The Selkie by Geoffery Ellis Flutes

The Selkie™ is a hybrid flute created by Geoffrey Ellis with Irish Traditional Music in mind, though it suits other styles as well. Based on the Chinese xiao, its scale, tone, and response have been modified to reflect qualities of the Irish flute and penny whistle. The name, suggested by fellow maker Jonathan Walpole, comes from Celtic lore where the Selkie shape-shifts between forms, mirroring the instrument’s blending of traditions.

Constructed from a modified six-hole xiao, the Selkie departs from the xiao’s delicate character. Adjustments to the blowing notch, bore, and finger hole layout give it the reedy power and rhythmic pulse of the Irish flute. It provides whistle players with an accessible path into flute tone without adopting the transverse style and offers a comfortable option for those who can no longer play transverse flutes.