Pre-Owned Edward Almeida Solid Handmade Flute

Our Description

This is a superb example of an Edward Almeida flute. It formerly belonged to Emer McDonough, Principal Flute of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia, and has been played around the world in some of finest concert halls in both the Hong Kong Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras. 

Technical Notes

This .925 silver flute is a fine example of the work of Edward Almeida (d.1992), a student of Verne Q. Powell and a key figure in the Boston flute-making scene throughout the mid–late 1900s. His flutes are now thus highly sought-after instruments.

Tone is consistent, clear, and open between all registers, with the bottom notes leaning rather darker. The Brannen headjoint (also .925 silver) complements this flute well, and provides it something of an echo of early French flutes, while retaining its Bostonian character. Despite being without a split-E mechanism, moving between E harmonics in the upper register is remarkably effortless. D♯₄ to C₄/C♯₄/B₃ is aided by a nicely flush roller on the D♯ key.

This flute formerly belonged to Emer McDonough, Principal Flute of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia, and has been played around the world in some of finest concert halls in both the Hong Kong Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras.

General Condition

This flute has been fully serviced in our workshop prior to sale, and it plays superbly. Very good condition overall. Some light scratches and small aesthetic dints. Pads all in excellent condition.

Condition Report

Condition can be highly subjective. This information is to be taken as a guide only. E&OE.

• Mechanism (1 to 10): 9
• Padding (1 to 10): 8

About Edward Almeida

Edward Almeida's flute making career began in 1948 at the Powell factory in Boston, under the tutelage of Verne Q Powell himself. In the early 1960's Powell sold his firm to four of his employees, among them his own protégé, Edward Almeida. In 1969, Almeida set up his own workshop and began making a very limited number of flutes in the style and craftsmanship of the first Powell flutes. At his peak he was making about 50 flutes a year; favouring silver over gold due to its consistent nature, Almeida was renowned for his precision engeering and his flutes demonstrate exquisite craftmanship. Since his death in the early 1990s his flutes have become much sought after as classic used instruments.

Specifications

What's Included

• Leather bound wood case

Item Details

Item number: C137276 (Please quote this Item Number if you contact us about this item)
Serial number: 359***
Manufacturer: Edward Almeida
Model number: Inline open hole B footjoint
Category: Pre-Owned Professional Flutes