Nach Meyer 10/11 Key Flute

A 10/11-key simple system flute in the nach Meyer style, offered as a restoration project. The sounding length of 620mm places it in the range compatible with A=440 playing, though final pitch confirmation would follow a full restoration.

The embouchure cut is clean and well-formed, with a rounded rectangular profile characteristic of the type. The ivory headjoint and barrel both require attention: the ivory needs sealing, and there is a crack in the barrel that should be addressed before the flute is put back into regular play. The remainder of the body is in good shape and would benefit from a clean polish and a re-pad. The key count is 10 or 11 depending on whether the double Bb touch is counted separately, making this a well-appointed example of the type.

About the Maker

The "nach Meyer" designation is German for "after" or "modeled on," referring to the instruments of H. F. Meyer of Hannover. The firm of Heinrich Friedrich Meyer flourished in Hannover from 1848 until the early 20th century; a 1905 source describes Meyer as an outstanding maker who enjoyed a worldwide reputation for the uncommonly mellow tone and excellent speech of his "Meyerflöte." Nach Meyer flutes were made as less expensive substitutes for the original instruments, priced at roughly 25% of the cost of an authentic Meyer at the time. They were most popular from roughly 1880 to 1920. Some examples stamped "nach Meyer" are very good instruments; others are quite crude. The majority have an ivory headjoint, and the most recognizable features of the type are the metal end and foot caps and the slanted G# key. Quality varies considerably across the category, and it can be difficult to assess how well a given flute will play until it has been properly restored.