My new flute (kelyess Olwell, yadda yadda)

Irish Flute
1

Hi, gang:

I know this is not a particularly original post but wanted to share my impressions anyway. I have been playing an old Murray for several years now while waiting for my 6-key Olwell. I decided last year to get a keyless while I waited, since Patrick said I could swap a keyless middle section for a keyed one when it’s ready. And since the Murray had an accident (an idiot at a session knocked it off my chair) I was fluteless for a while and wanted a backup in case something like this happened again.

Patrick’s flute exceeded my expectations. It’s better in tune than the Murray (which was made in 1989); louder; speaks more easily; and takes less air, even though it’s a Pratten style. The ornaments come out more crisply, and what used to be difficult (say, going from a low B to low D which we occasionally talk about in these pages) is a lot easier. This flute is so great I am reluctant to part with the middle section and have asked Patrick to make me an entirely new flute when the time comes. So it will become my backup, and the Murray will go back to my sister, from whom Ihave it on long-term loan.

Not having played a lot of flutes I don’t know how this one compares but I am very pleased.

Happy New Year to all,

Tim

2

Tim, why don’t you keep the mid section, and you’ll have a keyed and keyless (with Ed key) with the same head and barrel?
How does the tone compares to the Murray?
were all happy for you, sounds like a great flute.
take care, e.

3

Hi Tim, congratulations for your new flute.

How much costs an Olwell’s 8 key flute? Has Olwell a long waiting list?

Thanks

4

Wait list was seven years at last count for a fully keyed flute. Could be more by now. You can expect an unkeyed flute to take over a year. Last time I brought up the subject with Patrick, I seem to recall that he said he only makes up to six-key flutes; I don’t think he’s begun adding the low C# and Cnat keys yet. Couldn’t hurt to ask, though!