Hand-Worked Tubes
All flutes start with the tube. The flute tube is like the belly of a dragon. It is where the magic is. How a tube is crafted can be the difference between a good flute and an exceptional flute.
Gary hand-crafts each flute tube to achieve optimal hardness in a way that surpasses aging and heat tempering. Metal h
In the end, you have a highly responsive flute. You’ll be able to project your sound much further, control dynamics with less effort, and maintain an even tone color in all registers.
Tube thicknesses are available in 0.010″, 0.013″, and 0.016″, depending on your playing style. A thickness of 0.010″ responds rapidly and offers the most comfort in playing. A thickness of 0.016″ provides sufficient resistance for players who prefer to use a large volume of air.
Sterling silver (92.5%) is standard on all Lewis flutes. These finely crafted silver tubes vibrate very readily and offer a sound that projects throughout a concert hall while preserving its core as it travels. Many performers describe the sound of Gary’s silver flutes as sweet, radiant, and glowing. With a tube thickness of 0.010″, Its tone colors favor the bright end of the spectrum. As tube thickness increases, the tone color broadens, incorporating warmer and more complex tones, while still maintaining its silvery glow.
Gold tubes vibrate more subtlely than silver tubes, providing a more intimate and inviting sound with great depth and warmth. Gold flutes are also known to blend well with other instruments, even in the upper register. As the purity of gold increases, its tonal colors deepen. Gold tubes are available in 0.010″ and 0.013″.
Regardless of the metal, all tubes are meticulously worked by hand for quicker response, effortless dynamic control, fluid tapering of phrases, and an array of tonal colors.
Modern Design
The finely constructed sterling silver mechanism of every Lewis flute reflects traditional French aesthetics while enhancing flute vibrancy. Gary removes all extraneous posts and ribs to lighten the flute and to allow the tube to vibrate more freely.
The body and foot are also constructed in one piece, eliminating the joint and extra ferrules (or bands). With a one-body flute, you will have enhanced sound projection and improved response in the right hand, especially in the lower register.
Each flute also features sterling silver mechanisms, soldered toneholes, pointed keys, in-line G, and stylish ferrules. Offset G, C# trill, and gizmo are available.
INTEGRATED HEADJOINT
While the tube is the belly of a dragon, the embouchure is its fire! The embouchure is designed to spark vibrancy throughout the entire flute, igniting an array of tonal colors and possibilities. Your tone can be as simple or as complex, as broad or as compact as you desire. Gary will work with you to custom craft an embouchure that best suits your tonal personality and playing style.
The standard flute comes with a
The head tube is crafted from the same hand-worked tubing as the body, complementing the one-body design. The headjoint also includes Gary’s patented crown assembly to enrich vibration throughout the entire instrument, from crown to foot.
Simply put, you will have the most integrated flute assembly possible.
LEWIS SCALE
Gary’s meticulous craftsmanship extends into the scale of the flute. He uses 14 different
TIMELESS STYLE
No other flute is made with this level of attention to the connection between player and instrument. The Lewis flute gives you consistency in all registers, greater control over volume, and precise intonation to help you express your signature sound.
The Lewis flute is the warm, responsive, intimate partner you’ve been looking for!
AVAILABLE FEATURES
All flutes are handmade, from start to finish, by Gary Lewis. The standard flute features:
• Sterling silver tube, mechanism, embouchure, and riser
• One-piece body
• Pointed keys
•Open-hole
• Inline G
• Teardrop E-flat key
• Patented crown assembly (silver)
• Custom case
STANDARD OPTIONS
Tube Thickness: 0.010″, 0.013″, 0.016″
Pitch: A=440, A=442
Embouchure Style: Gary has a repertoire of various styles inspired by Verne Powell, Louis Lot, Bonneville, and others. He will work with you to craft one to bring out your signature sound.
| To low C: | price on request |
| To low B: | price on request |
| 18K gold embouchure and riser: | price on request |
Offset G, C# trills, and gizmo keys are available and may require additional fees. Gold flutes are priced upon request.
PRODUCTION
All flutes are made to order and require 12-24 months to build.
PAYMENT
A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required for production to begin. The balance is due prior to delivery. Checks, money order, and credit cards are accepted.
SHIPPING
USPS Express Mail Shipping (domestic and international) from the workshop is included in the price of a new flute.
WARRANTY
All new flutes have a one-year warranty from the time of shipping, excluding accidental damage. Embouchure plates are covered in the warranty and may be exchanged for a style that better suits your needs at any time during the one-year warranty period. All adjustments and repairs must be done by Gary Lewis. The warranty is void if the instrument has been modified or damaged by work done elsewhere. Customers are responsible for shipping and insurance fees to the workshop.