- Made in France, circa early 1880s
- Silver-plated seamed maillechort
- 0.012″ tubing
- Soldered tone holes
- Open hole
- Pointed keys
- Inline G
- C-foot with teardrop D# key
- Embouchure: 10.3 mm x 12.2 mm
- 348 g
- Sounding length: 598 mm
- Traditional scale
- A=440-444 HZ
Have you ever seen one of those wildlife documentaries of a very old animal, such as a lion, that might no longer have the kind of influence it once had over others? However, it can still carry its own weight and contribute to the community.
Buffet Crampon 112 is like that. As one of the first metal cylindric Boehm flutes ever made, this old flute has seen many things. Many things. Its plating is worn in various places. Some of its keys have pitting. A patch on its foot tenon holds a split together. The foot joint appears out of alignment. Superficial dings and scratches are evident throughout the flute. And yet, this flute has a mighty voice.
One of the first things you might notice when you play this flute is how responsive and loud the sound is – very surprising, given how light and old this flute appears. The tone is nimble and very flexible. A bright French glow envelopes the sound, helping it cut through a large string section and travel through a large concert hall. The flute can also handle sudden dynamic changes with great ease. It’s just hard to believe a flute that has been in so many “bar fights” can sound so good!
(The low notes in the foot may have sounded better in its early days. They just need a bit more air and encouragement. Life can be like that sometimes. But the rest of the flute sings incredibly well.)
The flute is pitched high, and the scale seems most stable at A=442 Hz with the head pulled at 1/4″. But it plays well at 440 and 444 by pulling out or pushing in a bit more.
This flute has been restored and is a gem to play in its current condition. The pads are in excellent condition. The original case is included, though the latch is non-functional. Regardless, with its heavily worn case, this flute has incredible historical value as an early example of exemplary French flute-making.
Price: $2,500
Sold as is. Sales tax applies to purchases within California. For inquiries on purchasing, please contact Gary Lewis.
