- Made in France, circa 1910
- Silver-plated maillechort
- 0.014″ seamed tubing
- Soldered tone holes
- Closed hole
- Plateau keys
- Inline G
- B shake (B to C)
- C-foot with teardrop D# key
- Embouchure: 10.21 mm x 11.92 mm
- Weight: 394 g
- Headjoint sounding length: 142 mm
- Sounding length: 597 mm
- Traditional scale
- A=440 Hz
Are you looking for a vintage French flute with a silky smooth angelic sound that opens up the skies and brings forth sunshine? A flute with a tone so pure that it instantly calms crying infants? One that will attract deer, birds, rabbits, and other wildlife to bask in the sublime beauty and elegance of your sound? Well, this flute ain’t it.
This flute has an earthy, textured, complex tone that deifies the stereotypical classic French sound. Think of it like the difference between the painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet. This flute has experienced life, and you can hear it in its voice. But, when you spend time with this flute, get to know it, and become sympathetic to its tendencies, it will open up to you and reveal its tender side where the classic French glow emerges, especially in the upper register. Only then will you hear how warm and beautiful this flute can be. (The secret is to avoid a broad airstream. Instead, use a focused airstream and a smaller, yet relaxed, embouchure.)
Despite having had the headjoint cut short by 4 mm, the flute plays amazingly well at A=440 Hz with the head pulled out to 8 mm, more than what was lopped off. So, it’s possible that someone needed this flute to play at a higher pitcher, such as 442 or 444 Hz.
As common with some flutes of this era, this flute has a B shake that operates the thumb key. It can be converted into a Bb shake, though some people prefer to keep the mechanism original.
The pads are in excellent condition and should last many years with regular playing. The case is original, but the latch is non-functional.
By the way, if you’re looking for a French flute with a silky smooth sound, consider Barbier, Louis Lot 2596, and Louis Lot 10270. Otherwise, this Buffet has lots to offer if you’re looking to explore the spectrum of what French flutes have to offer; it’s like eating at places where the locals eat, away from tourist traps and such.
Price: $2,500
Sold as is. Sales tax applies to purchases within California. For inquiries on purchasing, please contact Gary Lewis.
