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Testimonials, Part 3

The following are testimonials from owners of Martin Doyle flutes. If you would like to add a testimonial to these pages, kindly contact Martin Doyle or his webmaster.

John Wood – flute player from London, England:

         Hello Martin, I just wanted to thank you for making such a sweet and singing piece of Blackwood! I bought a keyless (no tuning slide) traditional style Blackwood flute at All Flutes Plus just three days ago and I cannot believe that I can finally play the Irish flute... (well starting to anyway). I have been playing the Uilleann Pipes and whistle and a wooden Boehm-system flute for years, but everytime I would try the 'Irish flute' I would hide it back in the sock drawer after half an hour and there it would stay for another three or four months. Evertime I tried it I would end up exhausted and irritated beyond words... Why could I not sound like everyone else I heard playing this '*&^%$^' thing. Now I pick up your flute and everyday it is playing easier, sweeter, stronger! Amazing! There are so many choices out there but believe me, I made the right choice when I bought a Martin Doyle flute.

Kevin Fitzpatrick – flute player from County Waterford, Ireland:

         Hey Martin, got the keyless D flute last week... and WOW... as I am only learning this instrument a couple of months I have tried a couple of quality flutes but I have found that your flutes are so effortless to play. The notes are so easy to play I just can't put the thing down. I would recommend anyone who is thinking about taking up this instrument to try one of Martins – I really can't say enough about it. Thanks a lot Martin... Fitzy.

Ken Doyle – flute player from Texas, USA:

         The flute (Doyle 'traditional style' in African Blackwood) was delivered this morning. It looks and sounds beautiful. It's an added bonus that it has my name so prominently stamped on the front. :-) Thanks for the excellent service.

Karen Reid – flute player from Arrowtown, New Zealand:

         Thank you very much for the fantastic flute. (Traditional style keyless flute in Cocus wood) I have never enjoyed playing as much as I do now. The tone is lovely, rich and strong. I have also found it very easy to play compared to my old flute. It's a truly beautiful instrument. Thanks also for being so very helpful and great to deal with.

Simon Reedman – flute player from Auckland, New Zealand:

         The instrument (traditional style keyless flute in African Blackwood with tuning slide) is developing a nice tone, which is improving with age, so imagine 20 years hence! As for the quality – very pleasing and well made.

Ruth Yates – flute player from Maryland, USA:

         Hi Martin. I just wanted to tell you that the rosewood flute I purchased from you in October [2009] is so lovely. I found it very easy to play and the tone is so mellow and nice. My husband and I really liked coming to your home and seeing your workshop and picking up the flute. It was such a genuinely good experience meeting you and seeing how the instruments come together. Regards, Ruth.

Yusuke Usuda – flute player from Kanagawa, Japan:

         I am very pleased with the two flutes Martin! I played the D flute for the set dancing with my friends last Saturday evening. I was pleasantly surprised at the excellent responses and the great capacity of the tone colours. For me, these flutes are saikou – the best!

David Thompson – flute player and member of The Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society
from Bangor, Northern Ireland:

         The Celtic style flute without tuning slide is the most satisfying flute I've ever played. It has a crisp and full low register – the low D really honks! I love the simplicity of this flutes appearance, yet the tone I can get out of it is truly awe inspiring and it's always in tune. This is 'flute minimalism' at it's finest!

Sarah Helleur – flute player and teacher from Christchurch, New Zealand:

         My Martin Doyle flute is BEAUTIFUL!! It looks great, sounds amazing and I love it. (Celtic style flute in New Zealand Pohutukawa wood). As a concert flute player I was a bit sceptical as to if I could play it and what to play on it but I am doing well. The tone is so different from a conventional metal flute and it is lovely to play for a change – Irish music sounds so much better on a wooden flute. My students are fascinated by it!! Thanks for all your help in getting the right instrument for me. And it is great to own such a fine instrument made of New Zealand native timber!!

Pietro Berlanda – flute player from Bolzano, Italy:

         The sound is wonderful, enchanting and the instrument is marvellous! I'm really happy to play one of your flutes and to have met you.

Michel Feuerbach – flute player from France.

         I have received the flute (Celtic style flute in New Zealand Pohutukawa wood) last week but I had too many work to try it successfully and in a sufficient domestical comfort. First of all, the wood is wonderfull and very delicate. It sounds really good and equal deepness and also simplicity. I am here now with my very first impressions and I will tell you more with my better and progressive 'maestria' of the instrument.

Greg Stockwell – flute player from Auckland, New Zealand.

         I'm ecstatic about my new flute (traditional style keyless flute in African Blackwood)! The workmanship of the flute is fantastic and it's so easy to make a tune.

Mary – flute and whistle player from Texas, USA:

         I have owned many flutes over the years, but my beautiful blackwood Doyle flute is truely one of my favorites. It is lovely to look at, with gorgeous embossed silver rings, a wood-clad tuning slide, and a mirror finish inside and out. The tone holes fall perfectly under my fingers, and the unlined head keeps the flute light and well balanced in the hand, as well as lending that special 'woody' tone that I love. The tuning is among the best of all my flutes. Raucous, driving reels, sweet gentle aires, or spirited jigs all sound wonderful on this flute. Cheers to Martin Doyle, his flutes are amazing!

Stephen – generous husband of a flute player from Texas, USA.

         My wife loves the flute. (Celtic style flute in New Zealand Pohutukawa wood). She has a lot of experience with reed instruments and listening to her progress with the flute has been fun. The dog only howled at her for the first day or two. She is getting much better at it and plays as an unwinding at the end of a long day.

Al Petty – flute player from Massachusetts, USA:

         Dear Martin, everyone loves the sound of this (Celtic style flute in New Zealand Kowhai wood) flute. It's an attention getter for sure and everyone who hears it wants to try it out. And it looks fantastic. Thanks for your help and for making this happen.

Lyn – flute player from Waitakere, New Zealand:

         I would like to say how much I enjoy my Martin Doyle flute! The tone is just beautiful and certainly brings joy, not just to me when I play, but also to those that are listening. Great for using with meditation. Thanks Martin!

David Craig – flute player from Duluth, Minnesota, USA:

         Hi Martin. The flute [keyless traditional style D flute in African Blackwood] arrived yesterday and, of course, it is beautiful. It plays easily and I suspect there is an angel singing in there somewhere. Thanks for the quick turn-around.

Margaret Ryland – flute player from Steubenville, Ohio, USA:

         Martin's flutes are great! I have a cocus wood flute and the sound is rich and deep; it is beautiful as well. I love it! He was so helpful throughout the buying process! Thanks so much Martin!

Amanda Drinsinger – flute player from the USA:

         I received the flute early last week. It sounds rich and beautiful and it is very beautiful and of excellent craftsmanship! I am extremely pleased with your work and I think you are the world's best celtic flute craftsman! I have not played or seen in person any other instrument that matches the sound, beauty and quality put into this flute!