Here’s some pics of my John Gallagher large holed Rudall, the first (large hole)one ever made. I had played an antique Rudall in his shop that was to die for and he made me a copy more or less, with some refinements to bring it up to modern standards. I opted for lined keyways, and he was able to make me a footjoint that appears to be pewter plugs but is actually padded. The result is a flute that is quite possibly the best I have ever set my hands on. Not only does it honk on D, it also does on low C, E, F, and G as well. The upper octave is really sweet, lots of bounciness and character. Tuning is spot on, mechanics of the keys are the best I have seen, and this thing is extremely balanced in weight and in sound. As far as power goes, it makes my ears ring, so that’s probably good enough I really loved John’s work and he really went over the top with this flute. At some point I’ll try to get a video or sound byte up of it.
Really really nice looking flute, as beautiful as the antiques. Is there a reason why the tuning slide is covered with wood?
I think I’ll buy one, when I have the money… I sent John an email a few weeks ago, he said that this flute is just as loud as his Pratten despite the smaller bore. Cool.
I got the chance to play one of John’s flutes with the new Rudall design last weekend. Looked nearly identical to this one. It was a lovely flute. I was really impressed.
I got the chance to play one of John’s flutes with the new Rudall design last weekend. Looked nearly identical to this one. It was a lovely flute. I was really impressed.
B
That would have been my flute, it was with John last week. He was tweaking the G# key and short F as per my taste. Glad you finally got a chance to try it out. It’s had the chance to be played by quite a few flute players now, John’s very proud of this one and has every reason to be.
Pretty flute, I agree. I visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art yesterday. I noticed that the Vincent Van Gogh painting was only signed once, and not in every corner.
Pretty flute, I agree. I visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art yesterday. I noticed that the Vincent Van Gogh painting was only signed once, and not in every corner.
I doubt the painting comes apart into 4 pieces and fits into a nifty case. Can’t speak for all antique flutes but I know the Rudall, Hawkes, and Boosey I once owned were stamped on all sections.
“Is there a reason why the tuning slide is covered with wood?”
i think he may have picked that up from Rod Cameron? i do have old flutes that have that which is probably where rod pick that up from?
speculations, speculations …
Regarding the covering of the tuning slide in wood - the technique has been around for a while… I had an original Potter that had the same thing. Even had the little reference lines like John’s.
Vaguely related to the OT…
Two Gallagher flutes appeared at our last session. Seems the banjo player’s wife is purchasing one, but needed some help deciding which type. He was nice enough to send her both a small and large holed version so she could choose and return the other. Oh, these were Delrin, using the same specs as his wood ones.
They made their way around the session and I was happy to hold onto both of them for a few sets and get a nice comparison. Kind of fun for a guy who hasn’t gotten to sample many different makes. I liked the small holed one which was very easy to play and crisp. However, I really liked the sound and feel of the larger holed one. It’s much closer to what I’m accustomed to. I could easily envision spending some quality time with this one, but I’m not in the market for a new flute. (Not yet, anyhow)
I really loved John’s work and he really went over the top with this flute. At some point I’ll try to get a video or sound byte up of it.
