Info on this old flute please.

Willie · Post by **Willie** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:36 pm

Hello, new to the group and let me preface by stating I am a professional guitarist and producer who many years ago played flute and I am just now getting back to it.

I recently purchased a vintage Armstrong flute. Very nice really seeing as I have only owned student models of Artley and Gemeinherdt. This flute has much better tone and I would like to know more about it.

The flute is stamped W. T. Armstrong in the old logo and the serial number of 38935 dates to somewhere in the 1950s but I can't seem to find much more information. It is a plateau model, C foot, appears to be all silver as I can find no other signs of other metal on the worn parts of the flute. Thin walled head and the head is stamped "35". It looks a lot like a model "90" that a friend of mine has which is an all silver plateau from the '70s but this one may be just a really thick silver plate.

Perhaps I have answered all there is about this flute but anything anyone here car tell me will be greatly appreciated.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 7:35 am

I have been told that the model 90 Armstrings were solid silver. They were produced until very early in the 80's. At the time your flute was made (1950's) it was not always common practice for flute makers to mark flutes solid silver if they were, so it is hard to say if it is not marked. One test that may give you at least an idea is to hold the headjoint by the crown and tap on the end where it goes into the flute and tap it with a fingernail. If it makes a ping type sound, it is most likely plated. If it thuds, it is most likely solid silver. Someone here taught me that

But keep in mind that this is not 100%.

Willie · Post by **Willie** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:51 am

Thanks for the info. I am assuming at this point the flute is not Sterling but I did read there were many more grades used at the time this flute was made. With my student models it appears that they are thin nickel plate over a brass alloy.

Now I just need to get my chops up on those low notes.

Perhaps my grammar as well.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:01 pm

fluttiegurl wrote:I have been told that the model 90 Armstrings were solid silver...

The Armstrong Model 90 has a sterling head and body, but the keys are plated.

Willie · Post by **Willie** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:24 pm

I think it pre-dates the 90 model but might be in the same range as quality. It has a nice mellow tone, not too dark and not to bright and pretty good intonation considering my technique is severely rusty.

Jazz players I know are always looking for flutes like this as they tend not to play open hole flutes and often end up with newer student flutes which often and not as good of materials. Heck, I only paid 37 bucks for it a Goodwill. Gotta drink to that!

Thanks for the info so far everyone. Keep it coming.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 8:07 am

Congrats! I am happy that you are pleased with it.