Robert Bigio Headjoints

Robert Bigio is a British flute maker, researcher, and author recognized for his craftsmanship in wooden and metal headjoints as well as his significant contributions to flute scholarship.

Born in the Middle East and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Bigio earned a BMus from the University of British Columbia and a PhD from the University of London. After a professional performing career, he established himself as a flute and headjoint maker in London.

Bigio served as editor of the British Flute Society Journal for five years and has written extensively on flute history and construction. His books include Readings in the History of the Flute and Rudall, Rose & Carte: The Art of the Flute in Britain.

His handmade headjoints — for flute, alto flute, and piccolo — are admired for their rich, dark sound that blends easily yet projects well for solo playing. Most are made of wood, particularly African Blackwood, Mopane, and Cocuswood, with options for silver or gold inserts in the embouchure. He also produces silver, gold, and platinum headjoints, sometimes with wooden lip-plates. Each piece is handcrafted, often from a single block of wood with the lip-plate carved by hand.

Bigio’s workshop remains based in London, where he continues to produce headjoints and write about flute history and design.