M and E Flutes

Product Descriptions

Our standard instrument is the keyless Irish flute in the key of D, machined from black polymer rod stock. We do have several variations, as described below (click on pictures for enlargements). We usually keep a few keyless polymer D flutes available for order. Other variations are typically made to order. See our order form for prices and other ordering information. Contact Michael directly when ordering wood or keyed flutes.

Keyless Polymer Flute - Key of D
Key of Eb and F flutes
Keyed Flutes
Wood Flutes
Joint Rings
Cases

Keyless Polymer Flute - Key of D

Note on photo: All key of D flutes now have joint rings as a standard item.

M and E flutes in the key of D are patterened after Rudall and Rose traditional Irish flute. These flutes are built in 6 sections:
   - End Cap
   - Head
   - Barrel
   - Left Hand Section
   - Right Hand Section
   - Foot

Our flutes have a tough, corrosion resistant, nickel alloy tuning slide between the head and barrel. The tuning slide tubes run inside the entire length of both the head and barrel sections. This construction yields a very strong, smooth operating tuning mechanism. All of our flutes are conical bore instruments (vs. cylindrical bore), making our flutes very strong in the lower ranges. The end cap is removable, allowing the cork in the head section to be adjusted to give excellent tuning and strength across the entire range of the instrument. The polymers used in M and E flutes do not swell, shrink, or warp with time or moisture. So, the socket-and-tenon joints between the flute sections do not require cork, twine, or any other sealers to keep the joints firm and air-tight.

Key of Eb and F Flutes
We also make flutes in the keys of Eb and F. These flutes have the same structure as the D flutes, except that the right hand section and foot section are combined into one section (total of 5 sections instead of 6). These flutes also have tuning slides. Although not in the "standard" key of D (for traditional Irish music), these flutes are lighter and have smaller finger spacings than their larger cousin. Some flute players may also prefer these keys for certain tunes.

Note: Joint rings are not available on key of Eb and F flutes.

Keyed Flutes
Polymer D flutes can be ordered with keys. Four keys are standard: F natural, G#, C natural, and Eb. Also available are Bb, and a "long" F natural key that can be played by the left little finger (as opposed to the right ring finger for the "short" F natural key). See this for close-ups of keys.

Keys are recommended for advanced players only. If you purchase a keyless flute, keys can be retro-fitted onto keyless flutes. Contact Michael Cronnolly directly if you are planing to order a keyed flute, but first read this note.

Wood Flutes

Keyless rosewood flutes in the key of D are available. These flutes are not recommended for players that live in highly variable climates (large temperature and humidity variations) and for players that do not have experience caring for wooden instruments.

Soft cases are ideal for keyless flutes. Sewn by Evelyn Cronnolly especially for M and E Flutes, these water-resistant cases have pockets to separate the sections of your disassembled flute. Flap folds over open end and seals with a velcro strip. Soft cases have a belt loop for carrying.

Hard Flute Case Hard cases are custom made for Michael Cronnolly, and are designed to protect keyed flutes.