Reviol flutes

Hi there,
I was wondering if anybody has any comments to make about flutes made by Maurice Reviol - good/bad experiences, comments you have heard about them etc? All your opinions would be very welcome.

I’m in the list for the Roving Reviol, but i haven’t heard anything about that now for a while.

Hi Roisin:

I have one of these. It arrived on April 1. I was hoping to have a couple more weeks with the flute before I attempted to “review” it, but since the question has come up now - here goes. Please do bear in mind, however, that I do not have a broad basis for comparison. I have primarily played a Casey Burns blackwood. I’ve tried a blackwood Seery and an antique Rudall. I have not played an Olwell, a Hammy, or any of the other flutes crafted by highly regarded makers.

The flute arrived carefully wrapped in a plastic pistol case with 4 small humidifiers, a hygrometer, and care instructions from Mr. Reviol. My first impression upon opening my package was, “My God, it’s beautiful”, and it is. The wood is gorgeous and the workmanship is very nice. My flute is the three piece model with tuning slide, brass rings and conical bore. The first things that you notice when you initially play this flute is that the intonation (scale) is fantastic, the sound is huge - the flute really sings. The second octave is very easy to reach and play freely in. The flute is comfortable to hold and play. I’ll also mention that I’m right around five foot tall and have very small hands. The reach on this flute is not a problem at all for me.

I’ve had the flute now for about two weeks. I’m breaking it in slowly (even if it kills me :smiley: ) I’m up to forty minutes per day now, and find that I’m more impressed with it everyday as I grow more comfortable with it. I’ve made some slight adjustments in my embouchure for the lower octave and find that it is vewwwy nice. The hard D knocks my socks off when I hit it just right, and I’m becoming more consistent with that everyday. As for tone and it’s “voice” in general, I think it’s fair to say that Shannon’s clips over on Whistle and Drum are very representative of what this flute sounds like - tonally speaking. Sadly (hanging my head low here), I’m just not as good as she is. It ain’t fair, I’m telling you!!! :stuck_out_tongue:

To sum it up, I’m very pleased with this flute. It works for me.

Hi!

Is there anywhere online that I can order his flutes from? I remember someone here mentioning that Whistle and Drum (www.whistleanddrum.com) store used to sell Reviol flutes, but I get a “Page not found” when I look for them now.

I’m interested in finding pricing and contact information. Thanks!

~nash

Hi Nash:

The Reviol page does appear to be gone from Whistle and Drum, but check your PMs. I sent you his contact info.

I’m so glad to hear it’s such a nice flute! I admit, I’ve had a few moments of itchy fingers, esp. when Blayne had it listed at such a good price!

Search an earlier thread about this if you’re curious, but I think I recall Blayne posting a month or two ago that Maurice had moved to New Zealand or somewhere and a bunch of his tools were possibly lost in transit, so that might explain the info gap of late … maybe Maurice just has to get reestablished there.

Anyway, thanks for the review. I love the fact that he’s come up with such a reasonably-priced wooden alternative that’s also a joy to play.

The sound clips posted before on whistle and drum was indeed lovely sounding. The flutes looked lovely, but I did not like the integral foot design combined with a one piece body.
Now, speaking of whistle and drum, does anyone, except Blayne, have experience with the Arie DeKeyzer flutes for sale there?

Henke,

I’ve heard John Skelton say he was pleasantly surprised by deKeysers – nice flutes for the price. Do I recall seeing them offered by Hobgoblin or Shanna Quay?

I think Shanna Quay had them, they were not listed as DeKeyzer Prattens tough but as ***** castle flutes (can’t remember the name of the castle). Don’t know if there is any difference.

-If memory of variable acuity serves, Malahyde is the castle’s name.

Lark in the Morning also offers Dekeyzer flutes, they are about $500 or so. Just though I’d mention it so you wouldn’t have to order from overseas if you are in the US.

If you want a nice flute though, I have a Mark Hoza R&R with sterling rings for $850, because I got a Hammy Hamilton on Ebay for $300.


Good luck getting a Reviol, I think I might try one too!


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