Thanks for the advice all. I did get some sweet almond oil, and have let the flute drink some.
Well, having only two years with Irish flutes, and only a Seery and a Dixon to compare with, I’m not going to be able to give a good comparative review of the flute. [Oh, and I have a Skip Healy, but it’s been in need of repair since I received it… so it’s not a fair comparison.]
The head is a bit lighter than the main body, with reddish grain running through it. I thought at first the endcap was plastic or some other non-wood material, since it’s so perfect, but it is wood also. The lining seems to go almost up to the embouchure hole. I wouldn’t know what to say about the tuning slide. The joints fittings are cork, and the flute slides together quite peacefully. There are a couple of small grain cracks on the head that I was worried about at first, but I’ve had several people look at it (including a professional early instrument repair person), and they say they’re very normal.
So far… it is a stunning difference from the Seery. First of all it is perfectly in tune without me having to struggle [I really do think the Seery that I have has real problems in this area (see http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=256602&highlight=#256602)]. The tone is lovely, though different from my teacher’s Olwell which is fully lined… not as bright (I like the darker, more buttery sound of the partially lined head, but I’m not sure she does). It is much easier to play than the Seery. The upper register is just amazing.
Besides the tone, it is a joy to have a lighter flute that doesn’t get all slippery. I think it’s already making a difference on how fast I can move around on it. I think between not having to force the embouchure as much, and the lighter hold, I’ll be much less fatigued with the Olwell.
As far as “barking” and that kind of thing, we’ll have to see… I’ve not yet had time to really explore what it can do. My worry about the Olwell is that it would be a bit too sweet for my taste. With the partially lined head, I think I need not worry. I heard some really nice Hammy’s when i was at the festival in East Durham this summer. A Hammy would be my second choice, I guess, and I do hope I can make it sound like what I heard… that deep growl and rich tones. I’ve a feeling what I heard was more the players than the flute.
I’m hoping this will be my lifelong and only flute… I’ve no plan to become a collector. I am inspired by Cathal McConnell whom I saw in Edinburgh a couple weeks ago, who has rubberbands around his flute to keep it together. And Mike Rafferty from whom I took a workshop this summer and who still has his original Olwell that he talks about on interviews. I think those who go through lots of flutes and whistles are great, but I’ve just been wanting one solid capable instrument that I can marry, and the rest is about playing. I actually feel a tad guilty about having such gorgeous flute, since I know those with less that can play better, but I’ve been working hard, and hope I’ll live up to it over time.
Anyhow, there you have it… my first impressions, for what they’re worth.
-scott
You might have to ask the pharmacist.