Chiff and Fipple Forums

For what it's worth, I have had a new Olwell keyless Pratten for five months. I was getting on alright with it's ease of playing, instant response, nimbleness and volume until I got a sweet playing mid 18th century small holed Cocus and realized ...

I'm glad you've found a flute with the sound you want, but I don't want to give the impression that I myself do not think Olwells are generally fantastic flutes. The Pratten has a big sound and the small holed ones are very sweet. The workmanship is absolutely outstanding. I live in ...

For what it's worth, I have had a new Olwell keyless Pratten for five months. I was getting on alright with it's ease of playing, instant response, nimbleness and volume until I got a sweet playing mid 18th century small holed Cocus and realized ...

Lars is absolutely right. I have talked to a couple of people who, like me, ultimately decided that their Olwell Nicholson was not their ideal flute. But these were all people who had another high end flute (or two) that they found suited them better. That was what happened ...

I see no harm in passing a flute on, regardless of who made it if it doesn't suit you. It's not like you're offending the maker. And just because some people swear by BMW's you might really be an Audi or Mercedes man..
Get my metaphore?

I will try, Cathy and libraryman - I'm not 100% set on ditching
the Olwell, since I know it goes against the wisdom of the crowd

Great comment. Exactly my experience with Nicholson from Powell.
L

Have you experimented with seeing how lightly you can blow it? After several years with mine I decided that perhaps I was overfilling it. Since starting down this path, I've found that it sounds much richer, livelier, and more vibrant – and plays almost effortlessly – when I soften the corners of my...

Then let me be the first...Hi Crazy. Surely this is some sort of joke. Not that you don't think this is the right flute for you. I had one and sold it because I found it a bit hard going too. But that is a highly highly desirable flute that should fetch a lot more than something someone wants to unl...

Hi all Call me crazy but I am considering selling or trading my keyless Olwell Nicholson. I've had it for about a year and I should be happy with it, but I'm not. I wears me out and there is something about the tone I don't like. Believe it or not, I am starting ...

... their keys seriously. Perhaps the keyed Rudall will change my mind. Thanks again Hugh. I shall be in touch. By the way, I got that new large holed Olwell I was salivating for. I'm giving myself plenty of time to get used to it's attributes. At the moment it sounds great for ITM dance tunes but ...

... original keyed Rudall just to see what it's like, I'd be happy to let you try mine. Jon C said that it's one of those special Rudalls, and Patrick Olwell took its measurements when it was in his hands. I don't go over to the island that often, but when I do I am en route to Chemainus, so in principle ...

"Me, I am generally louder and more consistent on a medium flute than a real honker. " Steve. I'm used to the Olwell Pratten so I remind myself to back off when playing the R&C and not push so hard as it is a different type of flute with a more refined tone. Not a powerful ...

I'm surprised no one has recommended having a look at Jem Moore's excellent documentary on Patrick Olwell, which graphically illustrates the time and hard-earned skills involved in making a proper flute.

http://www.thekeymastermovie.com/

I had a big Wilkes boxwood and an Olwell Nicholson that were both capable of serious volume. Went up to 11 :lol: But they were harder to play than the McGee and Copley I eventually settled on. So I usually felt like I was struggling with those ...