Chiff and Fipple Forums

A student of mine amazed me this afternoon, producing a Rudall & Rose flute, in very neglected condition, but which I think with professional restoration, could be a very good flute. I can think of 2 people I might send it to for repairs, but with no disrespect to any other repairers, if you were in my situation, whom would you advise her to send it to ? Most probably in the UK or Ireland.
The number, as far as we could tell was in the high 3,000s, it has 4 overlapping keys on the footjoint. The keys seemed to me to be original, but stuck down, certainly pads and quite probably springs would need replacing. Cracks in the headjoint and barrel have been repaired at some time by "stitching". All in all, a complete overhaul is required.
We are very happy to be advised by the collective wisdom of the "C&F" flute community. I have asked her to take some photos of the flute as it currently is, and can post them here later in a "Dropbox" folder for you to look at. We both agreed it was a great shame for an instrument to have gotten into such a poor state of repair, but think it should be salvageable.
Any and all advice greatfully received. Thanks, Kenny

PS - I realise it may be unfair to ask for recommendations on a public forum which by necessity would exclude other excellent repairers. If you think this may be the case, please reply by private message, and all confidences will be maintained.

An obvious choice would be Jon Dodd in Miltown Malbay
http://www.jondodd.net/

you might try Chris Wilkes. From reading another thread recently, it looks as though he could use the work.

Yes I agree with Kevin. Jon Dodd has done repairs on the Rudalls I own. He has put new pads on all the flutes, fixed a broken long F key, repaired two broken springs, and repaired a cracked head joint. He has done an excellent job at a fair price. I recommend Jon. http://www.jondodd.net

Otherwise Jem Hammond on this forum is a dab hand at repairing and renovating Rudall flutes. Jem doesn't baulk at taking on Patent head repairs. Jem is in Wales.

From what you write I'm sure the flute your student has can quite easily be put into playing condition. It sounds like the head joint and barrel are stable, so either two of the aforementioned gentlemen would be able to service/restore the flute.

I would be very interested in obtaining the serial number of the flute to put in the online register if possible.

Yes, Chris Wilkes too, of course, but I believe Chris has enough work on.

Sounds like another Bb foot??? Very interested to see photos and know exact serial number as I've done some research on those, having two myself.
As for work on it, I can certainly do overhaul work including replacing springs, and some structural work. Steampacket is over-generous in saying I'm sanguine about Patent Head repairs (I'm not), but the OP doesn't say this flute has one. If it needs major structural work to the wood beyond routine cracks repairs or manufacture of missing key parts, then Chris Wilkes is absolutely the best choice. And to my knowledge he is currently taking on this kind of work.

Many thanks, guys. You came up with the 2 names I had suggested to Kirsty, so I'll pass on your comments - it will be her decision in the end.
I'll try to get the number for you "Steampacket", as long as that's OK with Kirsty.
I'll also try to make some photos available, although it's not a pretty sight at the moment !

See if this "Dropbox" link works - 7 photos. Not for those of a nervous or sensitive disposition !

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lmx0k72ctb3j ... hZs7a?dl=0

Oh, wow, Kenny. I thought you had been joking.
Was this flute found on a sunken pirate ship by chance?

Cool! Looks like #3981 to me. From a quick perusal of the photos I can't see anything missing or badly damaged, so I'd take it (short of hands-on inspection) to be a routine clean-up and overhaul. Head and barrel cracks are no biggie. I'd happily tackle it!

Looks as if it's actually in decent shape under all the dust, dirt & tarnish. Should be a beautiful flute after cleanup, if you don't mind the weight of all those keys.

Yup, just grimy and gungy.

FWIW, I estimate it to date to c1839-40 based on reading the serial number as #3981, which I am now pretty sure is a correct reading.

This Facebook Flute History Channel thread about R&R Bb foot flutes may be of interest, but I fear it may only be visible to Group members:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flute.H ... 7223702228
(If anyone wants to join the Group, just apply in the usual FB way [do please answer the application questions!] and I or one of the other Admins will add you. Apologies to non-FBers.)

Edit: FB link should now be "Public".

Hi Jem - PM sent. I won't be able to reply until Sunday night at the earliest. Thanks.

now, that is my kind of flute!
(also quite close to my #3830...)