Description

One-keyed boxwood flute – KUSDER, Henry

Crafted from gorgeous honey-coloured boxwood, this Kusder flute has quite thick walls, a small and delicate oval embouchure, and a single brass key. There are no ornate ivory rings… just beautifully turned wood! 

If you look closely at the photos, you can even spot a tiny ink splash on the foot joint. It was left exactly as it is—a charming little witness to the instrument’s unique history. The flute is stamped on all parts. Under the spring, we found the initials I.H., which are believed to belong to John HALE, an instrument maker who was active in London from 1785 to 1804 and produced keys for his colleagues.

This Kusder flute was totally restored. When it came to us, it was very dirty and abandoned and had no cap. So, a new one was crafted in boxwood to suit the instrument’s style. A long crack in the right-hand joint was repaired with carbon fibre from the inside. New tenon thread, a new pad for the key and a new head cork were added. 

This flute is an absolute joy to play, offering a beautifully warm, refined sound and spot-on intonation. It feels incredibly responsive and is in excellent playing condition, pitched at a=434 Hz.

Hear it for yourself playing Joseph Lafite – Au bord d’une fontaine – Airs variés pour une flute 

About Henry/Henrich Kusder (ca. 1730-1802)

Henry Kuster purchased a £200 policy from Sun Fire Insurance in 12 June 1769 as a “Flute Maker” near Princes Street in Stanhope Street, Clare Market, London, England. His name appears in the rate books as early as 1781 and the first mention of him in a directory found so far is for the year 1790. He is listed as KUSDER, H wind musical instrument maker, 6 Flask Lane, Chelsea. The general consensus is that our Mr. Kuster was German, although there is so far no real evidence to prove this. He married twice before he died in 1802 at the age of 72.

Our opinion

Henry Kuster instruments are universally rare. With only a few of his oboes, clarinets, bassoons and flutes left in existence, this is a fantastic opportunity to own one that is completely restored too!!!