Metzler 8-Key, D

Note: Due to the ivory rings, this flute is only available for sale in the US.

A really lovely player, with excellent intonation and a complex, dynamic tone from the lower register all the way up. It has the sweet, compressed tone that Rudall & Rose type flutes are known for, and this one has it in abundance, along with great physics: responsive, and strong-playing for a small-hole flute.

The holes are small and the flute suits a player with smaller hands. The low C and C# touches sit well for smaller hands using a traditional right-hand grip; players with larger hands and fingers may find those keys come back a little further up the flute than they would like. The foot keys work well.

Eight keys, with ivory rings. The head ring is stamped PATENT. Cracks in the head and barrel have been repaired.

About the Maker

Valentine Metzler, born in Bingen am Rhein, set up shop in London in 1788 and worked in woodwinds under his own name until 1816, when his son George Richard joined him. After Valentine's death in 1833 the business carried on as Metzler & Co. at 105 Wardour Street. Some researchers believe the later firm dealt in instruments made by other London workshops as well as its own.