Notes on this list

Notes: Objectives & Criteria, Format, Discussion, Updates & Contact, Useful Links….

This is not a list of historic makers (for which refer to e.g. the New Langwill Index, Dayton C Miller flute collection, other museum collections, Rick Wilson’s website) and it does not include makers who only make metal Böhm flutes, either mass manufacturers or artisan. Nor does it extend to non-European ethnic flutes or to non-transverse flute-family members, though some of those listed may well also make e.g. whistles and/or recorders. Nor is there a “Repairers” category, though again, some listees may offer such services. The List is not classified by type of instrument offered since researching the product range of every listed maker and deciding how to categorise them by output would be a huge task that would inevitably involve anomalies, go out of date and cause more confusion than benefit.

Since this List is intended as an online resource, it does not seek comprehensively to list makers without an Internet presence. However, I am disinclined to remove listees who discontinue their web-presence - instead they will have the defunct links removed and their status noted (and maybe any available link to an archived version substituted). For simplicity there are no links other than to websites - even for those makers who don't have one - or other additional information. Brad Hurley’s list (no point in simply duplicating that) is more comprehensive and is the place to go for direct contact details for those who only have e-addresses or conventional, non-web communications, as well as brief summaries of what they offer. Here is a link to a similar, useful list of Baroque flute makers .

I compiled the original version of the List from links I had collected over time in my browser "Favourites/Bookmarks", so it concentrates on makers with websites, but not exclusively. The original List was posted in a thread on the C&F Flute Forum where it has benefited from suggestions for additions and updates and produced some interesting discussion. My thanks to those who contributed there. That thread is still active and is the appropriate place for any further discussion of the format of this list, comments or other matters arising other than entry nominations, updates and emendations.

The List was never actively, specifically or exhaustively researched and will not be in future, so........

if you discover a defunct link or have information that a listed maker has ceased to be active or know of a new or hitherto omitted maker, please use this e-address to inform me, with supporting details:-

The products of suggestion messages will be incorporated in due course. The list has now settled down to near stasis, but I'll try to update it periodically - so if your suggestions don't appear at once, bear with me.

The main selection and "quality control" criteria for inclusion in the List are that I at least have to have heard of a nominee for inclusion "on the grapevine" or, if I haven't, that I am able to check out their website if they have one, or other online information about them, that they are currently active and that they have a basically sound reputation. Makers with consistently bad reputations are excluded. There may well be omissions both glaring and obscure. Inclusion signifies nothing save my awareness of the maker/firm listed - no other value judgements or recommendations are implied. Makers who are merely mentioned/proposed to me by name without any verifiable supporting information will not be included unless I already know or can myself easily verify their reputation.

If you are researching to buy a flute and have found this List, do not be daunted by the sheer number of makers now active. Someone will offer what you want and it is worth doing a thorough survey of your options. I think anyone who is seriously looking to buy (and spend a fair whack of their hard-earned dosh) would be doing themselves a favour to research through the list pretty thoroughly, regardless of how sure they might be of what they are seeking to start with or of the time and effort entailed! Browsing the websites is a pleasure in itself. They often include e.g. historical and design information and flute maintenance advice. Many of the makers listed offer quite a range of flutes - certainly many of the "period" specialists rather than the ITM specialists do, although many of the latter also cross over various possible "boundaries" of style. Even if you are not in the market to buy new-made flutes, there is much to enjoy and learn from going through the websites.

If you want contact details or product information supplementary to this list or the linked websites, you have the usual methods of seeking those, web-based or otherwise. A phone call or e-mail to a maker is never a bad idea! If you need guidance as to what might suit your needs, on how to choose between possibilities you have identified or on makers’ reputations, go to the C&F Flute Forum, use the search facility (most such questions recur at regular intervals) or just post a request for help.

Disclaimer: the author/compiler of this List has no commercial connection with or interest in any of the listed makers. No recommendation or endorsement of any maker or product is implied by inclusion on The List.

Original compilation and ongoing maintenance by Jemtheflute (Jem Hammond).

Acknowledgement: Huge thanks to Dale Wisely of Chiff & Fipple for his support with this List, both in its original place on C&F proper and in setting up this Google Site.