Heavens to Mergatroid, What a Flute!!!
Must get back to it now......
Loren
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Loren on 2002-06-30 00:48 ]</font>
The Cocus Cannon
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Loren
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Make a new plan, Stan
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Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
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And get yourself free - Location: Loren has left the building.
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DanD
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Congratulations!!!
Of course, we do expect a full review (with pictures if possible!) as soon as you can physically seperate yourself from it long enough to sit down at your keyboard!
OTH, don't post the reveiw - jealousy and envy aren't my better traits!
PS - I' be really interested in a side by side comparison with the Copley.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DanD on 2002-06-14 16:40 ]</font>
Of course, we do expect a full review (with pictures if possible!) as soon as you can physically seperate yourself from it long enough to sit down at your keyboard!
OTH, don't post the reveiw - jealousy and envy aren't my better traits!
PS - I' be really interested in a side by side comparison with the Copley.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DanD on 2002-06-14 16:40 ]</font>
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Loren
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- Tell us something.: You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free - Location: Loren has left the building.
Geeze,
I thought you guys would be absolutely sick of hearing about this flute by now, I'm sure some are.....
I'll try to get some decent photos over the weekend.
I'm afraid a sound clip isn't possible, the system/browser combination I use Webtv/MSNtv doesn't have that ability. Besides, it's going to take a while for me to find the best embouchure for this flute anyway, it requires a different lip than what I was using on the Copley.
I don't really want to publicly start comparing the Olwell to other flutes until I've had the chance to get to know it better.
I can however tell you the following:
1) I'm not having any trouble filling it, I do however have to take breaths a little more frequently.
2) Fingerhole size and spacing are not a problem for me, and I have small hands.
3) When played with the proper emboucher this flute is capable of surprising (to me) volume and projection, by FAR the loudest woodenflute I've ever encountered. Which is not to say that it can't be played at lower volume, because it certainly can. But geeze, really blow into this Olwell and you start to wonder if they're gonna hear you a couple of streets away!
4) This flute cracks like a whip!
5) The high end of the flute totally has that Seamus Egan upper octaves sound - awesome! This sound is hard to describe in words, but if you're a Solas fan you'll know exactly what I mean. Now if I could only play half as well as Seamus.......
6) Rock solid bottom end, a D you could climb up and stand on.
7) The Fit and Finish are what you'd expect, all top notch of course.
8 ) Cocus seems to have a VERY strong somewhat bitter smell, at least at this stage. How strong you may ask? So strong that I can smell the Cocus right through a sealed Cavallero flute roll bag - and I have a very weak sense of smell. The odor doesn't bother me, but I'm not sure everyone could deal with it.
9) Is it just paranoia, or does the area under my lower lip look slightly swollen now? Probably just my imagination, although my lips did feel sort of "tingly" after playing....
Those are my thoughts at the moment. The worst bit is that according to Patrick the flute should only be played for an hour a day the first week or so, then gradually increasing after that, sigh.....
That's all for now, I'll post again when I have a pic or two to share.
Loren
P.S. For those wondering - Yes, this flute was well worth the wait, and all the whistles I had to sell to pay for it, no question at all.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Loren on 2002-06-14 18:44 ]</font>
I thought you guys would be absolutely sick of hearing about this flute by now, I'm sure some are.....
I'll try to get some decent photos over the weekend.
I'm afraid a sound clip isn't possible, the system/browser combination I use Webtv/MSNtv doesn't have that ability. Besides, it's going to take a while for me to find the best embouchure for this flute anyway, it requires a different lip than what I was using on the Copley.
I don't really want to publicly start comparing the Olwell to other flutes until I've had the chance to get to know it better.
I can however tell you the following:
1) I'm not having any trouble filling it, I do however have to take breaths a little more frequently.
2) Fingerhole size and spacing are not a problem for me, and I have small hands.
3) When played with the proper emboucher this flute is capable of surprising (to me) volume and projection, by FAR the loudest woodenflute I've ever encountered. Which is not to say that it can't be played at lower volume, because it certainly can. But geeze, really blow into this Olwell and you start to wonder if they're gonna hear you a couple of streets away!
4) This flute cracks like a whip!
5) The high end of the flute totally has that Seamus Egan upper octaves sound - awesome! This sound is hard to describe in words, but if you're a Solas fan you'll know exactly what I mean. Now if I could only play half as well as Seamus.......
6) Rock solid bottom end, a D you could climb up and stand on.
7) The Fit and Finish are what you'd expect, all top notch of course.
