I’ve seen Wilkes flutes on the internet, has anyone had any experience with them? Thanx…
Hi Dave,
Still waiting for mine! A keyless version in D, a one year waiting list, early 2003 (I hope) I will let you know when I get it. I have heard a keyed version and it sounded very nice…full smooth tone and the guy playing it said he was very very happy with it. After a six year wait I would hope so too!
Dave.
I have a Chrish Wilkes flute. It’s a 8 keyed instrument. The job is great, perfect at look .It has a very good sound, responsive, but a bit hard to play because has big holes, you have to blow hard to produce its loud sound. If you are an experienced player there’s no problem for you. Low “D” its a bit difficult to play in tune, at the begining it’s seem to be a bit flat, but when you play for a while “Low D” the tunning is better. The balance between two octaves is really good in volume and tunning.I would say that is a great flute.
If you want more information you can e-mail me:
smoro@epes.es
Salutes.
I would agree with Smoro…
I have a Wilkes headjoint on my Rudall (Wilkes also did some refurishment of my Rudall), and with the round embouchure, you have to have a very focused embouchure; you have to have good lip. Get it, and I tell you, that is an awesome flute. The tone is unparalleled, but it does not have the flexibility of a larger embouchure ( a al Olwell).
I have a keyless wilkes flute and it has a great tone. I would recommend it to anybody.
I have played sveral Wilkes flutes. I would recommend the larger-holed ones. I found the lowest couple of notes on the small-holed model a little weak.
~J/.