The flute world is mourning the loss today of legendary flute maker Jack Moore, who passed away yesterday. Jack worked for several different American flute companies in the 1970s and early 1980s before taking on his own flute making and repair shop full-time. He was a notoriously private person, and finding information to give a befitting tribute was a challenge, but I will do my best!
Moore completed flute repair training with Powell Flutes before moving to Armstrong flutes in the mid-1970s, where he pioneered their original Heritage line in Elkhart, Indiana. These flutes were made to the same quality standards as Haynes and Powell flutes at the time: fully handmade instruments with impeccable mechanisms and a glorious sound. He worked alongside Tom Green, and these instruments became a prototype of the time for the standard of handmade American flutes. Green and Moore both used the Bennett scale and eventually branched off to make their own instruments.
By the time Moore opened his own shop, his work as a flute builder was legendary; he pioneered the Murray system flute, a complicated method of flute building that take’s Boehm’s ideas in a different direction and never really caught on in the mainstream. He also helped to bring the Bennett scale into greater popularity.
I know that there are thousands of details that I have missed–and sadly, I haven’t had the chance to play one of Jack Moore’s flutes. This is now a goal of mine!
I feel so sad to hear this news. I have just bought a Jack Moore flute, having first encountered one last year, and it is such a dream to play that I feel utter gratitude towards its maker. My thoughts are with Jack’s family and all who mourn for him. His wonderful flutes will continue to bring much joy to those who play them and listen to them.
I am so sad, as I have been trying to relocate him, regarding my flute. I was not sure if he was still in business. He was a wonderful man, and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing my flute. He will be missed.
I only own a Jack Moore headjoint, but it is one of my most prized possessions. What a master Jack Moore was.
I’m just seeing this today (11/20/2018). I own a Jack Moore flute that I purchased way back in 1988. Love the instrument and feel so grateful for having met the man who made it and for having one. Love my instrument and am so sorry to hear he passed away. He was so humble and such a master at what he did.
Suzanne
It’s painful for me too to discover so late (12/15/2018) on the net that Jack Moore died. I met him in early ’90s in Rome while he was travelling through Europe to bring me and other lucky flutists some of his craftsmanship masterpieces. I enjoyed too the honour to show him and his wife some beautiful places in Rome and in Tivoli, where they were my guests. It’s also funny to remember that there they had to cop with a little bat entered by chance in their flat. He was for certain a really precious man and master who helped the world to be a better sounding place. May he enjoy the sunsetless peace of God.
Thank you so much for this sweet story! He certainly made quite an impression on all that he met.
I just saw this today (1/31/2019). I am sadden to hear of Jack Moore’s passing. I have owned one of his flutes since 1990 and it is my most prized possession. It is still in terrific shape and plays beautifully. I kept a copy of the personal note he sent to me on the receipt. What a kind man and a wonderful flute maker!!! He leaves a legacy of instruments that are joy to play and beautiful sounds for all the world to enjoy!
I’m am saddened to hear of Jack Moore’s passing. I have played one of his flutes for the last 20 years. It is a beautiful instrument. He was such a kind man, generous man, and I’m so glad our paths crossed.
My daughters have his flute, and it a beautiful. The sound has the warm resonate tone throughout the registers ,that Jack Moore flutes are known for. My one daughter won 3 master classes from James Galway. He told my daughter her flute that Jack Moore made plays beautifully. And a beautiful flute. Mary Louise Poor was there teacher and love His flutes. So sad that he last passed away, my heart goes out to his family.
I had a custom-made flute by Jack Moore in the early ’80’s. It was my most prized possession. My flute instructor Mary Louise Poor,at Valparaiso, University, convinced me to upgrade to a hand-crafted flute from him. My dad and I went to Elkhart to meet him and see his workshop.
Rest in peace Mr. Moore. Sorry to hear of your passing.
I met Mr Moore in the mid 70s shortly after he opened his shop at his house. I purchased a Murray system flute from him which I still have, and still occasionally play. I think of him every time I do.
Here it is December of 2021, and I decided to look up Jack Moore flutes. Like all the others commenting, I have a Jack Moore flute. I ordered it and waited and waited, until finally getting at the head of the line in the Summer of 2000. My flute is #575 and a treasure for me! It is a dream to play. Also like others, I traveled to his home in Three Rivers, MI, to pick it up. He proudly showed is sparkling-clean shop across the street, in what would have been a garage.
I am not surprised to read of his passing after all these years. But the finality is sad! He was a treasure and delight, and his work was impeccable. Impressive man.