looking for a renaissance style low D flute

[markgoespop]

I'm looking for a low D flute for Tudor reenactment. It should be a one piece, wood, cylindrical bore, 6-hole flute. I'd like something really simple, like an upscaled sweetheart renaissance piccolo.

Does anyone know where to get such a thing without spending a fortune?

Thanks,
Mark

[jemtheflute]

Check out the Makers List - some of those guys do such things, though I've no idea about prices. A pity Moeck have left this market.

[tin tin]

I thought Sweetheart made a Renaissance flute, but I don't see it on their website. Might be worth asking.
An alternative could be a bamboo flute: http://billymiller.wordpress.com/

Here's some interesting info on Renaissance flutes: http://www.oldflutes.com/renai.htm

[plunk111]

I think this would work for you. I have one of his and they're well worth the price.

Pat

[pflipp]

That's a whole lot of bamboo for a time when a pendulum clock was considered a novelty

If you want wood, do a search for "renaissance" on the flute forum (or indeed, consult Jem's list). Some results from searching:

http://berneyflutes.com/pages/02flutes/ ... itzer.html
http://giovannitardino.it/index.php/cat ... cimentali/
http://www.baroqueflute.com/models/rena ... index.html

See also this topic: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60605

Good luck!

[MikeS]

A couple months ago I was talking to the folk at the Von Huene Workshop. At that time they still had about a half dozen Renaissance flutes, although they are no longer in the catalog. They said that these were among the last flutes Friedrich Von Huene made before retiring. They had different wood and trim options and the prices were in the $600-800 range. Not cheap, but a good investment if you are committed to that kind of music.

As I recall, they also mentioned that actual Renaissance flutes are set up to play in the key of C. Although the lowest note is D, the xxx xoo fingering is tuned to an F natural rather than an F sharp.

http://www.vonhuene.com/

Another possibility would be to see if you could find a Sweetheart C flute. I'm suggesting this only because the books and sheet music I've seen for this music tend toward the keys of C and F. I'm not sure if Ralph still has any around, but if you put out a call you might find one.

[talasiga]

http://billymiller.wordpress.com/

I have never tried a Miller flute but looking at the mouthhole cut
on them I see a lot of care has been put into that.
Enticing.

[jim stone]

I have a billy m Bb flute (high) and it's quite good. I believe Patrick O
recommends Billy's flutes.

[waltsweet]

Mark,

I know that Renaissance flutes are not listed on the website, but Dad may still have one. Just send him an email at ralphsweet@aol.com

Walt

[Cork]

...I know that Renaissance flutes are not listed on the website, but Dad may still have one...

Walt

I have a Sweetheart Renaissance D flute in maple wood which I bought new more than ten years ago, serial number 39xx.

Cylindrical bore throughout, the embouchure hole is small and the tuning is somewhat primitive, as could be expected, but it is quite well made.

The newer and keyless Sweetheart Resonance flutes are far more refined, however, and thank you for that, Walt Sweet!

On the day I got my Resonance flute, Walt Sweet played a low D on it and then three octaves beyond that, topped by a fourth D.

http://www.sweetheartflute.com/irishflutes.html

However, my favorite Sweetheart flute is a two-piece D flute as made by Ralph Sweet, Walt's father, a wild and wonderful flute made of cherry wood.

Like father, like son, as the saying goes, but in this case not quite so, yet well worth the difference.

[crookedtune]

Since we're off-topic anyway, and Walt's on board:

It's nice to see the Sweets getting some attention again. I've had a few of their instruments go through my hands, and all were great buys at their price points. Several didn't become favorites, but only because Ralph and Walt were constantly trying new ideas, and refining things along the way. They've been pioneers of the craft for several decades, and continue to innovate.

My Sweetheart blackwood F flute and Dymondwood 'Mellow-Pro' whistle are fine instruments that measure up to anything else I've played. Absolute keepers!

Back on topic, I'm afraid I have nothing to add.

[Cork]

...Back on topic...

To the OP, markgoespop:

If what you need is a Renaissance D flute, then please contact the Sweet family, makers of Sweetheart flutes.

http://www.sweetheartflute.com/

Renaissance flutes are inherently primitive by modern standards, but Sweetheart can make a very good one.

[cavefish]

I think peter Noy makes them too