Keith Prowse

Irish Flute
1

I saw a lovely 8 key flute while looking in a flute shop.
http://www.allflutesplus.co.uk/2004/instruments/instrument_used.htm
Scroll down for the listing.
I’d heard of Thos Prowse but not Keith. The flute by the way is in cocus and the wood in perfect as new condition, hard to determine the sound as I think the cork end is leaking medium holes tho.

2

Shame there are no photo’s on the link.
I have an 8 key Keith Prowse. It’s the first flute I had. Silver keys and Rudall style. I would consider the look of it to be very Rudall like also. It’s a very nice antique flute.

If you’re interested in the shop one; you might be able to remove the cork to seal it with plumbers tape to get an idea of its character.

The name is a partnership of Mr. Keith and Mr. Prowse. At least that’s the conclusion that was the consensus on the ‘woodie’ list. I’ve heard good reports from other owners of KP flutes.

I think we may be close enough for you to travel to see my KP.If you like contact me with a private message or off list or however it works.

3

Here is a link to Terry Mcgee’s site on the Keith Prowse and Co.
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/KProwse.htm

PS Terry, your index is mess up on your site, when you click on Keith Prowse you get a discription of a German flute… :roll:

4

Ah Mr Keith and Mr Prowse this does make sense especially as I had the idea that Keith wasn’t in use as a first name at that date.
I wasn’t tempted to buy the flute as I have an eight key and don’t collect, but I know others do and thought they might be interested.
Thanks Rob

5

I was looking for that… and couldn’t find it! The one I saw was, as far as memory serves, identical to the one in Terry’s picture the holes might have been a little smaller. The wood was entirely perfect and very cleanly made, I was amazed at how much lighter it was than my Wilkes
Rob

6

and the Mr. Prowse was not the same as the Thomas Prowse who made the Nicholson flutes (elder for Clementi, younger on his own).

These are completely different people.

But Keith, PRowse & Co flutes are good flutes. Frank Claudy has one that I like.

7

This is the link to Terry’s page on Keith Prowse:

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

Kevin

Agh! I thought Jon C was saying that the link he gave above turned up a German flute and I just noticed it’s the same one I’ve given! Sorry lads!