Which keyed flute would complement my keyless Olwell Nichols

Irish Flute
1

Hi All,

I’ve had an Olwell Nicholson keyless flute for about 1 year now, and its been a fantastic flute. Now I’m
considering getting a keyed flute, and was looking for some suggestions for what to get.

A keyed Olwell is out of the question, as 6 years is just too long to wait. What other keyed flutes
are there that dont have as long a waiting list, and that ‘play’ closest to my current flute?

I dont want an antique flute. I’d prefer a new modern flute. Probably with 6 keys.

Thanks
Ian

2

I’ve got just the thing - a fine Olwell Pratten in cocus wood with gold keys. All offers considered!

3

Perhaps a Copley would suit. The two designs share a few similarities–moderately large bore and tone holes (but a bit smaller than a typical Pratten style), modern tuning, etc.

4

Eamon Cotter makes a flute in sympathy with the Olwell design.


Rob

5

second Rob

6

A friend of mine used to put his Olwell headjoint on his Seth Gallagher flute body. The resulting “Frankenflute” played very well indeed. The obvious advantage is that you don’t have to come to grips with a new headjoint. The Olwell headjoint was a perfect fit and played in tune.

7

Ooh…good call. I might know where there’s a Gallagher 6-key for sale…



Rob