I don’t mean to open the proverbial can of worms, nor tread on anyone’s toes with this question, but I was wondering how people would compare and/or contrast the qualities of an Olwell keyed flute with those of a keyed flute made by John Gallagher? I know this is tantamount to comparing a Rolls Royce to a Bentley (or any other comparison between two items of extremely fine workmanship and craft) but I am trying to get an idea of their relative merits in terms of ease of playability, sound (i.e. intonation), construction, etc..
Both makers make three different models.
Waiting time is 7 years for one and 5 months for the other.
You could get a Gallagher and put yourself on the Olwell list, you’ll have plenty of time to decide if you really want the latter.
If you’re in the market for a new flute for yourself, try to play some different flutes before deciding.
One of the best sounding flutes i have heard was a mongrel antique, missing rings and filled holes after missing keys, with a Hammy headjoint..
People like Cónal O’Gráda sound awesome on most flutes ranging from decent to brilliant
I find my own Murray incredibly good sounding (when a good, as in better than me, player play it)
I don’t think you’d go wrong with either of them. It’s just a question if you feel comfortable playing them and if they suit you.
My goal when buying a flute was to get an instrument i wouldn’t outgrow within reasonable time, and i feel the Murray will be better than me for probably the rest of my life
Fair enough, because any bad playing isn’t because of the flute, that can be ruled out.
I think Olwell claims 1 - 1 1/2 years wait for a keyless flute though. Don’t want to be nitpicking, just struck me that we don’t know what the OP is after, keyed or keyless.
I play one of John Gallagher’s Prattens and absolutely love it. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is my “forever” flute. I’ve played (and owned) a LOT of other flutes on my journey, but this one is the “precious pearl”. Yes, I did have to sell stuff to buy it!
The reason I say I don’t think you can really compare the two makers is that they both make different models/configurations/etc. The only way to do what you are envisioning is to take two flutes (one from each) that are constructed using the exact same historical model and play them side by side. Even then, you’d probably have variations from player to player. Both makers can customize to the player as well.
Both of these makers turn out instruments that are the pinnacle of the art. You won’t go wrong with either of them. As to the the Rolls vs. Bentley analogy, I think John’s is the Rolls!
The Olwell pratten is the best prattenesque flute I’ve ever played, IMO. But I’ve never played
a Gallagher flute of any sort.
The Gallagher that interests me is the small-holed Rudall,
but I have no idea how to get to play one without buying one, and I’m unwilling to buy
one without playing one first. I think (but don’t know) that nothing Pat O makes
duplicates a small-holed rudall. I think (but don’t know) that Pat’s rudall model
has larger holes. If so it’s apples/oranges as far as I’m concerned.
Jim, Pat’s Rudall design has very small holes. If you want I can send you measurements tomorrow. It is an exquisite flute. Extremely responsive, perfect tuning, and with surprisingly good volume. No house is complete without one!
I am a big fan of both makers… actually down this long road of flute acquisition disorder they’ve turned out to be the only two modern makes that suit my fancy. With that said what model were you looking for. I’ve owned both an 8 key version of John’s Pratten, and I currently own an 8 key large hole Rudall. I also had some playing time on his shop model small hole Rudall, also with 8 keys. I personally like the large hole Rudall best, but his Pratten is also a screamer. I really don’t practice much anymore(too busy with school), but here’s a crappy example of me playing my large holed Rudall by John:
Pat is also a very fine maker, I am expecting some keyed flutes from him in a little less than two years… 8 key flutes to be exact. I tried all of his models in D(and other keys), the Pratten was my favorite hands down. The way I look at it, it’s apples and oranges, both makers are extremely skilled and at the top of their game. You will not be disappointed with either of them. In my opinion an Olwell Pratten, or John G. large hole Rudall or Pratten will give you all the flute you could ever need. To put things into context, I’ve owned a lot of flutes from many makers, I’ve had Rudall Originals, a Boosey Pratten, Hawkes, a few others. I have owned flutes from numerous modern makers too. This large hole Rudall from John is the one that spoke to me, so much that I’ve done something I’ve never done before, I took out insurance on it.
