Quantz Flute
My Quantz flute is based mainly on a flute by Quantz now in the Berlin Museum (No. XVIII). It is the most recent of the surviving Quantz flutes.
I have studied and made technical drawings of several other surviving instruments. An analysis and comparison of these instruments has led me to a deeper understanding of Quantz’s ideas on flute making.
Engraving of a two-keyed Quantz flute
Supplément to Diderot’s Encyclopédie (1777)
Description
Quantz describes the special features of his flute (Fig. 15 above) in his famous treatise: Versuch einer Anweisung die Flöte traversiere zu spielen (Berlin, 1752).
A Quantz flute has:
- a head joint with tuning slide and screw-cork (Fig. 16 above)
- the long tenon of the tuning slide fits into a thin brass tube inside the socket of the main part of the head joint
- several upper middle joints for different pitches
- a foot joint with two keys (Eb and D#)
- a wider bore, thicker walls and a lower pitch than other flutes of the time.
“A Quantz flute has a rich, dark sonority with the vocal quality of a contralto singer. This is mainly due to its wide bore, thick walls and low pitch.
“The tonal qualities of a Quantz flute reflect the importance Quantz placed on vocal ideals and models as a guide for instrumental performance.”
Materials
Wood
- Grenadilla (Africa Blackwood)
Caps and Rings
- Hard-plastic imitation ivory
Keys
- Silver
Options
Embouchure Hole
I offer two types of oval embouchure hole:
- one with almost perpendicular walls
- one with more open walls
Upper Middle Joints
I offer a choice of three upper middle joints with three different pitches:
- 385 Hz
- 392 Hz
- 395 Hz
Pricing
Base price
CA$ 3,300
A Quantz flute with one head joint (including tuning slide and screw-cork), one upper middle joint of your choice, lower middle joint and foot joint with two keys.
For the keys you have a choice of brass or silver.
Choice of keys
Eb key (1.2 mm thick)
D# key (1.5 mm thick)
- Brass = + CA$ 160
- Silver = + CA$ 280
Extra Head Joint
Head joint with tuning slide and screw-cork
- + CA$ 600
Extra Upper Middle Joint
- + CA$ 400 (each)
Deposit
I require a deposit on receiving your order.
- CA$ 500
Prices in Canadian Dollars.
Shipping not included. FedEx is recommended.
Shipping options are finalised when the flute is ready to ship.
Case Not Included
I do not make or supply cases.
A fabric case (purchased separately) by Le Petit Vitrezay in Paris is a good option.