Don’t start proselytizing Loren, I just want to try it. I’d like to mess around and see what it’s about with two caveats. One I’d like to keep it under $100 and two, I’d like something decent to give me a true sense of it. For many years, I’ve figured why bother with that difficult embouchure thing when I can wail straight on into a variety of wonderful sounding whistles.
I’ve heard a lot about the Olwell bamboo; any advice as to a source or other like possibilities? Anyone want to trade something? I tried to order on-line from HMT, but my order automatically combined with an order for something else very expensive and I ran away from that quickly. They always seem like nice folks who sometimes don’t seem able to get things quite right.
Any feedback is appreciated (and I was just kidding Loren; love to hear from you as always).
I’ve tried a few different inexpensive flutes, and IMO by far the Olwell is the way to go. My Olwell bamboo D is dead on in tuning, plays easily and has a really nice tone for the money. I kind of like the smell of it, too. If you get one, I’ve found it plays a little easier if you oil the inside slightly before playing. Owning this flute has kept me from buying an expensive flute as this one is very satisfying to play.
Scott
“Of all the things that I have lost I miss my mind the most…”
[ This Message was edited by: ScottStewart on 2002-09-08 14:05 ]
I’m surprised at you - All this time on the message board and you still haven’t learned: Never, ever purchase mail order from HMT. Where have you been everytime the horror stories came up?
Order yourself an Olwell F flute - the hole sizes and reach can be a bit of a challenge on the D - directly from Patrick. You won’t find better bang for the buck - No how, no way, no where.
Phil,
The reason holes are so big and far apart on an Olwell bamboo is that it’s a cylindrical bore instrument–on conical bore flutes (basically all wood flutes since the Renaissance), the bore helps to reduce those two factors. I had an Olwell F flute which was quite nice…in terms of hole size and reach, E and D are pretty much the same.
best,
Micah
Actually, the Bamboo Patrick uses is naturally somewhat conical in nature…so, strictly speaking, it’s not really a cylinder bore flute. Still, the taper is shallow and this no doubt affects where and what size Patrick chooses to use.
By all means go for the D flute if you’re feeling up to it Phil. IMO, the F sounds as good or better than most of Pat’s other keyes, and it’s more comfortable to play than the others for a variety of reasons. But hey, that’s just me…
Much thanks to all for their helpful info and generous offers to let me try out their flutes. This Board really does have a lot of generous and kind people; maybe even out of proportion to the rest of the world.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I got to try a couple of Olwells bamboos this past weekend, and they do sound spectacular! My faves were the low D and the G. You can order them straight from Patrick, to avoid the HMT pit of doom.
Anyone hear heard of Hammy Hamilton (picture me ducking with hands over head)?
Well, one of Ireland’s finest flute makers also makes a starter/practice flute. It’s an aluminium body with a plastic head. It retails for (I think - didn’t look before I potsed this) $75 or so. It’s a bargain. I stock it.
