Can anyone tell me about 'Nicholson' model of flutes?

[curleywurley]

I'm interested in purchasing a flute that has been offered to me. It is made by Patrick Olwell and it is based on the 'nicholson' model - I am not familiar with this . How does it compare to a Prattan or a Rudell? Thanks for any replies,

Curleywurley

[Jon C.]

As far as I could tell, it is the same as his Pratten, as far as the bore, but smaller tone holes.

[Cathy Wilde]

I think I recall seeing a piece of paper from Patrick Olwell describing the Nicholson as sort of "in between" a Pratten and a Rudall. My Olwell Pratten had bigger toneholes and a big old honking sound. It could take a lot of air, though it didn't need it. My present Olwell Nicholson has markedly smaller toneholes which are actually spaced a little closer together (particularly on the right hand, where they're a bit more "upstream" from the foot end). Like Jon said, I don't know if the bore profile is any different, ALTHOUGH I have gotten my cleaning swab stuck in the Nicholson foot with more regularity which makes me wonder if there's a more dramatic taper from head to foot.

It prefers much less air than the Pratten will take, and lets you know if you're overfilling it by kind of going a little "dead." However, a nice light airstream and not too much lip pressure and the thing just sings in a surprisingly big loud voice. A phenomenal flute, really -- suits me better than the Pratten overall, I think. If you can get a fair price on it you'll probably be very happy with it. Mine's a terrific all-around flute.

I've not played one of Patrick's Rudalls but the Murray I have is, I'm told, a variant of a Rudall and has a smaller, more slender bore, and (oddly!) bigger toneholes, particularly on the right hand, than the Olwell Nicholson.

[RudallRose]

I have a keyless Olwell Nicholson and it's a fine fine flute.
You'll feel the same, I'm sure.

[jtrout]

Buy it!!!

[jim stone]

Yes, unless the price is crazy, it will be a great flute.
The headjoint fits the Pratten body, and so you can get a Pratten
body too, if ever you really want one.

[Aanvil]

buy it

[boyd]

Buy it


or give US the fone number!!!!



Boyd

[Jon C.]

oh ya, Buy it!

[Blackwood]

I have an Olwell Pratten and an Olwell Nicholson, both are superb. The Pratten is slightly more powerful, but you get a focused tone out of the Nicholson like you wouldn't believe. You can't go wrong there....

I've had several players trying to swipe that Nicholson from me...

[Jay]

I have an Olwell Pratten and an Olwell Nicholson, both are superb. The Pratten is slightly more powerful, but you get a focused tone out of the Nicholson like you wouldn't believe. You can't go wrong there....

I've had several players trying to swipe that Nicholson from me...

You better check the case and make sure it's still inside... 'tis a nice playing flute.