Olwell Eb Bamboo

I received my Olwell bamboo Eb flute a few days ago, and have had enough time with it to be very impressed.

I thought it’d be fun to have an Eb to mess around with, and to play along with some of the (surprisingly many) tracks and albums out there recorded with an Eb instrument. But since I wouldn’t often use it outside of the house, I didn’t want to drop a grand or more on a blackwood Eb. I took a chance on one of the Indian keyed “ebonite” Eb’s from Ebay, and not surprisingly, it was worth what I paid for it (that is, not very much). So I called Pat.

Really nice flute. Very responsive, great tone, and maybe the easiest second octave of any flute I’ve played. Just a slight adjustment necessary to bring the octaves in tune, as is the case with any cylindrical keyless flute. Very easy reach, perfectly comfortable. Ornaments are crisp, reaction is fast. A lot of fun. For $90, I really can’t see how it can be beat.

I’ve seen a lot of people suggest an Olwell F for beginners waiting for their wooden D flutes to be ready, or to see if they like flute at all. I wonder if an Eb would be a better choice. The reach seems more similar to a conical D instrument, and there are a number of recordings on Eb instruments one could play along with, and there are even the occasional Eb sessions out there. Seems like a good alternative, to me.

Playing the Olwell also got me to play my Tallgrass Winds flute by Steve Cox (in F) to compare. The Olwell embouchure cut is more elliptical and looks like more work, but the care taken in the rest of the flute seems identical on both – very good work by both makers. Steve wraps his flutes in thread at three points and gave the bamboo a nice light flame treatemnt, which is a nice touch. Pat has applied a darker flame treatment, and the flute is pretty highly polished with some kind of oil and is also very pretty, a rich brown-red color. Each produces a great tone, with the Olwell being perhaps a bit more flexible in the second octave (for me). Both are quite powerful, with the Olwell being perhaps a bit more so. Playing the famed Olwell Bamboo has, in short, also confirmed for me that Steve Cox is making some really fine instruments, as well, using his own design. Both are makers worth considering if you’re looking for a really good bamboo instrument.

I may have to get on Pat’s list for a keyless D in blackwood, though; that’s a nice embouchure cut!

How long did it take to order it direct from Pat? I’m waiting for one from those House of Musical Traditions people and i figure i’ll be waiting quite some time! :really:

You’ll have a six month wait before he reopens orders again. I had enquiries made on my behalf about a month ago for a D and an Eb but I was too late.

I don`t thinki Pat is taking orders for bamboo flutes now. I waited about 6 weeks for my F . Very fine flute.
Hey herbivore, try changing the cork in your plastic Eb. That is all I had to do to mine to make it a very playable flute.

Tom

Olwell: I ordered mine in August, just got it last week.

Indian Eb: I did change the cork (right off), and smoothed the bore. It plays okay, but not nearly as well as the good bamboo flutes I have, and its tuning leaves quite a bit to be desired. I may try to play with the toneholes someday, but I don’t want to spend that time just yet. I find the Indian flute’s tone to be a bit weak, even when played pretty aggressively, as well. Ya gets what ya pays for, and I think I got about what one can expect from a keyed flute that cost so little . . .

I just got my Olwell bamboo F a week ago, and I have to say I can’t see how anyone can make a better bamboo flute. And I really can’t see how anyone can make a better flute in that price range, period. In fact, I have flutes costing considerably more that aren’t nearly as nice to play.

Anyway, when I ordered it, Mr. O. said I would like the F best because it was “handy in the corners”, and I have to say he’s dead right. It’s like driving an Alfa Romeo on a mountain road, just zooming all over the place. And it’s the cutest little thing … but it’s not a toy. It has a lovely voice all its own.

The only thing I have to watch for is that it’s too easy to play – when I go to pick up my “big” flute, it’s amazing how much more work it seems!

Anyway, like I said, I don’t see how the Olwell bamboos can be beat. I’ve put myself on the list for an Eb and also for … a six-key (provided I’m still alive by then!).

Thanks for the advice, David! You were totally right!

cat.

I, too, love Olwell flutes in all forms. The bamboo ones are seriously impressive. I agree that I have not met a better bamboo flute than Pat’s.

Good luck waiting for the keyed flute, Cat!

:slight_smile:

Thanks, Jessie!

Yeah, I just asked David L. how many little Olwells there are so I can plan on helping put them all through college. :wink:

All (2) little Olwells are past college age, I think. But there is a step-Olwell who will still need an education.

:slight_smile:

Just got my E-flat, too. I love it! It seems a lot easier to play than my Murray.

Tim

Ooh, I’m curious about those Murrays. How do you like yours (beyond the fact that it’s definitely not your O. Bamboo Eb?)

(Not to go off thread or anything, but …)

And thanks for the tip, Jessie. Even though there’s only the one step-Olwell, it’s good to know I can still do my part for the cause.

:smiley: