From the vault of “why can’t it be me???”
A man calls me today to register his Rudall & Rose flute in the catalogue.
He had just purchased it from a consignment shop in the mid-west. Cracked head, low serial number, fairly good condition.
A legitimate Rudall.
His paying price?
“$150” he says to me. “Did I pay too much?”
By the way…he doesn’t play. He just thought it to be a nice looking antique.
Goes to show. Keep on the lookout. You never, ever know.
aaaaarrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!
I hope you told him he had paid too much, then offered to refund him his money, in exchange for the flute, of course … 
fyffer
would that be a Kentish Guards uniform in the photo? seems familiar, but I might be wrong
(and the man was quite pleased to know he merely had a stick with holes drilled into it with non-descript writing on it. Now the silver on the keys…THAT was worth something!)
As a matter of fact, it is! This is my 3rd year with them. How do you know them (us)? Should I know you?
nah
i’m just an old fyfing guy from years ago.
the name Mo Shoos is legendary in the Kents…as is Skipper Healy and Mark Lanier, Bill Hart and Tishka.
all old friends from years ago.
It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, David. Mo is indeed a class act, though he’s just found himself back in the hospital with a bum knee (again!), and “various other ailments” according to a source. I may visit him on my way to rehearsal Wed. nite.
AFA the others, what a great selection of players you’ve singled out! Skip is, of course, legendary, though we don’t see him around much anymore (I play a Healy fife, of course, and I apparently have just “won” a Healy flute from another C&F’er here(see posts) ); Mark I don’t know by name, but I stand next to Bill and Tish as much as possible on the muster field during Jam sessions (just have to remember not to put your beer under Bill while he’s playing, lest your cup runneth over from his spittle!). I’ve spent many a late night trading folk-guitar tunes with Bill around the campfire as well after they shut down the session.
Good chattin!
-Chris
Ah, yes. Good ole Bill. Still dripping. Some things never change.
Truth is, he’s quite the guitar player! He stayed with me years ago, pulled out the guitar and I was floored at how good he was. Whoa.
Other names on the old list: Bacon and the Cuccia clan (all of them, from Cat on down to little (then she was) Deb!).
My god, so many I’ve not seen in years. Someday, maybe.
Pass along my salutations. They’re good folks…and very talented players!
Ask Bill about how we used to just gather together and site read out of these old manuscript books the variety of classical trios and such. We even had a goofy name for our clique (before AmeriClique, that is), but I can’t recall it. He might.
Getting back on topic. What happened with this guy and the Flute.
On topic…yes.
The guy has the flute and will keep it.
Not sure if he’ll make it playable or not, but he’s happy to know that he made a wise investment for a very good price.
I should see photos of it soon, but the damage, according to him, seems limited to the normal head/barrel issue of cracks and such.
Maybe he’ll sell. who know. If so, I’ll advise. I don’t broker any longer, but will put people together. For instance, there’s a nice fellow in California currently seeking a buyer for his Rudall (1800-series, I believe) with Patent Head. Supposedly plays well.
I’ve just been waiting for him to say how much so I can let folks know what to expect.
Anyway…point is…never walk buy a shop that could have a flute inside without stopping for a look! I’ve never been so lucky yet, but know several who have been.