The true mark of a masterpiece is always the artist’s signature at the bottom of the canvas. The origin of the Signature Flute is no different. Made as a special gift for a Boston doctor who saved Mr. Powell’s eyesight, the original “Signature Flute” was a Sterling Silver flute made in 1952, #1142. This gift was the doctor’s first opportunity to play a handmade Powell flute. Today, the Signature model is also the first opportunity for many to own a handmade Powell flute.
The least expensive handmade flute that we offer, this flute has a Sterling Silver headjoint, body, and mechanism. Signature Flutes have a traditional pinned mechanism which gives them a lighter weight. The tone holes are drawn using our patented method of extrusion, and each flute bears the signature of Verne Q. Powell. The final mark of quality on this instrument is the handcut Signature II style headjoint, made and tested by the same headjoint makers who work on our Custom Headjoints.
The Signature from Powell is is free-blowing and flexible, resulting in a sound that is focused, easily controllable and with fantastic projection. The mechanism is well-made and highly reliable; and the top E sounds very well without the need for spending extra on an E mechanism. Plays especially well with a B footjoint. An excellent value flute for a player wanting a silver flute with the legendary Powell sound.
New for 2015 is the Powell Signature II headjoint, allowing players the choice between the Signature I and II headjoints. Powell have designed the new Signature II headjoint in response to requests for a more "free blowing" Signature headjoint that would be comfortable for a greater number of players. Style elements from Powell's current Custom headjoint offerings were incorporated into the Signature II, which has been commended for its response, flexibility, and richness. Every bit a true Powell, the Signature II allows for clean, crisp articulation and delivers the depth, fullness, and focus that are characteristic of the "Powell Sound." The Signature II uses the Soloist wall and the Philharmonic lip plate, which is slightly wider than the traditional Signature lip plate.
This flute has been adjusted as needed in our workshop prior to sale. It is in beautiful condition throughout. It has a couple of very tiny scratches on the footjoint but they're barely visable and purely cosmetic.
Condition can be highly subjective. This information is to be taken as a guide only. E&OE.
In 1916, Verne Powell joined the Wm. S. Haynes Company to make wooden flutes and piccolos. By 1926, he was the shop foreman and was running much of the business at Haynes; later that year, he left Haynes to make his own flutes and Verne Q. Powell Flutes, Inc. was incorporated.
The instruments were immediately recognized as the very best a flutist could play and endorsements flowed in from flutists around the globe. In 1928, he completed his first all 14K Gold flute; soon piccolos and alto flutes were added. By 1930 the brand had representation in the Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Baltimore, and New York Orchestras. There were flutes which had a life of their own; #365 the “World’s Fair” Platinum flute of William Kincaid, #900 the only flute ever made entirely of 14K White Gold, #1142 the “Signature” Flute.
In 2016 Verne Q. Powell Flutes, Inc. was purchased by Buffet Crampon, joining nine other brands of wind instruments to complete the largest group of wind instrument manufacturers in the world.
Hover over the styled text for a short definition, or click for a more detailed explanation.
Unless stated otherwise, all of our pre-owned, ex-demo and ex-display instruments are cleaned and checked, set up or serviced in our workshop prior to sale.
