Chiff and Fipple Forums

I will probably bow to common sense and buy my first flute from a conventional tonewood, but I am extremely concerned with weight and ergonomics due to my injury history and I can’t help being intrigued by olivewood flutes. I’ve read the previous threads here on olivewood instruments (mostly whistles and pipe chanters), and I am wondering if there are enough olivewood flutes out there that people have seen how well they hold up with proper maintenance, and if any difference has been seen between European and African sources.

Pipa wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 1:18 pm I will probably bow to common sense and buy my first flute from a conventional tonewood, but I am extremely concerned with weight and ergonomics due to my injury history and I can’t help being intrigued by olivewood flutes. I’ve read the previous threads here on olivewood instruments (mostly whistles and pipe chanters), and I am wondering if there are enough olivewood flutes out there that people have seen how well they hold up with proper maintenance, and if any difference has been seen between European and African sources.

Can't speak to the difference between European and African sources, but I had a Bleazy olivewood flute for a couple of years. I saw no issues with the wood itself. Very nice playing, light, and visually attractive. My concern was with the maker's construction of the particular instrument. I note that Windward flutes uses olivewood a lot. That might be a place to check for their experiences.

I haven't seen any mention of boxwood in you questions/comments. I'm a fan of boxwood for its light weight and its appearance. I have, or have had, several boxwood instruments and haven't noticed any issues. Many will raise concerns about bending/warping but I haven't experienced that. I've had antiques, flutes from the 1990s and new instruments and haven't had any problems.

Best of luck in your search.

Steve

I haven't seen any reports of olivewood flutes warping, but have for boxwood. One possible problem - olivewood is apparently an attractive snack to dogs (must like Italian cooking).

I've heard of recorders being made of olivewood. I'll have to have a google, though, because I can't remember if I've ever read anything about their longevity. I seem to recall that they were not grouped in with softer/cheaper woods like maple or pearwood, so maybe it's considered to be on the more-durable side?

kkrell wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 6:28 pm One possible problem - olivewood is apparently an attractive snack to dogs (must like Italian cooking).

Ruh roh! I’m already worried about keeping the Big Stick away from the dog, so that’s worth considering.

I have a friend with an olive wood flute he has had for several years...seems stable and it's gorgeous.

Eric

Oddly enough, the best results I got from Googling were right here, lol.

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