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Welcome!
Martin Doyle is an Irish flute maker whose simple system wooden flutes are renowned for their ease of playing and quality of tone. Flutes and Prices »
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About Martin Doyle
“My first introduction to instrument making was as a young child. My father would make whistles from the bark of the sycamore tree.” About Martin Doyle »
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Contact Martin Doyle
Born in Dublin and raised in Bray, County Wicklow, Martin Doyle now lives in the rural west of Ireland near Liscannor in the County Clare. Contact »
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Testimonials
Testimonials and kind comments from people who play Martin Doyle's flutes. Testimonials »
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RDS National Craft Award
Martin Doyle received the Royal Dublin Society's National Craft Award (Musical Instruments category) in July 2011 – his third such award since he began making flutes in 1983. Craftmanship Awards »
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See The Flutes
A gallery of photographs representing some of the wooden flutes that Martin Doyle has made over the years and also some of the events and activities that he has been involved with. Photo Gallery »
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Hear The Flutes
Listen to samples of Martin Doyle and other musicians playing a broad variety of music on Martin Doyle flutes. Flute Music »
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About Irish Flutes
Martin Doyle handcrafts keyed and keyless simple system wooden flutes that are commonly referred to as 'Irish Flutes'. About Irish Flutes »
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African Blackwood Conservation
In 2009 Martin Doyle visited Tanzania to participate in the making of the radio documentary 'The Music Tree'. During that trip he witnessed first hand the efforts being made to ethically grow, harvest and manage African Blackwood. African Blackwood Conservation »
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Baroque Flutes
Martin Doyle produces Baroque flutes that are modeled on an eighteenth century Rottenburgh flute design. Baroque Flutes »
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Wooden Headjoints
Martin Doyle also produces thin-wall wooden headjoints for concert flutes – the example featured here is made from cocus wood and sterling silver. Wooden Headjoints for Concert Flutes »
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Flute Information
The pages in this section of the website provide information relating to the simple system wooden flutes such as those made by Martin Doyle.
Flute Information » -
News
News, articles and updates relating to the Irish flute maker Martin Doyle. News – Martin Doyle Flutes »
Martin Doyle – Irish Flute Maker
About Martin Doyle »
2023 marks the 40th Anniversary of Martin Doyle Flutes
“I have been reminded that I am forty years making flutes this year. At times like this, it comes to mind that there is a large number of people to thank for their help along the way – a steady stream of friends, teachers and customers who have offered their ideas, inspiration and encouragement. I would like to mention them all but they are so numerous that it would be impossible. If I started now and wrote for a month, I would probably still leave some important people out.
So ... I will settle for offering my gratitude to all those who have supported me down through the years and say that it has been an honour to be of service to the vast world of music and the harmony that it creates. Thank you all so much!” — Martin Doyle.
Read more: 40 Years of Flute Making! »
About Martin Doyle »Information Quickfind
Latest News Posts – View All News Posts »
Testimonials – View All Testimonials »
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Dear Martin,
I received the head joint yesterday and what a joy it was to unbox it! It is stunningly beautiful and your craftsmanship is impeccable! I had the opportunity to try it for the first time during my lunch break. It fits my concert flute perfectly and it is so easy to play. The Brazilian rosewood is so light, it's tones so sweet, subtle and clear, yet so bright and powerful. This head joint lifts my flute into the realm of the ethereal. I feel very blessed to have such a fulfilling instrument – thank you so much!!!
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Hi Martin,
Here the flute is in my hands since Wednesday. It is a lovely object. It's already making me very happy: feels quite different to the other timber flutes I tried (four-piece flutes) and I find it more lively and easier to play with my limited skills! My flute teacher was impressed by the bright tone and the perfect tuning. Very happy with my purchase. Thank you and talk again about the leather case sometime.
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Hi Martin,
I just want to thank you for your beautiful flute which we got from you a year and a half ago. Just to let you know my daughter Eve, who was 11 last month, won the under 12s flute reel and jig, the under 12s slow air on the flute, and the same two competitions on her whistle. Also her group cheoil won, so a cup and 5 gold medals her first time in the Waterford fleadh was a great result. Also she won a scholarship yesterday in her Comhaltas branch for flute and whistle. TG4 were there to capture the moment.
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Hi Martin,
Just want to say that I love the flute you have made for me. I've been playing it a lot and the desire to play now is infinitely greater. I don't think I have ever been attached to an instrument so much.
Thank you very much,
Seamus. -
Hi Martin,
The flute arrived today. It looks beautiful, is comfortable to hold and play, and the sound is great. I also find the size and shape of the embouchure hole perfect.
Thank you for making such amazing flutes.
Kindly,
Gudrun. -
Hi Martin !!
Thanks so much for sending such a great instrument !!! To be quite honest, I really think your weapons (meaning your lovely flutes) have been improving all the time. As you know, many of my friends and students ordered your flutes and I'm always moved with the incredible standard of your recent flutes !! (I even sometimes envied their flutes and wanted to have them !!)Best wishes,
Paddy. -
The unlined timber head-joint (of Martin Doyle's flutes) with no metal tuning slide gives the flute a dynamic range which I have only ever experienced on all-timber Rudall & Rose flutes. I find that this flute allows huge possibilities for expression when playing both rhythmic dance music and slow airs. I hope many more people around the world will end up playing Martin's flutes. He is my personal favourite contemporary flute maker and general guru. I changed from a top of the range 150-year-old Besson flute to one of Martin's Celtic style flutes, which I much prefer. I only ever use the old one when I need to use keys, which is very rarely!