Anistratov Pratten
Anistratov Pratten flutes are faithful interpretations of the renowned 19th-century originals by Boosey & Co. — instruments which stood at the pinnacle of English flutemaking and were favoured for their bold voice and powerful projection.
Available in pitches of F, E, D, E♭, and C, each flute is constructed as a three-section instrument with a solid, single-piece body and wide bore, lending it a robust tone and generous dynamic range. The large fingerholes, a defining characteristic of the Pratten tradition, allow for a strong, open sound that carries effortlessly in both solo and ensemble settings.
The headjoint is partially metal-lined and features a precisely fitted tuning slide, allowing for stable pitch adjustment across changing environments. A finely engineered cork stopper with external screw cap ensures accurate voicing and effortless maintenance.
Flutes may be ordered with either a long C foot or a short D foot, depending on the player's tonal and ergonomic preferences. Even our keyless models may be equipped with a single E♭ key for added flexibility.
Anistratov Pratten flutes are available in the following configurations:
– Plain keyless
– Single E♭ key
– Six-keyed
– Fully keyed (eight-key) with low C, low C♯, D♯, short and long F, G♯, B♭, and high C.
All keys are block-mounted in the traditional style, combining mechanical stability with timeless aesthetic. For players seeking a modern refinement, metal-lined saddles may be requested by special commission.
Each flute is crafted with precision and reverence — not merely as an instrument, but as a continuation of a legacy: the clarity, strength, and poise of a classic English voice, made anew by hand.
Plain Pratten – Unadorned Power, Pure Response
The Plain Pratten model from Anistratov Bagpipes offers a masterfully balanced flute for those who value substance over embellishment. Deceptively simple in appearance, this keyless instrument is built upon the powerful acoustical foundation of the classic Pratten system, renowned for its bold tone and generous air response.
Crafted with the same care and precision as its keyed counterparts, the Plain Pratten delivers an unmistakably large, commanding sound—a voice that carries effortlessly, with warmth, depth, and projection. Its design invites expressive phrasing and rewards the player with immediate, tactile feedback.
While favoured by many beginners for its accessible layout and unencumbered playing experience, the Plain Pratten is by no means limited to the novice. On the contrary, it is often the choice of seasoned professionals who value its directness, tonal authority, and freedom of movement—an instrument that places nothing between the breath and the sound.
Whether as a trusted companion for the stage, session, or studio, the Plain Pratten stands as a testament to the idea that simplicity, when executed with excellence, is its own form of refinement.
Keyed Pratten – The Flute of the Discerning Musician
The Keyed Pratten model is a testament to the pinnacle of flute-making craftsmanship, designed to meet the exacting standards of the most discerning musicians. This instrument combines the robust, resonant tone of the traditional Pratten system with the versatility afforded by a carefully considered keywork system.
Each flute is meticulously handcrafted, with six or eight hand-forged keys—including Low C, Low C♯, D♯, F short, F long, G♯, B♭, and C—ergonomically positioned to facilitate effortless access and smooth execution of chromatic passages and trills. The keys are block-mounted, a traditional method that ensures both aesthetic harmony and structural integrity.
The body of the flute is constructed from premium African Blackwood, chosen for its density, stability, and rich acoustic properties. Alternative timbers such as Boxwood, Cocobolo, Mopane, Ebony, Lignum Vitae, and Snakewood are available upon request, each imparting its unique tonal character to the instrument.
A hallmark of this model is the partially metal-lined headjoint, equipped with a tuning slide and fine-tuning screw cap, allowing for precise pitch adjustments and enhanced durability. The flute's design ensures a balanced tone across the scale, with a powerful sound and precise tuning that delivers clean second octave and reach and creamy first octave.
Whether performing solo or in ensemble settings, the Keyed Pratten offers unparalleled tonal richness and technical flexibility, making it an indispensable tool for the professional flautist seeking both tradition and innovation.
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