long history in its use as a flute wood, its availability and the fact that I am not allergic to it, it seems like an excellent choice. I am also sitting on a nice large pile of it, dry and ready to use.

Boxwood versus Mopane: Boxwood has a reputation for minor warping. This is minimized through careful selection of well dried wood, which is then roughed and allowed to get all the kinks out of it before the final shape is turned. I usually heat treat the wood using a process similar to sizing fabric that provides additional stability. Warping when it occurs is usually minimal and does not detract from the playability of the instrument. If anything it enhances it, based on my observations. Mopane warps to a similar degree but is also considerably more crack prone.

Tonally, both woods compare very well with each other. Boxwood is a little quicker in its response, slightly lighter in weight and very lively tonally compared with Mopane. If you have additional questions about the new model, please email me.

Note to American Tax Payers: Use your Tax Refund or Stimulus Check to Get One!!!!

Price: $375.00.

Domestic (US) Shipping: $14. I ship via USPS Priority Mail, insured at full value.
International Shipping: $33. I insure and document your shipment at full value. Any duty or sales tax (VAT/TVA) is your responsibility. - consult your local authorities.

Buy the Folk Flute together with Grey Larsen's Essential Guide: For convenience, you may order a Folk Flute together with Grey Larsen's book, The Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle.

Price: $414.95
Domestic (US) Shipping: $15. I ship via USPS Priority Mail, insured at full value.
International Shipping: $40. I insure and document your shipment at full value. Any duty or sales tax (VAT/TVA) is your responsibility - consult your local authorities.

More Details...

International customers: Please use the International Customer "Buy Now" buttons above for your purchase. If you have questions or problems completing your international order, please e-mail me. All transactions are in US Dollars.

If you do not wish to purchase with PayPal or Credit Card: Please e-mail me with your purchase request to arrange payment details. For US Customers I accept personal checks and money orders; For International Orders, I accept only secured payment methods in US Dollars. Orders will ship after funds are verified.

All sales are final. Customization, servicing, tweaking and repairs if any will be considered on a case by case basis. You will receive an automatically generated acknowledgement of your order. Please refer to this website for delivery updates, which are updated weekly, instead of contacting me. This allows me to concentrate on the flutes, not answering email. By ordering, you agree to these terms.