The decision to become a manufacturer of wooden Boehm system flutes came primarily from one observation: that the pungent, reedy tone produced with a wooden flute is unequaled in any other material.  While the brilliance of tone produced in the metal flutes is exquisite, there is a quality of sound, a dark rich fullness in the wooden instruments, which the metal flutes can only approach; and it is precisely this "wooden tone" that has inspired my work. 

I have also maintained an intense curiosity in the actual design and manufacture of an instrument of such complexity, especially the joining of dissimilar materials like wood and silver.  This interest in the making of fine flutes has allowed me another observation:  that the standard of flute making has risen dramatically through the evolution of the metal flute.

Although many fine wooden flutes have been produced in the past, the recent changes in scale, headjoint design, and technology in manufacturing that have occurred in metal flute making have left these earlier wooden instruments practically obsolete.  Through the good fortune of my association with Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, I have been able to apply those changes to the wooden instrument and can now offer a flute which includes the current standards of pitch, keywork action, intonation, and fluid tone production with the added attribute of the dark, pungent timbre found in wood. 

By incorporating modern headjoint design into the instrument, I am able to produce a flute that not only articulates and responds as well as one of metal, but also delivers a full, rich tone allowing the player to feel comfortable in either small ensembles or larger orchestral settings. 

Patrick Gallois, an extraordinary flutist, has been playing the Abell Flute exclusively since 1993.  His performances worldwide and his recordings with Deutsche Grammophon have earned him the highest critical acclaim.  Visit his site at www.patrickgallois.com .

Price List
January 2009

FLUTES
African Blackwood (grenadilla) with sterling silver mechanism

The following options have no extra charge.  Please specify when ordering.

Plateau (closed hole) or French (open hole) model
Offset  or in-line G keys (offset recommended)
Pitch (A-440, A-442, A-444)

The price of the flute includes the following:

One black leather, velvet-lined case with nylon, velvet-lined cover, and a cleaning rod.

Insurance and postage for shipping within the USA.

Prices for gold mechanism, ornamental engraving, and custom orders on request.

Prices for flutes and head-joints are set at the time of production, not on placement of an order, and are subject to change.  Flutes must be paid for in full to begin production, and notice will be given prior to start of production.

To place an order for a flute or to inquire about current delivery schedules, please contact the Abell Flute Co. directly from the information provided below.