*information for this article was obtained from The Flutist Quarterly, Summer 2019. Now 90, DeFord can still be found at his work bench in Elkhart after decades of innovative leadership and craftsmanship in the flute world. In addition to this, DeFord was also the first to introduce curved headjoints for alto and student flutes, hand cutting on student instruments, drawn tone holes on piccolos, hidden adjustment screws, and many other innovations. With this instrument, DeFord’s method of prefabricating the instrument materials for more efficient production was introduced, which is arguably one of his greatest contributions to flutemaking. In 1969, DeFord oversaw the production of the DeFord flute, a student model that was successful both in the United States and overseas, and in 1978, production began on a new line of student instrument that many recognize today: the Emerson flute. In addition to developing some of the finest silver flutes of that time, they also “worked together to improve the quality and design of student flutes and to develop the complete flute family.” DeFord believed strongly that all instruments, regardless of their level or price point, should be made with the same care and attention to detail. Some of the biggest names in modern flute making, such as Bickford Brannen and Jack Moore, worked under DeFord at that time. From there, he founded the Heritage Division of flutes which produced higher-end silver instruments. He quickly rose through the ranks there and became the vice president of production in 1962. Armstrong Flute Company in Elkhart, Indiana. After an unsuccessful start as an aircraft inspector after the Korean War, he quickly found his calling in the flute world, and we are so grateful he did.Įmerson Ford started his time in the flute business in the mid-1950s when he applied for a position as a flutemaker at the W.T. Many aspects of the flute that we take for granted today, particularly on student instruments, can be traced back to DeFord’s ideas, and some instruments still bear his name. They have their own forum, with some great moderators, and they can give you some suggestions. Ive never tried one personally, so cant give you my opinion there. Someone new recently purchased the company, and they were making incredible advances (again, according to the site). Interested in learning an instrument but not sure you’ll stick with it? Our instrument rental program is a great option for anyone looking to test the musical waters without committing to a serious purchase.At the National Flute Association convention in Salt Lake City this past August, the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to master flute maker and entrepreneur Emerson DeFord. They said that Emerson was a flute to 'watch'. In addition to the excellent community of Durham, we also serve the surrounding areas of Chapel Hill, Dogwood Acres, Calvander, Eubanks, Blackwood, Windy Hill Farm, University, Eno, Willow Ridge, Heather Glen, Bragtown, Gorman, Joyland, Oak Grove, Bethesda, Clegg, Glenee, Blands, The Downs and more! E101/102 500HT FOR VAN AIR DRYER MODEL F101-1000 UNIT S/N VAS98422 AT PORT KAISER POWERHOUSE. We’re in the Durham City limits, but located right between Durham and Chapel Hill.
![f101 emerson flute f101 emerson flute](https://www.hogansmusic.com/uploads/1/2/3/7/12374270/s609403572662450608_p1_i5_w600.png)
You can find us just west of New Hope Creek and north of the Old Chapel Hill Road Park.
![f101 emerson flute f101 emerson flute](https://www.fluteworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Emerson-Alto1-scaled.jpg)
No matter where music takes you, we’re here to help you thrive.ĭurham, North Carolina, welcome to your friendly local music store! We’re conveniently located on I-40 and Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd in the Patterson Place shops.
#F101 EMERSON FLUTE PROFESSIONAL#
We’re proud to serve everyone from working professional musicians to young students venturing out into the world of music for the first time. With over 150 locations nationwide, we’re the nation’s most trusted music resource, providing name brand instrument and music accessory sales, private and group music instruction, rentals, repairs and a huge assortment of sheet music and books. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to get people of all ages, interests and backgrounds excited about playing, learning and listening to music. Folk & Traditional Wind & Keyboard Instruments.Folk & Traditional Stringed Instruments.