Chiff and Fipple Forums

an seanduine wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 10:31 pm Here is a picture of Leslie with her two flutes:https://www.leslieanneharrison.com/
The one is, I believe stated to be a Miramatsu. . . .a not shabby Boehm. The other, although no finial is viewable from this angle, again, I believe to be stated as a Lesouef.

The other flute is an Olwell, not a Lesouef.

cac wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 4:28 pm Please correct me if I'm wrong, but Leslie Ann Harrison used to play an Olwell Pratten model to which keys had been added by Maurice Reviol. The odd semi-circular shaped G# key is what indicated that to me, and it is present on this video. Does Solen Lesoeuf make the same shape G# key?

Solen Lesouef makes flutes with block mounted keys. I asked Leslie Ann Harrison on Instagram and she confirmed that it’s an Olwell.

jenfen wrote: ↑Sat Dec 04, 2021 12:09 pm I asked Leslie Ann Harrison on Instagram and she confirmed that it’s an Olwell.

Mystery solved then, thanks for that I should have just waited a few hrs and saved myself a ton of thumb typing

My pleasure. I felt called to get to the bottom of it! I also knew the keyword isn't Lesouef's and the sound isn't like one either.

Sorry I didn't read the discussion here until just now. Leslie wrote to me in June of 2015: "I play an African blackwood flute made by Patrick Olwell." Chet

Sorry about the wrong information. Just goes to show how wrong this old man can be.

Bob

I also asked Leslie about the flute in question (via the YT video linked above), to which she replied:

My wooden flute is an Olwell Nicholson model.

.
I’m on the list for a Lesouf keyless flute (due summer 2022) so I’ll be interested in how the low D bell note sounds for me as well.

stiofan wrote: ↑Sun Dec 05, 2021 12:52 pm I’ll be interested in how the low D bell note sounds for me as well.

I have a keyed LeSoeuf in mopane (love it). For me it has a very strong low D, F and G (E not so much). I suspect that a lot of the strong low notes are a result of appropriate embouchure coupled with jaw configuration, shape and strength of lips and associated muscles, and angle of attack for the wind. All of which goes back to long tones with minute modifications to find that sweet spot for each individual. Not sure that the flute is as important as the player in this instance.

Best wishes.

Steve

I too own a mopane D flute by Solen Lesouef.
I understand she made some design changes just before I received mine in July 2020, but what I experience and heard from other Lesouef players is that her flutes are made to play best with a more downward directed airstream. This can be accomplished by turning the headjoint a bit more in towards you or blow a bit more from above (or both). It took me a while to get used to and also made me relax or widen my embouchure a bit.
I also own a keyless Olwell and switching back and forth really confirms that.

wfiw I play the Lesouef more often (and am expecting a 6-key in the spring )

Thanks all for great suggestions. I concur with Pixyy above that I am able to get a decent D now with a more downward stream. It may be getting used to the flute, but I have a couple other flutes, by similar popular makers, and was able to get a honking D that I could push and lean into right at the start. Maybe it's also individual lip anatomy.

Also, for the record it's an amazing flute and I'm worried it may hijack all my flute playing time

I should have mentioned that I do crank the embouchure much further around on the LeSouef than on other flutes. Again, long notes to find that sweet spot and accounting for different jaw/lip structure (mild overbite and relatively thin lips) is what worked for me. But once found, it is a very sweet spot.

Best wishes.

Steve

It looks like you've gotten this one taken care of. But I am tempted to ask if this is a keyed or keyless flute. A faulty seal on the Eb key can leave you with a wimpy D, likewise a leaky joint on a two piece body... The question, "Is it me or the flute?" isn't an insult to a maker. Things happen. Leaks can be tested by wrapping teflon tape around the joint or around the body over a hole under a key. If things improve there is a leak somewhere. If you have another flute player nearby having them give it a go will be helpful. I don't know how long we have to air our flutes between players now that covid is an issue though.