Olwell Bamboo G flute?

Irish Flute
1

I just won an Olwell Bamboo G flute in the raffle. Any comments on it? Do bamboo flutes require any special care, like oiling?

I owned a Boehm-system student flute many years ago, and some cheap Taiwanese bamboo flutes before that that all split after bringing them to the States, but never got serious about them.

This will be my first serious simple-system flute. I hope it doesn’t start a FAD (flute acquisition disorder), though having a flute in G will shortstop my planned acquistion of a G whistle for at least a little while.

2

Sounds like another goner to me . Oh dear !.

3

It should be very good. It will take some time
and frustration to develop the embouchure,
and then…

4

Yes, actually, they do benefit from oiling. A small amount on both endgrains is enough, I think, to help prevent splitting.

Break it in (if it’s new) like you would any timber instrument. It’ll be great!

Stuart

5

Thanks. I guess that means around the holes, too.

Break it in (if it’s new) like you would any timber instrument. It’ll be great!

I suspect that it’s used.

(Former Houstonian here, by the way–graduated from Bellaire HS in 1959.)

6

Hey! I’ve seen Bellaire HS! :slight_smile:

I don’t think the holes need oiling. They’re made with a hot poker, literally, and are, well, charred. I don’t think oiling them would have any benefit. Go for it if you want, but I think the endgrain is the important part.


Stuart