Clive Catterall Flutes
I produce flutes to play a variety of musical styles.
Some are based closely on instruments in museum collections, and some are developed to my own design. However, they are all hand-made using the same tools and methods that were used by the eighteenth and nineteenth century flute-makers, and using materials with which they would have been familiar. In developing these instruments I have tried to apply my experience of eighteen years in the research and development of medical and scientific instruments to my lifelong interest in early musical instruments. However, the experience has been applied to the design and development, but the manufacture is uncompromisingly carried out in the traditional manner. Each flute is the product of careful hand-crafting to produce an instrument with an individual character.
In order to be able to do this I have had to research the methods used by the original flutemakers. Some information is written down, some is recorded in victorian books on wood turning, and some I have had to reconstruct.
The flutes themselves are, of course, made to be played. With instruments based on museum examples the intention has been to reproduce the playing qualities of the original instrument. With my own designs I have more freedom, and seek to produce an instrument that gives the player the right response and sound for the particular musical style for which the instrument is designed.
Keyless flute for Traditional Music
Instruments based on Historical Models
"The Ordinary Flute" for jazz, traditional, and modern music
A notch-flute for recorder players
Baroque flute playing resources
Some background information about my working methods
Email me to find out more about my flutes
If you are interested in Recorders then please have a look at Gary Cook's Malvern Recorders page.
Content last updated 20 March 2003