This is a 5 Piece Delrin Pratten Model by Gary Somers, with traditional metal tuning slide and nickel
plated rings. The flute is in excellent condition.

$325. Shipped in the CONUS.

Disappointed not to get your usual few words of review!

Best wishes,

Keith.

Ha! Sorry Keith, I wasn’t feeling very wordy when I posted, plus I figured that by now everyone knows that Gary makes excellent flutes. But, since you asked, here’s my take:

Great Pratten style flute with large holes. Excellent volume with the typical “Bigger” and more “open” sound Prattens are know for. I’m no sound engineer but I take this to mean the flute produces less overtones than a typical Rudall style flute.

Workmanship is excellent all around, and the finish is a bit less slippery than some Delrin flutes, which is nice. I have a couple that just slicker than they should be but not this one, IMO.

Embouchure seems, to me, to be cut very much like a typical Murray flute, which means you need to roll out or blow across more than some flutes require. My guess is many people don’t even notice this, and adjust automatically.

Really a wonderful flute, which I’ve held onto for a long time. I’m sad to be selling it, particularly as it’s the only Prattens I still own since having to sell my Dogwood Olwell a while back. However, I’ve made a commitment to cut down on my possessions this year, so this is why I’ve listed the Somers and a couple
of other flutes.

Ahhhhh! That's more like it. Thank you.

Your point about the possible difference in tonal values
between Prattens and smaller holed RnR's
concentrated my attention. I shall check it out.
I suspect you're right.

As for having to roll the embouchure to find
different sweetspots in a tune, that
sounds like a potential weakness more than a benefit ...?

Good points, much appreciated. Thanks again.

Best wishes,

Keith.

Sorry, I wasn’t clear about the embouchure cut and rolling: The chimney of the embouchure hole on thenSomers is cut at angle that is less vertical than some flutes. Sam Murray also does this. All this means is that one needs to either position one’s lips in a SLIGHTLY different place relative to the embouchure hole before playing, or blow across the hole more and less down into the hole than on something like and Olwell. It’s just about starting from a different place on the flute before beginning.

No weakness or downside to the flute, no unusual adjustments/lipping are required during tunes once you set up in the right place and blow properly, like any other flute. That said, if you play something with a steep chimney cut and then pick up the Somers, it might give you pause for a moment as you work out what it needs.

I hope this clarifies, rather than muddies, although I imagine I might have failed again

No, no muddying! You're very clear, thanks.

Keith.