I finally got my flute (a keyless D) after a year and a half wait and must say I am over the moon
I went to collect the flute from Chris at his home on the Borders of Wales where he lives with his wife and daughter. They live in a converted Victorian school where Chris has his workshop. He welcomed me with a cup of tea and a tour of his workshop.
As we got talking I realised how passionate Chris is about flutes and flute making, this passion logically transfers to his instruments. The quality of workmanship is first class, the tone strong and clear (the low D can really sing!) and the tuning is spot on, as you would expect.
I am used to playing the Boehm system flute and am finding it quite a challenge to produce the sound that I know this flute is capable of. Chris ripped off a few reels just to show me what it can sound like.
Chris enjoys classical music as well, so we played a couple of classical duets. The flute, in my hands sounded very fluffy and weak but that is what I expected and am glad of… there would be no challenge otherwise!!
I have had it now for two weeks and am gradually getting to grips with the different energies needed to play this type of flute, and am looking forward to many years of pleasurable music making.
I am not sure that Chris is making any more keyless (after this current batch) as he has so much work with the keyed jobs, the waiting list is very long. I think though for any serious flute players Chris Wilkes flutes are definitely worth the wait.
This must be quite a experience to see a flute workshop and play with the maker! Lucky you are!
You said: "I have had it now for two weeks and am gradually getting to grips with the different energies needed to play this type of flute, and am looking forward to many years of pleasurable music making. "
How do you feel the energie is different between Boehm and wooden flute?
Yes Chris is a very enthusiastic and welcoming person. I could have stayed all day because he was really into playing some music. Unfortunately my daughter and I were on our way to North Wales and we had to leave.
On the differences there are several.
On my Boehm flute there is a metal lip plate as opposed to just a hole. I can get a nice tone from my Boehm but when I tried with the Wilkes the sound was dire to say the least. Chris showed me a different way to blow, more downward and concentrated. I have had to adjust my lip position to get a good solid tone. What tends to happen is that the low notes will oscillate between the octave getting a sort of pulsating sound which is neither here nor there. The sound I need is a pure note which is strong and smooth but as near as possible to the octave without actually hitting it.
Another thing is the weight, it is quite heavy compared to my flute and when I pick up the whistle it nearly floats away!
Covering the holes properly is a slight problem too, coming from a metal open holed keyed flute where the keys do most of the work.
All these things though are easily overcome with practice, anyway it’s great to have something to work on!
Congratulations Dave,oh joyous day!
I am sure that you are TRULY ‘over the moon’ with your Wilkes!
Shame that Chris Wilkes has put a stop on Keyless flute production,due too pressure of work(he’s human,after all).
I would LOVE to own a Wilkes flute-I consider him to be in direct descent to Rudall and Rose.
