This two-piece flute features a cylindrical bore with a parabolic head of Rui Gomes's own design, a combination that contributes to consistent intonation across both registers. The body is made of PVC and the head of PETG, giving the instrument durability and resistance to temperature and humidity changes that affect wooden instruments. Wide bore and medium-large finger holes produce a strong, well-projected sound. The embouchure is shaped to make low notes accessible without excessive effort, while the upper register responds clearly and with good control. Sounding length is approximately 52 cm, and the instrument plays across two and a half octaves.
It should be noted that this flute's cylindrical bore and parabolic head represent a different acoustic approach than the conical-bore simple system flutes traditionally associated with Irish traditional music. It is well suited to session playing and folk music more broadly; players coming from classical transverse flute will find the cylindrical geometry familiar, while those new to simple-system fingering will benefit from the forgiving embouchure design.
About the Maker
Rui Gomes works under the name Sopros RG, based in Famalicão, Braga, Portugal. All flutes are completely handmade by Rui Gomes in Portugal. In addition to Irish-style flutes, his range encompasses whistles, bamboo flutes, and other folk and ethnic flute forms. His Irish flute models span a variety of materials, including Delrin conical-bore instruments designed for Irish traditional music, as well as wooden instruments in African Blackwood and other tonewoods. The PVC/PETG model is described by Gomes as an accessible entry point into his range, for players who want a durable, handmade instrument before committing to his higher-material options.
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