Flutes, anyone?

[Windsong]

I have been looking at flutes this week, determined to get one and finally learn how to play it, at least rudimentarily.

From looking at the multitudes of used flutes from Alexandre Paris, Artley, Armstrong, Bundy, C. G. Conn, Cassini, Gemeinhart, Emerson, Haynes, Jupiter, King, Pedler, and Paul Renne, I now have a headache.  I am hoping to spend under 100 bucks, and get something close to playing condition, that I can replace a few pads on, lubricate a few rod keys, slap on a couple corks and be ready to go. 

I have read extensively about this new Cooper scale that Cooper from Rudall, Carte and Co. pioneered around 1960, but which was not widely implemented until the 1990s, and it sounds great, but since I would rather have something vintage, I suspect I may have to miss out on this feature.

Do you all have any particular preferences among the vintage lot, or are they about all the same?  I must confess that they all look the same to my untrained eye.

And what is the deal with these head corks?  What do they do, precisely?

[350 Rocket]

The Cooper scale isn't the only consideration.

I have often heard that many older flutes are copies of a French A=435 design with the head joint cut down to approximate A=440, and are woefully out of tune with themselves as a result. Some older flutes are made to a true A=440 scale - the Haynes Commercial is the example most frequently given, and other American makers like Armstrong and Artley supposedly patterned their instruments after the Haynes design. I've seen very old Conn ad copy touting a true A=440 scale - doesn't necessarily mean it is, but it'd fit Conn's usual style for it to be.

Unfortunately, there's very little information out there on how to tell. The only real data I've found is here and on the "McGee Indicator" page linked within, but it's pretty sparse on old American flutes. I have an H.N. White American Standard flute and based on the measurements I think it might be a cut-down A=435, but it's pre-WWII so that doesn't necessarily write off '50s Kings and Clevelands.

The head cork seals the end of the tube and its position affects the tuning.

[Windsong]

Thank you, Rocket.  That is all very helpful information. 

I am reading that among the student models, Armstrong is one of the more highly regarded for a durable and adjustable mechanism, and satisfactory tonality.

I also notice that most flutes have rolled tone holes.  I get it--the pads most assuredly last longer this way, but it is curious to note very little deviation among manufacturers in this regard. 

[GrumpyMiddleAgedMan]

Probably mentioned in another post long time ago I mentioned that I picked up a PM Flute.  Its in good shape considering its probably age. According to the Artificial Intelligence it is not a stencil circa 30-50 somewhere.  It is in ok shape but the pads are fried and the foot joint needs expanding which would need an actual trip to the shop for because that is something beyond me.  Had bought it on a whim some time ago and its been collecting dust since.  Just thought it would be something of interest to put here.
Some of the AI report:
Construction & materials (what the photo shows)

Material: Nickel-silver (German silver), not solid silver.
Finish: Silver plate over nickel-silver.
Plating wear: Visible but normal — especially at high-contact areas.
This is cosmetic, not structural.
Joint design: True metal-on-metal slip joints, original to the instrument.
Wall thickness: Adequate for safe tenon expansion (important).
This is not a modern thin-wall student flute — it was built to be serviced.

Instrument tier & intended market

Penzel-Mueller flutes were typically:
Upper student to intermediate grade
A step above department-store horns
Built to last, but not concert-artist flutes

AD: Let me make a minor edit.  When saying it was not a stencil, means it was sold and probably design and final assembled by PM.  The over all quality and build of it seems to be that of a Conn.  So yes a stencil but probably just parts, kind of like how parts for a fridge are made in china and assembled in the usa.  So basically a stencil yes.

[Windsong]

That is beautiful, Grumpy.  I occasionally see P-M flutes listed for sale, but they are not terribly common, and certainly not in that shape.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedMan]

Ok I think i found your flute. It's a little grungy but it should pique your interest.
Buy out lot one cent ship.
https://shopgoodwill.com/item/251408794
Looks to be an oldie and says it is for intermediate use. Kind of interesting.

[LarryS]

there are quite a few Buffet Crampon cooper scaled flutes on ebay at reasonable prices.

[LarryS]

And what is the deal with these head corks?  What do they do, precisely?

The cork sits behind a metal plate which sets the scale of the flute-its moveable back and forth. I think they use cork because it absorbs moisture, swells up and forms a tight seal