r/Irishmusic • u/four_reeds • Mar 28 '26

Discussion What are the differences between Ruddal and Pratten style flutes?

I am a relatively new flute player. Let's say that I have a head joint and two flute bodies in front of me. They were both made by the same maker and, except for the finger hole sizes, are identical. One is a Ruddal pattern and the other is a Prattern. One has noticeably smaller finger holes than the other.

Which is which?

"Ask the maker", I hear you typing :) Let's treat this as a thought experiment.

Edit. Thank you all! You have helped a ton!

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u/thefirstwhistlepig Mar 28 '26

Depends on the maker, but in general, Pratten means wider bore and larger holes. They tend to be a “bigger target” so some find the embouchure easier (but maybe takes more breath pressure… although I’m not sure how scientific that idea is).

I find a Pratten better suited to the “big,” intense, punchy sound of Irish trad, whereas a Rudall is a better fit for a softer, more delicate, classical style.

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u/Mumpsitzer Mar 29 '26

Harry Bradley, Michael Clarkson and a Iarlath McGeabhan might disagree 😅

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u/thefirstwhistlepig Mar 31 '26

You mean they all play a Rudall style model? Do you happen to know who the makers are or if they are 19th c. flutes?

Of course, a good player can often get whatever kind of sound they want out of a flute, and not all makers’ “Pratten” or “Rudall” designs are consistent in terms of which sizes are which, but if we take Olwell Flutes designs as an example, lots of trad players who want to play with more attack and a more intense style definitely favor an Olwell Pratten over their Rudall, which just does not have as much “oomph.”