Throughout its history, Powell’s tradition has been dynamic and it has successfully resolved the tension between innovation and traditional qualities.

Custom flutes represent the traditional epitome of Powell instruments. These hand crafted flutes are characterized by soldered tone holes, beautiful keywork, and extensive choices. All include 10k white gold springs, traditional adjustments, pointed arms, and Straubinger pads.

Materials: Precious metals are the primary materials choice.

  • Sterling silver is acoustically desirable for its resonant, flexible sound and is available in three tube thicknesses.
  • Gold flutes, including Powell’s premier 19.5k rose gold model, are prized for their warmth of tone and beautiful coloring. Gold flutes are also available in 10k yellow, 14k rose, and 14k white gold.
  • Aurumite® flutes are produced using a patented fusion process that creates tubing made from interlocking layers of gold and silver. This unique material combines the projection of silver with the warmth of gold.
  • The most famous and valuable flute in the world is Powell #365, a platinum instrument created for the 1939 New York World’s Fair and purchased by William Kincaid. Today Powell’s platinum flutes are played by some of the world’s leading flutists.
  • Powell’s wooden flutes changed the way musicians perceive these instruments. The sleek, comfortable design projects well and possesses the acoustical and organic qualities of wood.
Mechanical Options: Powell will also customize particular features upon request.
  • A-440, A-442, or A-444 pitch
  • C or B foot joint
  • French (open), American (closed) cups, or Plug-O’s® to convert French to American
  • Offset G or in-line G
  • Split-E mechanism or G disc
  • C# trill
  • D# roller
  • Drawn tone holes are an option for silver and 14k rose gold bodies.
  • Every inline Custom Powell flute features a pinless left hand as a standard option; now a fully pinless mechanism is also available.
Headjoint Options: Headjoints are normally made from the same materials as the flute body. Embouchure styles include: 
  • Philharmonic: Capable of broad dynamic ranges, and creates a deep rich tone with extraordinary carrying power and focus.
  • Soloist: Designed in conjunction with Ransom Wilson, the Soloist is an open style that combines the ease of the Boston with the sound of the Philharmonic, and it has an especially strong bottom octave.
  • Venti: The Venti is a very colorful and rich headjoint designed in conjunction with Paul Edmund Davies. It is open, has a large dynamic range, and possesses an especially free high register.