Armstrong Heritage '60's era info wanted, please

[crgrbrts]

I have just acquired an older Armstrong Heritage, serial #1977 from a prominent New York jazz flutist. It's been sitting idle for quite a few years, so needs at least a COA and possibly an overhaul (which will cost twice as much as the flute, but there you are). Considering its neglected mechanical condition, it plays surprisingly sweetly. I am very happy to report that, cosmetically, it's in beautiful, if tarnished, shape.

I'm guessing, based on the somewhat confusing Armstrong serial number list, that it was built in 1965 or thereabouts during -- I presume -- the Jack Moore / Bickford Brannen / Tom Moore days.

My particular model is open hole, inline G with a C foot and Y-cup keys. I've seen photos of Heritage models with plateau keywork, offset Gs, B-feet, pointed cups, etc. I'm curious about how many variations of these early Heritage models there were, how many were made, etc. Does anybody have any info on these instruments? Inquiries to Armstrong have, as yet, resulted in no response. I'm a journalist and would like to put together a little article on the original Heritage flute line.

Many thanks,

Craig Roberts
Washington, D.C.

[pied_piper]

Try contacting Lar Kirmser at music_trader@musictrader.com . Lars worked for Armstrong building flutes and he is very knowledgeable about Armstrong flutes from the era you are describing. He worked alongside Jack Moore who was head of the Heritage line of flutes at Armstrong. Lars provides more information on the Armstrong page of his website: http://www.musictrader.com/armstrong.html

I not sure he can or would be willing provide any more specifics about the serial number of your flute (he has a thriving music repair business to run) but if you explain that you are interested in writing an article about the Heritage line of flutes, he could probably provide you with some additional insights about them and perhaps a bit about his role in finishing flutes at Armstrong.

BTW, I think I recall Lars saying that Jack Moore was retired and still lives near Elkhart, Indiana.

I hope that helps!

[crgrbrts]

Many thanks for the lead to Lars. I will certainly contact him. I have already written to Jack Moore and Tom Green requesting interviews and hope top track down Bickford Brannen, too.

If I am successful in my quest, I will share the article with our forum fellows. A project of this nature is a welcome and enjoyable relief from the day-to-day Capitol Hill political reporting I do.

Best,

Craig

[pied_piper]

I hope you are able to get the info you want. Please do share your article with us. I should be an interesting read.

[moma4faith]

I have vintage Heritage ss 14XX and purchased it from www.winds101 Liz, the lady there, usually has one of the vintage Heritage/Emmeritus flutes for sale and she has quite a bit of information on them. I've also found an article on Jack Moore: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=ca ... jl8Q&pli=1

From the information I've read, there were many variations to these flutes - they were quite customized.

[Nigel McG]

I have an Armstrong Heritage flute which I purchased second hand in around 1980. The serial number is H3107.
It has a Bfoot, In line G and open holes. It is a slightly golden colour, but not the same as my Haynes Q Fusion.
I have always enjoyed playing it but upgraded to a Haynes flute last year.

I am trying to find out more about it and roughly what it is worth. I had it completely overhauled last year and it plays very well.