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Dear Flute Friends,

I'm very curious: How many players out there own a Firth-Pond made by Ralph Sweet?

Walt Sweet

Not me. I own a Firth Pond made by Firth Pond & Co.

waltsweet wrote:Dear Flute Friends,

I'm very curious: How many players out there own a Firth-Pond made by Ralph Sweet?

Walt Sweet

I know someone who owns such an instrument. It has "Firth pond" stamped on the body underneath the Sweetheart insignia. It's an eight key flute with tuning slide, made from Cocus. I often wondered how many of these Ralph Sweet made?

Ah ! I have the feeling that not many were sold, hence my question. He never said how many. Unfinished Firth-Ponds were left behind in the shop, last I knew.

I'm gearing-up to make a keyed flute of my own.

waltsweet wrote:Ah ! I have the feeling that not many were sold, hence my question. He never said how many. Unfinished Firth-Ponds were left behind in the shop, last I knew.

I'm gearing-up to make a keyed flute of my own.

The particular instrument I tried was excellent, very finely built, and played with a very good tone. I don't know what you think, but it might be an idea to locate the unfinished Firth Pond instruments, and complete them.

The Irish Flute Store sold an 8 key Blackwood Sweetheart flute which was very similar design wise, but didn't have a serial number, and was stamped on the headjoint, instead of the left hand section. Regarding the flute I tried, I particularly remember it had the number "6" etched inside the right hand socket, in addition to a serial on the left hand section. (early 4xxx series if I remember correctly).

https://www.irishflutestore.com/collect ... lver-8-key

waltsweet wrote: I'm gearing-up to make a keyed flute of my own.

Really? I’ve had a Shannon for years and was thinking of going keyed. I for one would like to hear what you’re thinking.

I think those F-P pieces have already been committed to a direction that I don't want to take.
I hope to follow-thru with a finished flute in a few months.