Louis Lot copies and clones

[crgrbrts]

I have come to grips with the realization that, a lottery win aside, I will probably never be the owner of a genuine, vintage, pristine 19th century Louis Lot. HOWEVER, I can enjoy affordable Louis Lot copies and clones. Thsiu far, my "collection" is sparse, i.e. two flutes. But, they're both very nice, indeed.

One is a Selmer Model 82 from the 1930s. At the time it was advertised as the Selmer "Special" with "precise Louis Lot scale and low, Lot-type tone holes." It is beautifully fashioned of coin silver. It plays wonderfully with a smooth, velvety tone. Selmer made a higher end version of this flute, the Louis Lot Replica Model 83. It's similar to the 82 but said to be individually hand built as a precise copy of a genuine Louis Lot owned by Charles Selmer, the Selmer brother who played with the Paris Opera-Comique. One was offered on eBay late last year but, sadly, I missed it. It is exceedingly scarce.

My other Lot-like flute is of unknown manufacture. It is old (probably pre-1920), French, and completely unmarked. According to Gary Ray of Wichita Band Instruments, it was possibly made by Cousenon. (Mr. Ray is one of my favorite experts along with Gary Lewis, Gary Schocker, David Shorey and Paul Rabinov -- all terrific guys). This one's a "tin" flute (silver plated maillechort). It is not as nicely finished as the Selmer (but, then, I've never seen a flute more finely made than the Elkhart piece). However, it, too, plays beautifully. It's brighter in sound than the Selmer, maybe a little less sweet and perhaps a little louder. Nevertheless, one would never guess that it was a "no-name knockoff." The mechanism has a very light touch -- nearly effortless.

I have attached photos of each for your amusement and amazement. By the way, if you know of a Selmer Model 83 (or earlier Model L408) available for purchase, please let me know!

All the best,

Craig Roberts
Washington, DC

[Zevang]

Really beautiful peaces!

Just to add my bit, the really good L.Lot copies have soldered tubes as the original used to be made.
A good example (and quite expensive) is the Altus.

[crgrbrts]

Right you are. I got to play an Altus Limited a few months ago. VERY nice, indeed, but -- as you point out -- very expensive. More, actually, than a Lot -- and that's a lot.

I am also intrigued by the Louis Lot copy made by Yoshiteru Akiyama (http://www.akiyamaflute.com/). Has anyone ever played one?