Hi,
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity of trying the Olwell Nicholson model, and a Olwell Pratten model as well. It was surprising that the Nicholson model was as powerfull as the pratten model, and even more, I could say that the Nicholson model suited me more in terms of power and response. The Pratten model was made in blackwood and the Nicholson in Cocus.
Any other experiences like this?
Cheers,
S.
I own all three of his models, and I’ll go you one further - even the Olwell Rudall will positively raise the rafters. A good deal of that is the efficiency of the embouchure as cut by Patrick (or Aran), which gives that easy playability that is the hallmark of Olwell flutes. Where the models differ is how hard you can push them. The Rudall will continue to get louder, but the profile of the bore (I’m busking here) and the smaller holes will keep it from breaking as far into that burring, buzzing, reedy tone as will the other two. The Nicholson and Pratten are closer in performance, but once again the Pratten has a bit more on top…it’s like Le Mans where the two lead cars hang together through the esses, then separate on the Mulsanne straight.
Ordinary drivers might have trouble discovering the ultimate performance differential between two race-tuned cars. Likewise, most flute players don’t blow efficiently enough to really fill an Olwell Pratten up to the point where it’s right on the edge. In the hands of a player who can use all of the power on tap, the Nicholson will hang with the Pratten right up to the 90% point of the range, but it hasn’t got that last little bit that the Pratten does. A small trade-off is, like driving a race-car to the shops, the Pratten takes more effort to horse around at lower volumes. If you want a smoother sound, a more attainable “top gear,” and/or an easier time of it all-round, I’ recommend the Nicholson. In fact, I wish more people would get the Rudall - they’re magic, and all you need for nearly everything, barring perhaps that famous session in Boston with the 13 simultaneous accordions…
Rob
If you’re busking, Rob, to the devil with his 13 accordions! Chuck 'em in the danged cars (infernal combustion engines?), pack 'em off (the petrol heads deserve them!), forget 'em and get on with something serious - like flootling.
I’ve never had a chance to play an Olwell. 
Had a first go on a Sam Murray recently and was very impressed. 
I’ve been spoiled because I’ve gotten to hear him live a fair amount, but if you want to hear someone push an Olwell Pratten to that perfect point like Rob describes, I suggest finding a John Skelton recording from say, the last six or seven years (Double-Barrelled is the most recent; I’m not sure about his track on WFO 1). I think he’s pretty much the ultimate Olwell Pratten demo. (Though I’ve heard him say more than a few times that it was a few years of steady playing before he felt he really got its number)
I’m pretty sure Kieran O’Hare plays an Olwell Pratten on that recording, too. (maybe even cocus like John’s?)
If you order one though, ask Pat about John’s chimney cut – I think I recall him saying it’s just a bit steeper because John likes to be able to lean into the far edge of the embouchure.
I love mine and it’s very useful for the acoustic-duet-in-a-crowded-pub gigs we play here once a month; nothing whomps out that ringing low register quite like it. Mine, being boxwood, is probably a little easier to pull back than some of the others.
That said, when not doing those (i.e., in sessions, miked situations, etc.), I play my Murray – I guess I’m just getting “Rudaller” as I get older.
I’m all excited now (not that I wasn’t before) as I have an Olwell Pratten on order. I think I will benefit from the available power. The session I play in regularly can be very loud (crowd and music).
8 more months…dammit…
Patrick offers two styles for lining the head; fully lined and partially lined. Would anyone care to comment on these in terms of volume and acoustic qualities?
Jay
I have both lined and unlined heads, both Nicholson and Pratten.
I love whichever one I am playing at the moment.
I’ve never wanted more volume from any of them.
The Nicholson projects just as well, IMHO.
And it’s just as loud.