$230.00 – $250.00

Ferrary Model

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Description

Henry “Ed” Ferrary was a machinist for 28 yrs from Kearny, New Jersey who removed to Essex, CT in 1967, setting up his “secret shop” behind a bulkhead in his garage.  Until he moved on to the scene, other local fife makers were practicing their craft using older, cruder methods; Ed utilized a “secret method” that burnished the bore as it drilled it thus creating a fife far easier to play, although it did NOT seal the bore “permanently, insuring the tone in any temperature change“.  Ed swore for YEARS that his methods would go to his grave with him; yet during the final years of his life he was my first teacher of the trade, explaining his methods in a very rare moment of handing down his technique when in most cases he held very tight to his “secrets”. He prided himself in only using “Grenidella” wood (He meant Grenadilla, also known as African Backwood, or Mpingo wood) although frequently called it “ebony” to his buying public; Ed, in fact, had also used Rosewood and Cocobolo Wood, the latter he stopped using as he felt that it was “toxic” (not in fact toxic, but there are a fair number of people who are allergic to it).  Ed played for a time with the Deep River Fife & Drum Corps and even served as the chairperson running the Deep River Ancient Muster, but then began playing only with the Continentals Fifes & Drums (now defunct) in Essex, CT.  Due to the cost of obtaining instrument-grade African Blackwood, we have ceased using this wood for this model.  If you insist upon it, please contact us directly for a price and estimated time to complete your order.

The “Nach-Ferrary” model is an exact copy of the fife that “Ed” made me,  which is also the model he had made for some of the mid-western corps.  I suggest Katalox wood as African blackwood has become quite expensive. Katalox has all the properties of African Blackwood but it is not black, although it is dark and will darken with oiling, sun exposure, and usage; my earliest examples of fifes made in Katalox are virtually indistinguishable from Blackwood to the public as you march by.  One of my first replicas was so exact that I fooled a local “Ferrary expert” who is an old timer and was a good acquaintance of Ed.  After several requests, I have included the “short ferrule” version… Here in Honduras Rosewood but other woods upon request.

“Holy cr.., Joe!  I seriously thought that I was playing an original Ferrary!  This fife will make a name for ya!  Keep it up!”  Art Pope – Marana, AZ

“Joseph Morneault makes the most beautiful fifes in the world! They sound like angels singing from heaven.
I recently bought his Nach Ferrary in the most gorgeous rosewood, and I am head-over-heels in love with this amazing instrument. It sounds GREAT! I am able to glide over the wonderful style of the finger-holes; it’s SO fun to play. Every fifer needs one!
Joseph was so helpful during the ordering process. I am so grateful for everything – can’t recommend Musique Morneaux enough!” – Erin Martin, Chester, Ill.

 

Additional information

Type of Wood

Granadillo, Honduras Rosewood, Katalox wood

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