A SUPERB "AURUMITE" FLUTE FROM THE VERNE POWELL WORKSHOP, WASSER ERA, “HAND-MADE CONSERVATORY” SERIES, 100% MADE IN BOSTON, USA.

A superb flute from the Verne Q. Powell workshop, “Handmade Custom”, serial number 64xx ,offset-G, B foot, D# roller, C# trill, low B gizmo.

As I recall, the "aurumite" idea originated from Steven Wasser, who owned the company until Buffet-Crampon (France ) purchased the firm a dozen or more years ago.

The aurumite name is still a bit confusing, in my opinion. Our flute has solid silver tube that's had gold fused to the exterior. The embouchure is ( we've been told ) solid 14K gold, but the riser, the bore and the inside of the extruded tone-holes are silver. But "aurumite" is not, Powell tells us a gold-plate finish that's applied electronically in a plating tank. According to what we've learned, it's the same as the "gold filled" metal that pocket-watch makers used many years ago.

Sounding length is 633 mm (A : 442) and the embouchure 10.1 X 11.8 mm.

The flute plays very well, is definitely a modern Powell, does get our top recommendation.

New “suggested retail” price is now just a few dollars below $16,500.

$8850.