Current flute makers making flutes like R&R no 742

Irish Flute
1

I think that Rod Cameron is still making them. Correct? I have email via the yahoo group asking him.

Others?

Thanks for your time.

:smiley:

2

Isn’t mr. Olwell’s Rudall model originally based on that very flute?

3

There are several makers using the #742 model: (in addition to Cameron & Olwell)

McGee Rudall Refined
Bryan Byrne
Mark Hoza

Possibly it was the starting point for Phil Bleazey’s.

Probably more that I’ve forgotten… :smiley:

4

I did not realize that the McGee RR was – no 5047. But the Chris Norman had RR 742 and a copy made by Cameron. So, I bet same if not close.

thanks for you input. I think that I have a 4 key Christman that you once had. I got it from my teacher. I love that flute by the way. :smiley:


“Rudall Refined, after a flute in the collection at Edinburgh University, dating around 1845. The original, No 5047, had small holes, probably to satisfy those who prized uniformity of tone over all other factors. It is the same model Rudall played and favoured by current classical musicians such as Chris Norman and Brian Berryman”

5

I would’ve thought that Phil Bleazey’s was from a different flute – it has much smaller holes than my Olwell. Both flutemakers make fairly faithful copies. Patrick’s has the scale adjusted, and I think refinements to the embouchure, while I think Phil’s has a pretty faithful embouchure, which is closer to circular than most modern “Irish” flutes.

6

My Bad! :astonished: McGee is the #5047.

Here’s a link to McGee’s article about #742: http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/RR742.htm

I’m getting rusty, I thought I had read somewhere about Bleazey’s model.

I also don’t remember which model Grinter’s Rudall is based upon. :confused:

7

Thanks for the link. Great article!

8

Phil just says his flute is based on an instrument from 1837. If #742 was made then, it’s probably more than coincidence. Phil’s just looks, feels, and plays very different from others based on that flute.

9

Maybe not your bad on the McGee. I am told that they are essentially the same or very little differences.

I wonder how one would compare say the r and r 742 and 5047 to say a Christman and firth,pond, and company. I know that is in general without specifics. Is is a matter of choice?

Thanks to all for their input.

“Be well, do good works, keep in touch”…Garrison Keillor

10

Hey SkySpirit,

I very much liked the Christman flutes! :thumbsup:

Here’s a link to McGee about the Firth, Pond & Co.: Firth Pond & Co - New York Makers

McGee also has section on Christman’s Christmas Day Patent: Christman's Flute Patent

11

Chris’ flute, a Rudall he purchased from Linda Hickman long ago when both were in the D.C. area, was first “copied” by Rod Cameron. Chris didn’t like the idea of all his travel affecting the antique Rudall.

Cameron’s protege at the time was John Gallagher, who also makes a flute on that model if requested.

Olwell has made one, but his small-holed Rudall is not matched to Chris’ flute, I don’t believe. It’s more an amalgam of many small-holed Rudalls of the style. Seeing as he’s got the measures, he could make one, I’m sure.

Of course Terry has measured it, but his Rudall models were not on that flute. Is there an influence now? I doubt it, but Terry would best answer that one.

There would be very little, if any, resemblance between 742 and 5073. You’re talking about a 30-year difference.

I hope this clarifies the issue a little.

Be aware: 742 is a Rudall that many might not like at all. The embouchure is smaller and much steeper than others. It’s a flute that suits Chris’ style of play quite well.
And it’s a known fact that smaller holes make for crisper ornaments. fwiw

dm

12

David,

Yes indeed it does. I suspected that there was a bigger difference between the 742 and the 5073.

I also thought that John Gallagher made them. I see it is upon request.

Given your comment about the 742. How would that compare to the GLP or more importantly to say my Christman or the Pond, Firth and company that the glp is modeled after?

Thank you for your input

Rob Robison aka skyspirit

13

I did find this interesting discussion from Terry McGee’s site.

http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/RR742.htm

It mentions the flat foot syndrome. I believe that my Christman’s foot was shortened to eliminate the flat foot syndrome as well. :smiley:

:smiley:

14

I have played a John Gallagher flute made after the R&R #742, his and Rod’s are probably the best copies. Some of the above mentioned flute makers tend to use their own bore contour and not that of a Rudall, but John’s was very faithful to the original, but at the same time had good tuning. You can have a longer foot length with the smaller holed flutes and not have the flat foot, as is the case with the #742 that John makes.

15

Thank you. I appreciate and respect your opinion. Hope your surgery goes well.