Thomas Prowse 8-Key, D

An exceptionally responsive instrument with good, strong tone throughout all registers. The bottom D has a natural tendency to sit slightly flat when played softly, which is characteristic of many flutes of this period and tradition; it can be pushed into tune, and in practice gives the player the room to punch a hard bottom D into a session without going sharp. The A and B benefit from a touch of lipping down to sit comfortably at A440. Otherwise intonation is solid, and the flute reaches A440 with the headjoint extended approximately 11 mm. The hand position is comfortable.

The body is either blackwood or darkly aged cocus, dating to the mid-19th century. Keys are block mounted, with pewter plug keys on the open-standing low C and C-sharp, as was standard practice for English flutes of this vintage. The low C and C-sharp pewter plug keys do not seal with complete precision, which is not unusual for instruments of this age and construction. Three earlier crack repairs are present: one on the back of the headjoint, one on the barrel and one on the body of the right-hand piece.

About the Maker

Thomas Prowse was active in London from 1816 to 1868. He served as the flute maker for Clementi & Co., and continued producing instruments under his own name after the sale of that company. Trading from 13 Hanway Street, London, Prowse made "improved flutes" devised by the celebrated flautist Charles Nicholson. Nicholson gave his consent for flutes bearing his name to be built by Prowse and marketed under his endorsement. These flutes were noted for their wider tone holes, which improved tone and volume. Prowse instruments are well regarded among Irish traditional players today, valued for the power and presence that the Nicholson-influenced design was built to deliver.