Tradition and innovation in flute making

The story of the Powell brand begins in 1910, when the goldsmith Verne Q. Powell in the USA made a flute from recycled silver — sourced from coins, watch cases and spoons. The extraordinary instrument quickly attracted attention, and in 1927 Powell founded his own workshop for the manufacture of high-quality flutes. Just one year later he presented his first flute made of 14‑carat gold — a milestone in professional flute making.

By the 1930s Powell flutes had already secured a place in major American orchestras, including Boston, Philadelphia, Cleveland and New York. To this day the name Verne Q. Powell stands for the highest level of craftsmanship, a carefully selected sound and a consistent focus on the needs of professional musicians. Since 2016 Powell Flutes has been part of the international manufacturer group Buffet Crampon. Production still takes place in Boston, USA — with a clear commitment to quality "Made in USA". The range includes high-quality flutes made of solid gold, platinum or wood as well as a variety of individually crafted headjoints. Powell flutes are considered worldwide to be the epitome of American flute-making.

An outstanding feature of the Powell brand is the specially developed material Aurumite. This is an innovative material combination in which 9‑carat rose gold is applied to sterling silver. Through a special manufacturing process the two metals are permanently fused together — a process patented by Powell in 1987.

Aurumite gives the flute a warm, darker tonal character with a soft response — a sound aesthetic particularly appreciated by professional flautists. In addition to instruments made entirely from Aurumite in the professional sector, advanced players also benefit from this technology: the flutes of the Sonaré series, especially the 501 and 601 models, are optionally available with a sterling silver headjoint or a sterling silver headjoint with an Aurumite lip plate.

A remarkable detail underlines the special status of Powell flutes: In 2011 a NASA astronaut took her personal Powell flute to the International Space Station. In doing so the brand’s characteristic sound was literally carried into a new dimension — a sign of the extraordinary significance Powell instruments have even beyond the musical scene.

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