Well it's been nearly a month since I got the Olwell pratten (fully lined) and it's taken me that long to kind of unlock the right embouchure. It's very loud or at least the player (me) experiences it as very loud. I wear earplugs for the more formulaic practice elements. I would say it does not take more air than my other pratten style flute and it's extremely efficient--the good-tone-to-air-used ratio is excellent.
We're coming into the very dry indoor heating season here and I'm watching humidity closely
Olwell flutes
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PB+J
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BKWeid
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Re: Olwell flutes
PB+J, sounds like progress! Good for you. I don’t experience my Olwell Pratten as “loud”. It tends to respond to my input—loud when I push and quiet when I play quietly. I’m sure part of that player experience is influenced by the room you’re playing in and by previous flutes you’ve grown used to playing. You have a very good flute! I’m sure you’ll continue to enjoy.
Yes, humidity. I picked up a discount cigar humidor that is about 18” by 12” by 10” (internally) with a tray that creates a second level. I keep it at 50-55 percent humidity with minimal upkeep; wetting the sponge once a week or so. It’s nice to not have to worry about my flutes. Otherwise, the Utah air is desert dry, especially with heating in the winter. My first Burns flute lost a ring years ago before I learned about wooden flute care.
Yes, humidity. I picked up a discount cigar humidor that is about 18” by 12” by 10” (internally) with a tray that creates a second level. I keep it at 50-55 percent humidity with minimal upkeep; wetting the sponge once a week or so. It’s nice to not have to worry about my flutes. Otherwise, the Utah air is desert dry, especially with heating in the winter. My first Burns flute lost a ring years ago before I learned about wooden flute care.