8 ) Cocus seems to have a VERY strong somewhat bitter smell, at least at this stage. How strong you may ask? So strong that I can smell the Cocus right through a sealed Cavallero flute roll bag - and I have a very weak sense of smell. The odor doesn't bother me, but I'm not sure everyone could deal with it.
9) Is it just paranoia, or does the area under my lower lip look slightly swollen now? Probably just my imagination, although my lips did feel sort of "tingly" after playing....
Those are my thoughts at the moment. The worst bit is that according to Patrick the flute should only be played for an hour a day the first week or so, then gradually increasing after that, sigh.....
That's all for now, I'll post again when I have a pic or two to share.
Loren
P.S. For those wondering - Yes, this flute was well worth the wait, and all the whistles I had to sell to pay for it, no question at all.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Loren on 2002-06-14 18:44 ]</font>
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Loren
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- Tell us something.: You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free - Location: Loren has left the building.
Chris,
Yeah, let's hope I'm not allergic! Guess we'll know before too long. Even if it turns out that I am, it's not the end of the world - there are a couple of options for dealing with the lip/flute contact area. We'll see though.
On the issue of the flute's smell: It hit me a couple of hours ago that what I'm smelling is burned bamboo, not the wood's natural odor. Having purchased some recently manufactured Bamboo flutes directly from Pat in the past, I should have recognized the odor immediately. That's the good news. The bad news is; It might take quite awhile for this smell to fade, and it's starting to get on my nerves - My whole apartment is starting to smell like a burned bamboo grove =;^
Killer flute by the way, in case I hadn't mentioned that =;^)
Loren
Yeah, let's hope I'm not allergic! Guess we'll know before too long. Even if it turns out that I am, it's not the end of the world - there are a couple of options for dealing with the lip/flute contact area. We'll see though.
On the issue of the flute's smell: It hit me a couple of hours ago that what I'm smelling is burned bamboo, not the wood's natural odor. Having purchased some recently manufactured Bamboo flutes directly from Pat in the past, I should have recognized the odor immediately. That's the good news. The bad news is; It might take quite awhile for this smell to fade, and it's starting to get on my nerves - My whole apartment is starting to smell like a burned bamboo grove =;^
Killer flute by the way, in case I hadn't mentioned that =;^)
Loren
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gcollins
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Loren:
Yes, it is an allergic reaction you have. Don't even think about adding a Matt Malloy silver plate over the embouchure. Just re-pack the flute today and send it to me...and then think about the possibilities...
You can wait another year and enjoy the bittersweet taste of anticipation. One always needs something to look forward to.
When I first started playing the Olwell, I was smashed by not only the volume and projection, but the "bark"!! I started wondering if the dogs in the neoghborhood would come smelling around for some blackwood trim.
Enjoy the flute for a few months...this will be the first time in, what, three years, that you are no longer resident on any waiting lists. Can you handle that, bro?
Yes, it is an allergic reaction you have. Don't even think about adding a Matt Malloy silver plate over the embouchure. Just re-pack the flute today and send it to me...and then think about the possibilities...
You can wait another year and enjoy the bittersweet taste of anticipation. One always needs something to look forward to.
When I first started playing the Olwell, I was smashed by not only the volume and projection, but the "bark"!! I started wondering if the dogs in the neoghborhood would come smelling around for some blackwood trim.
Enjoy the flute for a few months...this will be the first time in, what, three years, that you are no longer resident on any waiting lists. Can you handle that, bro?
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Whistlin'Dixie
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Loren,
Congratulations! You must be dizzy from excitement, or would that be from blowing? Sorry to ask if you've mentioned this before, but what made you choose cocus over grenadilla? I've heard that cocus is a little more susceptible to cracking. But, in Florida where its just a tad humid, it shouldn't be a problem if well cared for. How would you describe the volume difference between your former Copley and the Olwell? What about tone differences between the cocus and grenadilla?
Have fun. I hear cold pints of pale ale will help reduce the lip swelling.
Matt
PS. In case your wondering why so many questions...I am in the market for a second keyless D, and recent conversations with Pat Olwell have me very interested.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mjmtex on 2002-06-15 21:14 ]</font>
Congratulations! You must be dizzy from excitement, or would that be from blowing? Sorry to ask if you've mentioned this before, but what made you choose cocus over grenadilla? I've heard that cocus is a little more susceptible to cracking. But, in Florida where its just a tad humid, it shouldn't be a problem if well cared for. How would you describe the volume difference between your former Copley and the Olwell? What about tone differences between the cocus and grenadilla?
Have fun. I hear cold pints of pale ale will help reduce the lip swelling.
