Rich bases and crisp response.
I hesitate to show you this clip. My fingers were frozen after hours of wading through freezing water and I was out of breath from the hike at 6000ft. But the acoustics in Echo Canyon of the Zion Wilderness are just too amazing to keep hidden. And despite my failings, the flute performed well.
Designed for the minimalist, the case is small and sturdy. It's at home in a backpack or carry-on... it even fits in my back pocket if I'm wearing loose jeans. Guitar players look longingly at the small form factor. It also holds a Tully Whistle.
Use mouse to view with lid on.
It's been tested in the Arctic at -45℉ and in Texas at 105℉. I've also thrown it in the saltwater of Hawaii. I have a lot of fun testing.
While many environmental factors have been mitigated, the Tully Flute is susceptible to extreme heat. In this regard, it needs to be treated as any other fine instrument: please don't leave it in a car in the sun on a hot day. From experience, I can tell you that it will warp!
I began with a common approach: a cylinderical headjoint with a tapered body. Version after version, I made small changes until the sound, response, durablilty, weight, feel, appearance and usability brought to life the kind of flute that I want to play.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of my flute is the construction method. Many of the age-old techniques for flutemaking have carried over into the construction of the Tully Flute. Lathe, drills, files, sandpaper... they're all at home in my shop. A new addition, however, has revolutionized my approach: a 3D printer. First, I create a 3-dimensional computer model. Then that model is printed in my shop. Finally, each piece is machined, hand finished, and voiced.
Is purple with sterling silver rings your thing?
I can do that.
Traditional black? Yep! That, too!
Available Body Colors: light wood, black, and a rainbow of colors.
Available Ring Materials: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and a rainbow of colors.
Physical Accommodations: Standard options include, a left handed head or rotated 3rd finger holes. If you have other needs, I may be able to help.
Just place your name on the waiting list and when your order comes up, I will contact you to find out what your dream flute looks like.
After years of playing, the weight of a flute on my thumbs was beginning to be an irritant; Repetative Motion Syndrome was a real concern. One of my goals when I began designing was to create the lightest flute that I could. At only 5 ounces I think that I succeeded! (Other colors weight slightly more.)
As exotic hardwoods have become more scarce it seemed appropiate to turn to an alternative product. Tully Flutes are made mostly from a special formulation of a non-toxic organic plastic named Polylactic Acid (PLA). In short, it's a plant based plastic. This makes it biodegradable and renewable.
In the interest of full disclosure the tenons are not biodegradable, but the deer below felt like I had made a good start.
I will be offering a keyed version in the future. Design and proto-typing is already underway.
Go to the For Sale page!
