Vintage Rudall, Carte & Co Thinned Cocus Flute #65XX

Our Description

Rudall Carte flutes which are thinned throughout are rare indeed, partly due to the technical difficulty and workmanship required to make these instruments. A thinned wooden instrument is much lighter than a standard flute, making it much responsive and easier to play.

This particular instrument was made in 1921 by Henri Schumacher and sold to Mr Willis of Headley. it was later purchased in 1952 by professional flautist Norman Knight (1931-1977) of the English Chamber Orchestra and English Opera Group and played by him throughout his career.

It was purchased by Duke Dobing, Principal Flute of the English Sinfonia and the City of London Sinfonia, in 1978 and played professionally by him.

General Condition

This flute is in beautiful condition throughout. It has not been through our workshop, however it is in good playing order. Padding is very good, the mechanism is beautiful and the wood is in excellent order.

About Rudall, Carte & Co

The British company Rudall Carte was among the most famous and well-regarded names in the music industry of the 19th and 20th centuries. Founded as Rudall & Rose in 1822, Richard Carte (father of Richard D'Oyly Carte, of later Gilbert and Sullivan fame) joined the firm around 1850, and the company  of Rudall, Rose, Carte & Co then became Rudall, Carte and Company in 1874.

Up until its acquition by Boosey & Hawkes in 1955, Rudall Carte were producing high-quality flutes in a range of materials - primarily cocus wood, but also silver, ebonite and gold - at varying price points. In addition, many famous names in flute history honed their trade at Rudall Carte, including Albert Cooper, Ewen McDougall and Harry Seeley (the last two of whom, along with five other Carte workers, went on to set up Flutemakers Guild).

Rudall Carte cocus wood flutes in particular are rightly still held in high esteem today: beautifully engineered and well ahead of their time, a restored, well cared-for Rudall Carte can be a pleasure to play. Many players like to match a modern British headjoint (such as Robert Bigio or Peter Worrell) to get the most out of these instruments, although there are some notable players who find the warmth and charm of the original headjoint preferable.

Rudall Carte today are known primarily only in the flute world, yet they were hugely successful and highly influential: as well as selling other instruments, the firm published books and music, and were also concert promoters. We highly recommend Robert Bigio's excellent book Rudall, Rose & Carte: The Art of the Flute in Britain for a greater insight into this historic company's production and legacy.

Specifications

What's Included

• Original hard case
• Original cork grease pot
• Silver headjoint tenon cap
• Handmade one-piece full length wood cleaning rod

Item Details