I had had my heart set on an Olwell boxwood as my be-all-end-all flute, but then someone mentioned a Grinter boxwood. I don’t mean to rehash the Grinter-vs-Olwell debate, but we have a Grinter 8-key on order, which will nominally be my wife’s flute, but which I will likely play some. It occurred to me that I might be better off with a Grinter boxwood if I’ll be playing another Grinter anyway.
So I have a few questions. First, is switching between a Pratten-style and Rudall-style, or Olwell and Grinter, not advisable, especially for someone who likely will never be anything beyond a decent amateur player?
I don’t expect IrTrad, especially reels and jigs, to ever be the exclusive style that I play, but I do want to be able to play it. I would expect that playing a Grinter, I might be able to switch between IrTrad and other styles better, but I might be totally off base on this. Do y’all think it would be easier to get a Grinter to “bark” or to get an Olwell to play with a more mellow or delicate sound? Again, for someone who doesn’t expect to be anywhere close to virtuoso.
There is no harm in switching between flutes; what sounds you get from them is up to you. As has been said many times, the more familiar you are with a specific flute, the easier and better you will play it, or it will play for you. But, that said, you’d probably be doing yourself a favor getting the chance to play both, especially regularly, and the flutes you are talking about are both top of the line.
I’m not sure why you are limiting your future/potential growth, but with either of these flutes, you will certainly not be held back by your flute equipment.
As for barking, honking, and other assorted adjectives, these are ultimately up to the player – a Grinter can bark, if you can, and so can most “Rudall” types, particularly those that have big holes. I think it’s a really unfortunate myth that perpetuates that says a Pratten is one thing, a big-holed Rudall another. These flutes, and their modern hybrids, do possess some sonic differences, and they certainly feel differently in your hands, but perhaps the biggest factor is your comfort playing them. Since you’ll soon have a choice in your household between two of the best examples of modern-make flute shapes, you’ll probably gravitate more kindly toward one over the other. But I’ll bet you don’t make them sound all that much different from one to another to an impartial listener.
Gordon
Hi Chas.Here my personal experience.
I began to play irish flute on a pratten model, then, about 3 years ago, I
switched for a R&R type flute.Now I’m very happy, but this change has taken
me a lot of time. Tuning is quite different, and I had to relearn how
to play in tune (not with others, I mean how to play a scale wich was reasonably
in tune with itself).Low D is very different! embouchure took me too a while,
as the R&R type required a more precise, focused airstream.
Naturally it doesn’t depend only by the different model, but also
by the fact that the flutes I’ve played were made by two differents makers.
Anyway I don’t think it would be possible for me playing seriously both
models. Naturally this is only my experience- if you can afford both flutes
you’ll have the chance of playing both for long periods and understanding
wich is more suited to your nature and your taste. Then,in my opinion, you should
practice only on that one and learning how to take the best out of it.
Michel
Now I have a R&R model made by Tom Aebi, a very nice flute indeed.
Previously I owned and played for 3 years or so a Jon Swayne, and
then I’ve played for a little on a McGee, that I’ve sold as I haven’t liked it- it
didn’t suit my way of blowing. The Aebi I play is really great and I’m totally satisfied.
I don’t need any other D flute now!
Michel, I have been thinking about Aebi’s flutes for one year now. I am very interested and want to make an order soon, but couldn’t decide which model I want.
Do you have the original or the modern tuning, large or medium fingerholes? Could you try different models and what do you think about the differences between them? Does your flute have keys? Can you post a photo?
Mine is a large holed one, modern tuning, keyed, cocuswod. As far as
concerned with tuning both models are good, but the original allows
you to play with simple fingerings even in the 3rd octave.Also the A is sharper
and the C sharp is less flat.Personally I’d rather go with the modern tuning.
Concerning to L.H. vs M.H. I think the larger model has a wider range of tone
colors and also more ease in tone modulation but the M.H. is perhaps
a bit crisper and more easy to play (less air demanding). Both have good
volume (but obviously the l.h. is a bit louder). Mind that lots of good irish
flute players aren’t interested in technicolor playing. What abt you?
If you have plenty of air and good stamina go with the L.H.. Viceversa if you
don’t have lots of strenght you’d sound more full on the medium model.
Better sounding full and bold on a medium size flute than weak
and flabby on a big flute (like lots of people does!)…
Perhaps making a trip to Basel, visiting Tom’s workshop and trying&discussing
flutes with him should be the best thing if you’re still undecided.
Anyway whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed!
Michel
I had an Olwell and a Grinter for a few years. They do play quite differently, and it takes an adjustment period to understand the differences. Putting down one and then picking up the other presents a challenge and a definite ability to adjust.
Since you are being realistic about the amount of effort you will be putting into fluteplaying, it’s your call. If you don’t want complications and want the easiest or simpliest option, I’d say keep it simple and pick Grinter. An interesting possibility is a different choice of wood than your wive’s flute to get a little variety, like lancewood for example . But if you like the challenge, variety, versatility (and work in learning to play the 2 different flutes), then go Olwell.
BTW, I eventually began to favor one over the other and sold the one that I rarely played. I had plenty of offers from people to buy it before I decided to sell it.
My experience is alot like Michel’s description of the differences in the Pratten/R&R flutes and what it takes to play them. (Although in my mind Olwell seems to be quite unique in its design and doesn’t seem to really resemble any other flute except that it seems like a large bore and large toneholed flute, of which there are many, but few really good ones. Whereas Grinter does play alot like a true R&R and shares alot of the same characteristics of my R&R, IMHO).