I Got my Olwell Today!

Sillydill · Post by **Sillydill** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:05 pm

Well I finally got my Boxwood Olwell Rudall and I've only got one word to say:

WAAAHHHH!!

I can not comfortably play this flute in tune. It's a bit flat and I'm alot flat! I guess we just weren't made for each other.

I think I'll go get some Jameson.

Hornpiper · Post by **Hornpiper** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:18 pm

Sell it to me!!!!!

Is there no tuning slide, or is it integrated somehow?

Ben

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:31 pm

Give yourself some time to get used to that puppy.

If after several months you still don't match, then cry.

Also, you might call the maker--he may have suggestions.

--James

P.S. That's a very stunning flute! Nice nice nice nice nice....

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:32 pm

I hd the pleasure of playing an Olwell all-boxwood Pratten a couple of weeks ago. It felt so good I've been playing all my ITM on my Olwell all-rosewood Nicholson. It has a lot more power than I remember. And, damn, it's nice to come home after a long day and pick up a 7-ounce flute.

Take care of that baby, Jordan. Patrick isn't crazy about working in boxwood, but when he does the results are absolutely breathtaking.

Jon C. · Post by **Jon C.** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:39 pm

Sillydill wrote:Well I finally got my Boxwood Olwell Rudall and I've only got one word to say: WAAAHHHH!!

I can not comfortably play this flute in tune. It's a bit flat and I'm alot flat! I guess we just weren't made for each other.

I think I'll go get some Jameson.

I don't think it is the flute that needs to change...

Why don't you work on your techinque, it is just a matter of adjusting YOUR technique. Like James says, try it for a while.
If that doesn't work, I have a 5 key boxwood that plays about A=450htz, perfect for you...

chas · Post by **chas** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:37 pm

Jon C. wrote: I don't think it is the flute that needs to change...
Why don't you work on your techinque, it is just a matter of adjusting YOUR technique. Like James says, try it for a while.
If that doesn't work, I have a 5 key boxwood that plays about A=450htz, perfect for you...

I missed the flat part initially. I play mine flat, too. But I'm well on my way to playing in tune. Try this:

Stand with your back against a wall. Your head against the wall too. Play for as long as you can this way. Then try to keep your spine as straight as that during your normal practice. NEVER tilt yur head forward, never bring it to the flute.

I wasn't given this exercise to play in tune, I was given it to get a stronger low end and a greater ability to give big accents. The sharper playing is just a lagniappe.

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:48 pm

chas wrote:Stand with your back against a wall. Your head against the wall too. Play for as long as you can this way. Then try to keep your spine as straight as that during your normal practice. NEVER tilt yur head forward, never bring it to the flute.

I wasn't given this exercise to play in tune, I was given it to get a stronger low end and a greater ability to give big accents. The sharper playing is just a lagniappe.

Playing this way will also improve breathing. It's much easier to get a quick, full breath when standing upright.

Dana

Denny · Post by **Denny** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 8:10 pm

So would ya say that might be why I'm having so much difficulty playing in the fetal position?

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:08 pm

H'mmmm, could be.

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:34 am

I play sharp, even on the bottom, even on my Olwell Pratten. You guys know who to contact when you want to sell 'em.

Loren

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:37 am

chas wrote:I hd the pleasure of playing an Olwell all-boxwood Pratten a couple of weeks ago. It felt so good ......

Aren't you the one who said you've never gotten along with a Pratten?

Was the O.P. an exception to the rule for you?

Loren

Hoovorff · Post by **Hoovorff** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:46 am

Sillydill,

I have an Olwell Boxwood Rudall like yours (all wood/no slide) and it is sometimes a bit flat too. Or, I should say I am sometimes a bit flat on it. But I've found that if I just barely roll out the head joint more than I do on my other flutes, and give it plenty of breath support from the diaphragm, I'm in tune. Rudall's seem to require a more focused airstream than other flutes, it seems.

The advice about an upright posture is a good reminder for all of us.

Keep us posted on your Olwell experience.

Jeanie

claudine · Post by **claudine** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:18 am

Just being curious: how long is Patrick Olwell's waiting time for a keyless flute and how much does it cost? And why doesn't your flute have a tuning slide?

dow · Post by **dow** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:22 am

chas wrote:lagniappe.

[lan-YAP, LAN-yap] Used primarily in southern Louisiana and southeast Texas, the word lagniappe refers to an "unexpected something extra". It could be an additional doughnut (as in "baker's dozen"), a free "one for the road" drink, an unanticipated tip for someone who provides a special service or possibly a complimentary dessert for a regular customer.

Wow, the things you learn on C&F.

chas · Post by **chas** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:32 am

Loren wrote:
chas wrote:I hd the pleasure of playing an Olwell all-boxwood Pratten a couple of weeks ago. It felt so good ......
Aren't you the one who said you've never gotten along with a Pratten? Was the O.P. an exception to the rule for you?

I didn't play it long enough to expose my flaws.

It sure was light as a feather, though.

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