Does anyone here know the maker? I watched yesterday the new Solas DVD and that flute surprised me.
S.
I’m guessing that it would be an Olwell. Seamus Egan used to play Olwells, the last time I saw Solas - although I admit it has been quite a few years since I last saw them. Patrick Olwell makes a nice Bb flute, in any case.
He was indeed playing an Olwell Bb flute in boxwood (unlined head) the last time I saw him, which was many years ago. I remember asking him about it.
Yes, I though as well that possibly it was an Olwell, but the design looked so different to other Bb flutes that I started to ask myself.
Thanks,
S.
It’s that big long headjoint with no tuning slide that makes it look different from other flutes you’ve seen…the head joint extends all the way down to the top joint of the flute, there’s no barrel joint because there’s no tuning slide. I have a Wilkes Bb in boxwood with the same design (although mine has keys; I believe Seamus’s Olwell Bb is keyless).
It is exactly as you describe.
It is very interesting how the good players can play a flute in tune without tunning slide in any conditions, of course it is a good flute, but as I always say, the player makes the difference.
Thanks again for the information.
That top joint, on a slideless flute, can extended lightly (pulled apart) to adjust tuning somewhat as well.
Loren