I have a chance to get a Dave Williams keyless. It’s in OK shape–a little dried out, needs new corks/threads, a ring is coming off. But when I tried it I found it very in tune in both octaves, the second octave being particularly spot on and smooth. The more I played it, the better it sounded, and the flute kept taking as much air as I could focus into it. That is, I think this flute has lots of potential, but I am not sure what it’s worth. I think what the seller is asking seems a bit much ($1,200).
Does anyone have an idea what this flute may be worth?
Williams flutes are sort of an enigma. One of the best flutes I’ve ever played was a Williams 5-key Pratten in the mid or late 1980’s. The tone was amazingly bold and rich with a booming bottom D and a powerful low E. I checked it out on an electronic tuner and the needle kept pointing straight up as I played the entire scale. I regret to this day not buying it! A couple years ago an identical-looking flute came up on Ebay and I got it. It was not the same intrument as I had hoped. It was actually an odd flute to play in that it gave a very strong sound if your embouchure was JUST right but if you changed the slightest the tone suddenly dropped off to nothing. It was the most finicky flute I’ve ever played, completely unforgiving. Then I’ve played a couple Williams Rudalls which were only mediocre.
Bottom line, you have to play it. If it’s a Pratten it might be terrific!
I just bought a Williams 5-key a couple months ago. I am very happy with it. Since I bought it on EBay and normally have a problem trusting sellers when it comes to musical instruments (I also tend to stick to the “Play it before you buy it” advise), I wrote Niall Keegan asking his advise. Here’s part of his response:
As I said, I’m very happy with mine. The gamble paid off. Great sound and good response throughout the range. $1200 seems to be the going rate for some keyless flutes (McGee and Hamilton run that much, what with our crappy exchange rate). And I would put my keyed flute in that company but it depends on the individual flute.
The gamble paid off. Great sound and good response throughout the range. $1200 seems to be the going rate for some keyless flutes (McGee and Hamilton run that much, what with our crappy exchange rate). And I would put my keyed flute in that company but it depends on the individual flute.