Some Examples of Keys and Ferrules

These days the metalwork on most of my flutes is made from sterling silver (925). It is a lovely material to work with and it really complements the African Blackwood. It also means that if a key is damaged or bent, then it is easier to repair. With plated keys, the plating tends to crack if the key is bent and this means that the key must be replaced.

But, yet again it is an individual thing and quite a few people have bought flutes with gold-plated keys and ferrules from me.