Matt
PS. In case your wondering why so many questions...I am in the market for a second keyless D, and recent conversations with Pat Olwell have me very interested.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mjmtex on 2002-06-15 21:14 ]</font>
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Jens_Hoppe
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Loren, congrats on having finally received your holy grail! Lets hope you're not allergic, because if you are, you will, er, have to sell it <i>cheap</i>, you know "allergy-inducing flute for sale - $100" or something. 
I trust you will give us a more thorough comparison once you have more experience with it. I like your comment that you are "only" allowed one hour of practice a day, I wish I had that kind of time for flute playing.
Jens
I trust you will give us a more thorough comparison once you have more experience with it. I like your comment that you are "only" allowed one hour of practice a day, I wish I had that kind of time for flute playing.
Jens
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Loren
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- Tell us something.: You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free - Location: Loren has left the building.
Just wanted to add a quick update for those who have been curious:
To be honest, I'd have to say that the Olwell has been a real bear so far - much tougher to play than my Copley. Filling the Olwell is no problem, but getting and maintaining a great tone has been tough, and I'm still struggling mightily. I'm also finding it difficult to maintain good tone from one octave to the next, and I find shifting octaves on this Olwell very difficult to control. Perplexing to be sure.
Now, keep in mind I've only had about 4 hours on the Olwell so far, and I'd condemn myself and my embouchure long before I'd say it's the flute's fault that I'm having trouble: The Copley and the Olwell have similar size and shape embouchure holes, but the angle of the cut is quite different, so this alone would require significant changes on my part I should think. It would seem I haven't gotten the adjustments figured out just yet
Never the less, the fact is that I'm having a rough go of it with the Olwell right now, and I thought I'd be honest about it. The Flute does sound amazing when I hit it just right, so I'm going to keep working at it, and see what I can come up with over time. I suspect this flute will either make me or break me.......
Loren
To be honest, I'd have to say that the Olwell has been a real bear so far - much tougher to play than my Copley. Filling the Olwell is no problem, but getting and maintaining a great tone has been tough, and I'm still struggling mightily. I'm also finding it difficult to maintain good tone from one octave to the next, and I find shifting octaves on this Olwell very difficult to control. Perplexing to be sure.
Now, keep in mind I've only had about 4 hours on the Olwell so far, and I'd condemn myself and my embouchure long before I'd say it's the flute's fault that I'm having trouble: The Copley and the Olwell have similar size and shape embouchure holes, but the angle of the cut is quite different, so this alone would require significant changes on my part I should think. It would seem I haven't gotten the adjustments figured out just yet
Never the less, the fact is that I'm having a rough go of it with the Olwell right now, and I thought I'd be honest about it. The Flute does sound amazing when I hit it just right, so I'm going to keep working at it, and see what I can come up with over time. I suspect this flute will either make me or break me.......
Loren
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ChrisLaughlin
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Loren
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- Tell us something.: You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free - Location: Loren has left the building.
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Loren
- Posts: 8393
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- Tell us something.: You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free - Location: Loren has left the building.
Forgot to mention a couple of things:
The burnt bamboo smell is starting to fade, thank goodness.
Seems I'm not allergic to the Cocus after all - I haven't had any skin reactions over the last several days, so it must have just been my imagination and paranoia that first day
For the person who asked why I choose Cocus, it was discussed at length not long ago in another thread, check back over the last few pages, I don't want to bore people again.
G.,
I am still on Chris Abell's waiting list for an A/Bb whistle set, but that's the last. I'll be fine, don't need anything else......except maybe a keyed flute.......and possibly a Rudall of some sort to compliment the Pratten.......and then of course there's that Bb flute I've been wanting......... =;^)
BTW, Have you heard that Kevin Crawford may have a Bb flute CD coming out at some point? Word has it the recording is already finished.
Loren
The burnt bamboo smell is starting to fade, thank goodness.
Seems I'm not allergic to the Cocus after all - I haven't had any skin reactions over the last several days, so it must have just been my imagination and paranoia that first day
For the person who asked why I choose Cocus, it was discussed at length not long ago in another thread, check back over the last few pages, I don't want to bore people again.
G.,
I am still on Chris Abell's waiting list for an A/Bb whistle set, but that's the last. I'll be fine, don't need anything else......except maybe a keyed flute.......and possibly a Rudall of some sort to compliment the Pratten.......and then of course there's that Bb flute I've been wanting......... =;^)
BTW, Have you heard that Kevin Crawford may have a Bb flute CD coming out at some point? Word has it the recording is already finished.
Loren