Trusted since 40+ years | 80,000 orders shipped
All Concertinas
Beginner concertinas
English Concertinas
Concertina Cases
Intermediate Concertinas
Second Hand and Antique Concertinas
Concertina Straps
View Special Offers!
Irish Flutes
Keyed Flutes
Silver Flutes
Beginner Flutes
Keyless Flutes
Student Flutes
Advanced Flutes
Wooden Flutes
Flute Boxes & Cases
Flute Maintenance Kit
All Tin Whistles
Wild Irish Whistles
Soprano Whistles
Alto Whistles
Low Whistles
Tuneable Tin Whistles
Polymer Whistles
Setanta Premium Whistles
Clarke Tin Whistles
Oak Tin Whistles
Generation Tin Whistles
Killarney Whistles
Roy McManus Whistles
Tin Whistle Bags
Low Whistle Bags
Susato whistles
Tony Dixon Whistles I Flutes
Beginner Violins
Intermediate Violins
Advanced Violins
New Violins
Electric Violins
Violin Bows
Violin Shoulder Rests
Violin Case
Rosin
Violin Strings
All Violins
“I am thrilled with this flute, the richness of the woody tone is perfect.”
“I am thrilled with this flute, the richness of the woody tone is perfect.”
We're dedicated to exceptional service and quality. With over 5,000 delighted 5-star reviews, you can trust in our commitment to your musical journey. Your complete satisfaction is our standard.
Description
The Signature Sound of Irish Trad in Your Hands
“This flute is exceptional!" - Charles O'Neil
The African Blackwood Flute is an updated, modified version of the Pratten’s Perfected flute, the most highly regarded Irish flute of the 19th century.
This famous design gives this instrument an unparalleled tonal range and an impressively big and booming sound.
It’s made from African blackwood, which is a dense, dark hardwood that produces a rich and woody sound, and is famously weather-resistant.
It has a squared, ellipse embouchure with a smaller aperture as this gives you a brighter sound and makes it easier to fill.
This imposing, good looking flute with its wonderful tone and powerful sound will turn heads at every Irish trad session.
Special Offer! Order today and get a FREE padded flute case, plus 5 months’ FREE access to Tom Doorley’s complete flute masterclass series (see below).
Limited Stock: Order the African Blackwood flute now and avail of Free Priority shipping worldwide.
Bonus! Get a FREE Wild Irish Whistle included with your purchase, while stocks last.
Watch the video below and see Paraic McNeela and Seán Gavin walk you through the African Blackwood Flute.
Reviewed by 100+ customers!
Rated 4.9/5 By Our Happy Customers
We use a cork-lapping sealing technique to protect the top tenon and to give it a firm head joint. This sealing technique also ensures no leakage of precious air and helps you produce a powerful low D. Great for session playing.
SEE ALL REVIEWS
The dense, well-oiled grain of African Blackwood makes it the gold standard of Irish flutes. It delivers rich overtones, excellent moisture resistance, and an authentic, warm voice that holds its own from the fireside to loud sessions.
“This wonderful wood flute from McNeela is just superb and amazing at the same time.” - Fabrice F.
SEE ALL REVIEWS
Some flutes fight you in the second octave, but not this one. Thanks to the squared ellipse embouchure and modernized Pratten design, this flute takes air easily and fills evenly, giving you tonal control without overblowing. You’ll hear the clarity in each note and fly through those fast tunes and ornamentations.
“Fantastic instrument! Wonderful response, easy blowing, and great intonation. Very rare to find a flute this good at this price!” - Josh S.
SEE ALL REVIEWS
Every African Blackwood Flute includes a premium flute case, because protection matters. Currently Only Flute & Whistle Combo Option available: Choose between the sturdy Flute & Whistle Combo Case (great for travelling with multiple instruments) or the timeless Wooden Flute Box with plush lining and secure metal fittings. Either way, you can be sure your instrument will stay safe and stylish wherever you play.
Bonus: Get a FREE Wild Irish Whistle to complete your sound!
“Beautiful craftsmanship and excellent tone, this flute is exactly what I was looking for.” - Seamus B.
SEE ALL REVIEWS
The more you play, you’ll find this flute settles in and develops its own voice with you. It brings out a deeper resonance, richer tone, and greater flexibility over the years. You’re not just buying an instrument, you’re investing in your voice as a player.
No need for constant fiddling with embouchure or breath to stay in pitch. The built-in tuning slide lets you adjust your pitch in seconds, perfect for adapting to other instruments, changes in weather, and different settings.
