Just for fun, I weighed my flutes. It would be interesting if others would add their measurements:
From lightest to heaviest:
McGee Rudall-Carte (short foot) 11.25 oz
Lehart Keyless 12 oz
Hamilton Keyless 13 oz
Antique Metzler 8-key 14.25 oz
M&E Rudall Bore Keyless 14.5 oz
Here are some more weights to add to the list:
David Williams (1993) 5-key: 14.5 ounces
Hawkes and Son (1890’s) 8 key: 15 ounces
William Bark (1830-ish) 8 key: 15.7 ounces
Copley & Boegli (2001) keyless: 13 ounces
Bundy (1995-ish) Boehm system: 14.5 ounces
However, I think that the balance is more important than the weight in affecting how comfortable the flute is to play. A top-heavy flute just feels all wrong.
Dave Copley
Loveland, Ohio
You’re right, of course, David!
Just look at the unpopular Patent Head of Rudal and Rose.
Wonderfully sound engineering…way-cool design…but heavy to the point of distraction for some players, but not all.
Several great players – Frankie Gavin on his flute album is holding and played a Patent Head Rudall, as does Frank Claudy and, I believe, the original photo of the album (the vinyl one) for Michael Flatley.
I can’t play one without wrist problems after many hours, so I had a separate modern headpiece made for my Rudall.