Hello everyone,
There is a new 6 key Olwell Pratten on ebay at the moment. Here’s the link.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Patrick-Olwell-wooden-flute-Blackwood-silver-6-keys-/111376682097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ee914c71
Starting bid:US $4,650.00
Sigh
I’m sure it’s worth every penny.
ooooo la la
A very nice looking flute. 
£2.8k start price for a 6-keyer even allowing for extras!!! And I’m not sure how I’d feel about this tactic if I was on his waiting list…
Just saying…
I was thinking the same thing–and I am on the waiting list, though I’m still probably 8 years out.
Really? You guys are going to begrudge Patrick the opportunity to exercise a little artistic freedom by making one freakin’ flute every two years exactly the way he wants? You think he shouldn’t put these unique flutes on eBay and let the market decide what the worth is?
How is any of this unfair to the people on the Olwells’ waiting list? They don’t state they won’t work on any special projects, won’t do repair and restoration work while you’re on the list.
Bob
You know what, Loren…you’re absolutely right. I ain’t begrudgin’ Master Olwell nothin’. Just mentionin’ I had the thought.
I’m with Loren on this one.
We had this discussion last time the Olwells put up a flute on E-bay. I’d say it’s perfectly alright for the Olwells to do as they please. They make a one-off flute with special features and the cash goes towards the new workshop. The flute is up for auction for anyone with the necessary cash, including folks on the waiting list who haven’t ordered a flute with specific details and want a 6-key now.
I’m with Loren as well; and I’ve seen this flute in person. The pictures don’t do it justice. Best wishes to the Olwells and the lucky winner.
-Jay
Patrick is always trying out new stuff. A structural tweak here, new rings or keys there. Occasionally he comes out with something that’s amazing even for him. These auctions merely allow him to recoup some of his investment. I’m on his waiting list, and I’m glad he does this now and then.
I guess Ol is Well then..
Sorry, couldn’t help myself 
The text says the wood is African Blackwood, however the pictures show streaks in the usually solid black wood. If the streaks hold up through polishing it will be quite a beautiful instrument. If you saw the flute in person, is that how it is?
Lewis
[edited for bad spelling.]
It is not uncommon for african blackwood to have brown streaks. Always depends on how old the stocks are and how old the tree was. With time, (sun)light exposure and oiling, the wood turns pitch black. I once had a few billets of blackwood that were indeed pitch black inside and outside, but that timber had been seasoned for over 50 years. Those qualities are hard to come by these days.
Indeed Gabriel..
LewisC: Here’s my Murray flute, top when i got it and bottom after 6 months.
Thanks for the photos. That is a lot of difference. The visible grain has always been one of the appeals of cocus, mopane, kingwood, etc for a musical instrument.
I wonder if there are human-contact safe UV inhibitors that would retain some of the grain variation. If it is oxygen that changes the chemistry of absorbed and reflected light then there is nothing to do.
L
I wonder if the change in color from grainy brown to black also has an effect on sound/tone of the flute. I would think (though for no particular reason) that the dark black seasoned wood would have a more nuanced “better” tone. What do you think, Lars?
No heartwood or partially oxidised wood here:
Quote;Patrick Olwell: Here is a flute that I have just finished, our Pratten model in African Blackwood and all sterling silver and six keys. This is made of the best wood we have, straight grained and clear of knots or tiny defects, and is a flute that I have fussed over a bit..
Bob