With its dense grain and smooth action, African Blackwood feels alive under your fingers. The balance is comfortable, the seal is solid, and the tactile experience adds to your musical connection. It’s an instrument you’ll look forward to picking up over and over again.
Each flute is set up and tested in the McNeela workshop, ensuring every joint, cut, and seal performs before it reaches your hands. This African Blackwood Flute design has been put through its paces many times in real-life trad settings. You can count on it to hold its own at any session table.
Think this is the right
flute for you?
4.9/5 Review Stars by 90+ customers
Complete Flute Masterclass Bonus
Every African Blackwood Irish Flute purchase includes 5 months of free, instant access to our Complete Irish Flute Masterclass Series — Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced — a €145/£123/$164 value, absolutely free.
Join one of Ireland’s greatest flute players, Tom Doorley, for a transformative journey through the full spectrum of Irish flute mastery.
✔ Progress through 30+ step-by-step lessons designed to take you from your very first note to expert-level performance.
✔ Learn 33 traditional Irish session tunes with Tom’s immersive, easy-to-follow guidance.
✔ Master essential and advanced techniques: breathing, phrasing, tone control, ornamentation, and more.
✔ Build your confidence for solo performance or session playing with insider tips and bonus materials.
✔ Enjoy flexible learning with downloadable resources and unlimited replays to take it all in at your own pace and on your schedule.
Whether you’re starting your journey or seeking mastery, this course delivers the skills, structure, and support to become a truly accomplished Irish flute player.
Free Whistle Bonus [Limited Stock]
Big news – With every purchase of a McNeela African Blackwood Flute, I’m including a free premium Irish tin whistle in the key of D worth €119/$136/£102 - and not just any whistle...
The Wild Irish Whistle is one of the best whistles on the market today. With over nine hundred 5-Star reviews, it has been flying off the shelves since it launched!
Its sleek matte black finish and bright, clear tone make this stunning whistle a joy to play. Like this flute, the Wild Whistle gives a beautiful sound from your very first note.
I know you’ll love it as much as I do!
This is a spectacular combo offering exceptional value - two premium instruments for one unbeatable price! With this top quality flute and whistle at your fingertips, you’ll be making magic in no time.
When we say “designed by musicians, for musicians”, we mean it. We spend years developing our instruments, working with other music professionals and instructors to gather insight and feedback the whole way.
Every improvement on this flute has been guided by that process, and I’m incredibly proud of the results! It’s specially designed for players like you to reach your goals and play more of the music you love.
Plus, each one is carefully set up here in the workshop before it’s shipped to you, and our team is here for any questions you have.
The McNeela Mission
We believe in the power of music for people, communities, and tradition. That’s why we’re so committed to making affordable quality instruments available to anyone who wants to bring a little more of it into the world!
Before our products ever reach your hands, we meticulously test them for durability and craftsmanship, to make sure you receive nothing short of excellence. This commitment to quality is why we proudly offer a 30-day try-at-home guarantee. It allows you to experience firsthand the exceptional standard we uphold. Should you find that our product doesn't meet your expectations within 30 days, returning it is hassle-free. Plus, our dedicated aftercare service is always available to assist you with any questions or needs.
Before our products ever reach your hands, we meticulously test them for durability and craftsmanship, to make sure you receive nothing short of excellence. This commitment to quality is why we proudly offer a 30-day try-at-home guarantee. It allows you to experience firsthand the exceptional standard we uphold. Should you find that our product doesn't meet your expectations within 30 days, returning it is hassle-free. Plus, our dedicated aftercare service is always available to assist you with any questions or needs.
Join the countless musicians who have discovered the exceptional quality of the McNeela African Blackwood Flute. Crafted with care and designed for both beginners and advanced players, this flute offers unmatched sound and playability.
Join the countless musicians who have discovered the exceptional quality of the McNeela African Blackwood Flute. Crafted with care and designed for both beginners and advanced players, this flute offers unmatched sound and playability.
Ireland
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 2-3 days delivery
United Kingdom
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 5-7 days delivery
Europe
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 7 days delivery
USA
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 3-5 days delivery
Rest of world
Average Shipping Time Once Dispatched
Est. 10-14 days delivery
_category.original.jpg)
_category.original.jpg)
“This flute is exceptional! All that they say is really true in the case of this flute with a booming low D and a beautiful tone.” - Charles O.