Important Announcement
I have now closed my order book indefinitely
I will continue to make flutes which will be put up for sale
when they become available
Fine Wooden & Delrin (polymer) Flutes for Irish Traditional Music
Made by hand in Sligo, Ireland
Introduction
Welcome to my website. I am a flute maker based in Tubbercurry, South Sligo, Ireland.
South Sligo has a rich history of Traditional Irish music with many generations of great musicians hailing locally (particularly flute & fiddle players).
I have a long involvement personally in Irish music & have been playing flutes of one sort or another for over 30 years.
I have been making flutes professionally for about 10 years after studying 'Woodwind instrument making & repair' at Newark on Trent, U.K.
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I make flutes in selected Hardwoods & Delrin (a polymer). I strive to create the most playable, responsive and versatile instruments possible.
My flutes are based on some of the very best examples of antique instruments, by renowned historical makers like Rudall & Rose, & Boosey & Co.
These vintage instruments have long been sought after in Irish music circles for their fine tone & craftsmanship. My methodology being to set about trying to combine these traditional skills and values with some of the very latest in CNC precision engineering technology.
The goal being to create flutes which are rooted in history, brought right up to the present date.
Making use of 21st century innovation &, (I hope), a little home grown ingenuity, the finished result being instruments optimised for Irish Traditional music.
I make keyed & keyless flutes in the usual key of D, as well as E flat, C , B flat & F.
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Up to six keys can be added.
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The keys are each machined from solid marine grade 314 Stainless steel or in special cases, Titanium.
Using these modern methods & materials results in the strongest & lightest flute keys ever produced, when compared to the more commonly used sterling or nickel silver.
To my knowledge no other flute maker has before attempted this.
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Keys are fitted on anodised aluminium mounts, which can be added to the flute during making, or at a later date.
This mounting system & design is my own, falling somewhere between the usual block vs post mount options.
The aluminium mounts are extremely lightweight, offering excellent durability & wear resistance when compared to traditional wooden blocks.​​
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The key pads are made from high quality closed cell foam (think wetsuits), a fantastic alternative to conventional leather or felt pads.
After more than 10 years of taking orders with the usual waiting list arrangements, I have made the decision to close my order book completely, and my plan is to simply advertise flutes when they are finished & ready for sale.
This fresh approach will hopefully allow me more time & flexibility to continue with my enjoyment of exploring new possibilities in the art of flute making.
All existing orders (placed before the start of 2025) will be fulfilled as promised.
​Any flutes available will be listed on the next page for immediate purchase, with no wait time (see link at top).
Please note I am not able to take on any repair work.
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​Damian Thompson,
Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo, April 2025
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T; +353 (0)83 104 1646
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Email; damian@thompsonflutes.com
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c Thompsonflutes2025