FWIW, he sold this flute to me about a year ago and I couldn’t be happier with it. I’ve played a few Olwell Prattens in the past and although great flutes I couldn’t play them well. I must be an odd ball as most of the people on the forums here seem under the impression that Olwells are super easy to play, not for me but that is the way of these things, I certainly have nothing against them and would never say they are anything less than incredibly well crafted. Of course it has been a few years since I tried them so my perception may be different now.
It really comes down to the player; one of these makes will probably play better for you. I found that the Gallagher will take a bit of time to get to know the flute well but when you get it it really sings. Of all the flutes I have owned or tried for extended periods of time none can match the tonal range of the Gallagher.
I also think the keywork on the Gallagher is fairly different form most flutes in that the keys are a bit hefty as in bigger touches (or was that a customization for you Ted?). I that about the flute. The low C# and C also speak very easily and blow most other 8 keys I’ve tried out of the water in that regard. It also seems that John is a very flexible flutemaker and is willing to do most things that one can dream up.
Having said all this it really is apples to oranges and either one will be a fantastic instrument it just comes down to what will suit you the best.
First of all, thank you to all who have taken the time to comment. Julia Delaney’s right: unfortunately, this is an odious and loathsome comparison to make and question to ask. The only reason I did was I have had limited access/opportunities to try out an Olwell and none with regards to the Gallagher. So I really do not know what to expect with either and what with work schedules being as they are, I rarely have the oppotunity to attend festivals or sessions outside my immediate area (despite really wanting to do so). Hence, I ask questions before taking the plunge. At these prices I start to be perhaps overly cautious in coming to any decision, though I suppose that I would not lose much if anything if I were to eventually sell either flute.
Some of the comments put forth have raised more questions in my mind. First, is Olwell making 8-key flutes? I thought that he preferred to make 6-key flutes because the intonation of the C and C# keys is so finicky. Please correct me if I am wrong. I currently am on the wait list for a 6-key but would seriously consider changing it to an 8-key if that were an option.
Second, is Gallagher’s waiting list really only 5 months? Considering the quality of his instruments, I would have thought he would have a list at least as long as Olwell’s. I need to have a chat with Mr. Gallagher and find out. I’d go for a Gallagher well before an Olwell in that case and, who knows, maybe find the right instrument for me.
As stated in my post above, yes you can get an 8 key Olwell, so it might be advisable to tell them that. John’s waiting list is around 1-2 years based on my experience. If you really want to try out one of John’s flutes send him an email, maybe he knows someone in your neck of the woods that has one. If you have the funds to do it, I’d suggest owning one of each
Patrick makes flutes with 8 keys??? Since when? I’ve never seen one, not even in picture
I asked John about his waiting list for a fully keyed flute maybe a couple of months ago or a bit more, he said currently about 5 months. Of course you could ask him directly. The waiting time doesn’t say anything on the quality of an instrument.
Yes, the Olwells are making 8-key flutes. I think Aaron spearheaded the development of the fully-keyed C foot. I saw a prototype he was working on last time I was there, 3 years ago or so. I thought someone had posted a pic here of an Olwell 8-key in the last year or two.
I mostly agree with David’s description of the Olwell Rudall-style flute – a wonderful flute with a full, clear sound, my flute-soul-mate (along with a couple of other Olwells). It’s definitely a small-holed flute, but I wouldn’t call it very small-holed. Phil Bleazey makes a VERY small-holed flute based on an early Rudall & Rose with holes a good 1-2 mm smaller than Olwell’s.
I’m going to need to call Olwell up again and ask if I can change my tentative order from a 6-key to an 8-key. Or, maybe, one flute with two foot joints? Mmm… the possibilities.
