Go for the Pratten?

Irish Flute
1

I am looking at 2 models at the Irish flute store: the Somers 5 piece Pratten and De Keyser Pratten. I have been practicing a lot and wanting to get that big sound. I have a medium hole flute now ( Reviol) Will the Pratten be a whole new learning curve? Somers also has a medium hole Rudall model too so I might consider that too.

2

I’d see if Pat could send you both of the Sommers models on trial. I’ve never found the embouchure that different between a Pratten or Rudall so you should be fine there. Bigger doesn’t always mean louder and you might get a better sound on the medium holed model. If the option is there, try both of them and you’ll find out the answer soon enough.

3

I agree with our Windy City friend.

However, I personally prefer a two part body so you can rotate as needed if you ever develop hand/wrist issues, and the Somers has the split but the DeKeyser does not.

Also, the two DeKeysers I played were not my favorite Pratten based flutes. They were in no means bad, but we didn’t get along as well as I have with other maker’s Pratten model flutes.

Eric

4

I can play small- and medium-holed flutes (and very-small-holed flutes, for that matter), but not Prattens at all. I’ve owned a Hammy and Seery and couldn’t get along with either of them. I’ve also tried, for a week or so, an Olwell Pratten, and couldn’t get along with it despite playing regularly Olwell medium- and small-holed flutes, which, according to Pat, all have pretty similar embouchure cuts.

I looked and looked for a bigger sound from a bigger flute, but the bigger flute wasn’t the answer. A few lessons did a lot more good, and I lost quite a bit of learning time trying to play flutes that didn’t suit me.

I don’t pretend to be a good player, just offering my experience.

5

I just posted a piece on the posting clips page. I am playing my Hudson Pratten , though I am not pushing it by any means. Check it out if you like.
arbo

6

Thanks for the replies. I am going to see if there is a way I can try both the Somers medium Rudall and the Pratten.

7

You might also check into the Walt Sweet Shannon. Doc has one listed but Walt is next door in CT and you might be able to stop in and test drive one…

Best wishes.

Steve