And after Alan had asked me the other night if there were anything coming down the pike . . .
I contacted Chris Dawson nearly a year ago asking about his bamboo flutes (which he calls Rhiannon Flutes). He told me he was doing a lot of touring, etc. and didnāt have any on hand, but would let me know when he had finished one.
Yesterday I got email from him that heād finished a concert D, and Iāve just gotten the bank details to wire the money to him. So, within the next couple of weeks, I should be able at least to put up a picture of this Most Elusive of the Bamboo Flutes.
I may try a review as well, but Iām not all that good at reviews. Eh. Iāve got Erik the Flutemaker, Steve Cox, and Olwell bamboo flutes around to compare the Rhiannon to . . . so weāll see.
And sound samples of all three so we can hear a little of what they are capable of and some of the different carracteristics of all three when played by the same fluter.
My impression thus far is based on Steve Cox, Eric the Flutemaker, and Olwell bamboos.
Bamboo is nowhere near as durable as timber. A lot of it cracks.
Bamboo makes a wonderful flute, though. So itās frustrating that itās so sensitive and CAN crack.
One thing to make sure of when ordering a flute (from someone like the three of these guys who can whip one up when you order, meaning someone responsive) is to ask about the position of the embouchure hole. Weāve talked (on this forum perhaps, or at least on the woodenflute list) that simple-system flutes are intended to be played with the embouchure hole turned inwards. Some folks turn it in more than others. Regardless, the position is (necessarily) fixed on a bamboo flute, and if the maker puts the hole in-line and youāre used to turning in, itāll feel really awkward to play and be no fun.
So, thatās my take on THOSE apples.
Based on what I have, Iād also have to say that Pat Olwell and Steve Cox (Tallgrass) are meticulous craftsmen and make wonderfully playable flutes. I have a few from Erik as well, whoās a great guy, but who may not be as meticulous as the other two. I really enjoy playing the nonstandard stuff from Erik (weird tunings), but the D that I have has a very-in-line embouchure hole which Iām not super-thrilled about. But Erikās prices are lower than the other two guys, and his stuff is definitely playable, so he makes a good choice for the budget bamboo market.
And Iāve only had a while to play, and I suppose Iām still breaking it in . . . but WOW! What an instrument!
It plays. Certainly, it does. And the boreās rushed; I find that intriguing. Itās very well-in-tune with itself, and easy to play in tune. Easy to half-hole.
Looks just like the one in the picture I posted before, actually! Iāll post one of the actual article once I get a chance . . .
As for the rushed bore, thereās a piece of bamboo that runs in the bore from, oh, like third through fifth holes (like OOXXXOish). Itās about that long and itās probably 1/4" wide or so, and maybe about that thick. Rushes change the diameter of the bore and bring the notes in their vicinity down.
This flute is VERY in tune. Olwellās are as well, but this one plays differently . . . Iām not sure I can characterize how it plays differently right now, but itās . . . you guessed it, different.
Sorry Iāve been lax in responding but Iāve been busy, and travelling a little, and what-not.
Stuart - thanks for the update. Iāve been travelling so much that I hadnāt noticed that youād not posted either.
I really appreciate the explanation of the rush in the flute, and I look forward to hearing more about it and how youād compare it not only to your olwell bamboo but how it is for playing ITM, etc.
