Introduction and Armstrong 80 Question

[Alex McMahon]

Hi all. I'm new to this forum but have used it as a resource for many years as a 5-12 band director. I primarily post to the Trombone Forum, as trombone and euphonium are my primary instruments

I've read through the FAQ post with general info but had a few specific questions about an Armstrong 80 I recently purchased.
It has inline G, B foot with gizmo, and a S1 Headjoint with engraved gold lip plate and crown. All three sections are marked sterling silver- does that mean key work as well?

This particular instrument has a 7090XXX serial number with no dashes. I've learned that it was probably made after the Conn-Selmer switch, but CS does not provide dating info for anything Armstrong after 1974. Anyone have a similar vintage instrument that knows the date of manufacture?

Does anyone know about the head joints Armstrong offered/offers (possibly from the 80s)? I can't find any Conn-Selmer advertisements that talk about them. I've only found references to the S and T models through eBay sales.


Instrument plays well for me, much better than any student flute I've owned previously. It has a much fuller sound and speaks much quicker than others I've played.

[pied_piper]

The Armstrong Model 80 was a decent flute in its day. I have one that was made in the 60s. It was far better than the Artley that I learned on. I played it until I upgraded to a professional flute. I still use it as a backup or for occasions where I don't want to play my good flute. The body, head, and foot are sterling silver, but the keys are plated. Of course the keys don't really add anything to the sound of a flute so silver plated keys are fine for this level of flute. Sometime in the life of the 80, Armstrong/Conn-Selmer upgraded the headjoint with a slightly better embouchure cut and added gold plating to the embouchure plate. Gold plating does not alter the sound, so that is strictly a cosmetic touch...

I can't help you with dating your instrument. As you discovered, CS deviated from the published serial number format, so it will be difficult to discover an actual manufacture date.

[SylvreKat]

Hi all. I'm new to this forum but have used it as a resource for many years as a 5-12 band director. I primarily post to the Trombone Forum, as trombone and euphonium are my primary instruments

I've read through the FAQ post with general info but had a few specific questions about an Armstrong 80 I recently purchased.
It has inline G, B foot with gizmo, and a S1 Headjoint with engraved gold lip plate and crown. All three sections are marked sterling silver- does that mean key work as well?

This particular instrument has a 7090XXX serial number with no dashes. I've learned that it was probably made after the Conn-Selmer switch, but CS does not provide dating info for anything Armstrong after 1974. Anyone have a similar vintage instrument that knows the date of manufacture?

Does anyone know about the head joints Armstrong offered/offers (possibly from the 80s)? I can't find any Conn-Selmer advertisements that talk about them. I've only found references to the S and T models through eBay sales.

Instrument plays well for me, much better than any student flute I've owned previously. It has a much fuller sound and speaks much quicker than others I've played.

Welcome to becoming an active poster!

I can at least eliminate some years for you. I got my 80 around 1982, new from WWBW. Its serial # is 30 20xxx. If they numbered consistently, yours must be several years newer than mine. Pied is right, only the tubing is sterling, keywork is plated. I still use mine for all rehearsals. It's a good solid-made instrument that should last you forever with regular care.

>'Kat

[Gandalfe]

Most doublers would find this flute to be a very fine instrument, if in good shape. It is, after all, all about the sound. Play on.