Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hello Ken, As you have noted the head and body on this flute are probably from two different instruments pieced together. This may or may not affect the intonation, depending on how well matched they are in terms of scale length and internal diameter. The intonation on flutes from this period can le...

Finally, now we're getting somewhere sensible. I think there's a lesson to be learned for all of us from Nanohedron's excellent drill in anti distraction tactics. Do you have a band mate step in with an emergency rubber duck for those diva moments? Or better still stand on one leg ( oh forget that s...

O.K. Lets agree to disagree. For me any alterations have to be made internally. If I can clear my mind and focus totally on playing that's fine. If I'm in such a distracted frame of mind that it affects performance severely, I would simply follow my earlier statement, put the instrument down, and do...

" Just calm the face, as if it were a mask independent of where you're at emotionally." The problem with wearing a mask is that it does not fool everyone - least of all yourself. I thought one of the main intentions of the physical act of playing an instrument/music was to convey ones inne...

Libraryman has it in a nutshell. " ACCEPTANCE. " The realization that you are not going to play to your full potential every time you pick up an instrument and having the wisdom to accept that this is the case. This instantly allows you to give yourself permission to play at that particula...

Try keeping clear of social media when you feel like playing the fiddle ?

" I don't think the Bb was made by Norman Holmes. " - If you read the message you will see this is not implied. I referred to "playing" not "making" on the Bb.
Chris Wilkes takes that accolade. Norman Holmes is credited as the ( sound ) Engineer.

" What do you expect for £1,275 ($1990), A Pat Olwell 6-key birthday flute?"
Now that would be something of a bumper bargain! Did you sort your new pads out on the R.& R.?

Got the CD. from Claddagh Records, and found it a joy to listen to - fresh and uncluttered with some great playing from both musicians. From the sound of things, Norman Holmes should take a bow too. Special applause for the terrific playing on the Bb.

Hello Thomas, You've hit the nail on the head with the rubber band approach. It will allow the pad to take the impression of the key seat and encourage a better seal. We generally put rubber bands on all of the re-padded keys for a couple of days when restoring an instrument for this reason. The onl...

I'm quite stubborn when it comes to my middle D. When I popped down to my local session, I bumped into a seasoned flute playing friend, and these were the pearls of wisdom he had to say on the subject. " If you want to do a proper job of it with that punchy sound you've gotta lift that lefty in...

Took the time to read your original thread, and I must agree that it is both interesting and informative in equal measure. I don't suppose you are lucky enough to own a H. Wylde and a H. Fentum and be able to make comparison? From photo's only I've inspected there are noticeable shared design/stylis...

Thalatta, An interesting slice of history for you regarding counterfeit coins ( Half Crowns ) courtesy of The Old Bailey- link below. http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t18450203-name-549&div=t18450203-499#highlight From this testimony given as evidence in court it appears that Charles...

Hello Aaron, Can I start with your second point, as it is a no - brainer "Second: A local pawn shop has a Copley and Boegli keyless flute in blackwood for sale @ $425." This is a great price for a flute of it's type, and if it does not work out for you, it will probably make more when you ...

8 keys ............so far !