Manufacturer's Description
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.
Our Description
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.
About Powell
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.
Specifications
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- Fully handmade .925 solid headjoint, "Signature II" cut
- Semi-handmade .925 solid body and mechanism
- Drawn tone holes
- Open holes as standard, which can be converted to closed holes using Powell PlugOs
- Split E mechanism
- Available with C footjoint or B footjoint
- 10k white gold springs
- French-style 'pointed' key-arms
- Straubinger pads
What's Included
- Leather-bound wood case
- Leather pochette case cover
- Wood cleaning rod
- Cleaning cloth
Downloads
Perfect Performance Plan
Included with every new instrument:
- Pre-Sale Set-Up
- Owner's Check-Up
- Minimum Three-Year Warranty
We aim to offer the best possible value for our products, taking into account our comprehensive choice, Perfect Performance Plan, service levels and expertise. Learn More/Price Match