Carbony Irish Flutes

Carbony Celtic Winds is the instrument line of Pipe Makers Union, a carbon fiber wind instrument shop in Corvallis, Oregon. They build traditional Celtic designs in Carbony, a composite of their own formulation that will not crack or warp as a wooden instrument might.

Carbony's flutes are made in two and three pieces, with a multi-stage body taper and undercut tone holes that keep them responsive and balanced across the range. O-rings seal the joints, and the tuning slide is shaped to reduce turbulent airflow. The embouchure is cut at a seven degree dovetail angle and undercut from both sides, so every flute is ambidextrous out of the box.

Finding the right Carbony flute

Two-piece flutes have a thinner body diameter, which some players find more comfortable, particularly those with smaller hands. Carbon fiber's strength allows this while keeping a cylindrical outer profile and a conical bore. Three-piece flutes break down shorter, which makes for a more compact case and easier travelling.

Most flutes carry the woven look that carbon fiber is known for. Some can be ordered with a sanded finish that resembles wood grain.

Close finger spacing is available on some flutes, using internal chimneys to bring the holes nearer one another. This is most useful on the lower pitches.