i have voiced my opinions about powell flutes and most of them arent exactly great. dont know why, but im going to admit i was wrong. i played on one recently and i pretty much told my friend (the owner of said flute) i was going to steal it from her.

HOWEVER, thats not the point of this post.

my question is what is the purpose of the aurumite flute? by which, im talking about the conservatory model. i actually played one for about a month back in high school in the 9th grade when mine was in the shop (i had a very generous teacher back then). it was nice, but nothing extremely special. in your opinion, is it worth the extra, say, $1500-$2000 over the silver conservatory model?
what about applying the question to the handmade aurumite vs. the silver?
another: whats the difference between the conservatory vs. handmade flute itsself?

i know, many questions. but im very curious! please comment.

you may get the same effect from a top line powell or haynes with a really great gold head, that's what I did, as have many others..

i own a muramatsu ds and as my finances are looking, i shouldnt even be talking about a new flute. but im just curious as to what your experiences, listening, etc. have contributed to the said questions is all.

oh, im just asking what people think about them. i am in no way, shape, or form in the market for a new flute. im still trying to pay off, well, everything! its just that im curious about what these flutes are like since i obviously cant try them for long-term. besides, i am pleased with my muramatsu. except for the fact that its extremely dirty and tarnished. and now theres a dent in it and im PI... ok, peeved.

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ive also read that some of the new burkart & phelan flutes have a similar metal-bonding process with their flutes that i believe they call "gold over silver" or something. have any of you had any experience with these flutes either? im very curious to know as to what type of sound difference these gold and silver flutes produce. im quite interested now (not to buy, cant afford. i can barely afford a new headjoint at $1000).

<Added>

*new* 9k Gold on Silver
The exterior of the body and headjoint are 9K gold and the interior is sterling silver. The tubing is crafted in 0.016" wall thickness of which the 9K gold layer comprises 20%. This flute marries the best timbral qualities of gold and silver. Rich in esthetic appeal, the 9K Gold on Silver is extremely rewarding to play.





straight off the burkart website. http://www.burkart.com/bp-flute_piccolo.htm?sid=0001r09WDHXakGgtvQ1d5j7#flutes

don't discount some older flutes, most older Powells are quite high, but I got my Haynes for a song and a dance, and then lucked into the headjoint, it was all very affordable and sounds and feels amazing..

I second this about the metals when it comes to the body. The fact is that a properly made body out of aluminum, steel, gold, silver, or wood would function and sound the same.

Now, there is a small difference in headjoint materials, but it's easily dwarfed by the geometry and "cut" of it.(titanium probably being a notable exception - it's very quick).

So the smart shopper buys a good plated semi-pro body to save money(still want those key and construction benefits though of the better models) and then puts the real focus on a good headjoint to match up with it.

Usually this isn't the one that came with it. This seems to hold true with most instruments, actually. The stock headjoint/mouthpiece/etc is pretty average as a rule.

edit - while Titanium is quicker to get on tone with than any other metal, it does not sound any different than silver. It's expensive as well and most players won't be doing fast enough techniques to make any use from it.

i thank you for your advice. its very good information. you all know your stuff and have obviously had experience with it.

however, they arent answers to my questions (not meaning to be a bitch or anything).

and i can honestly say im not sure what a titanium headjoint is. ive never heard of them. i guess i had an answer to a questions i never thought i had!

"what is the purpose of the aurumite flute?"

to get you to spend more money

"in your opinion, is it worth the extra, say, $1500-$2000 over the silver conservatory model?"

no, unless you place that much value on bragging rights and pride of ownership

"what about applying the question to the handmade aurumite vs. the silver?"

if you're talking about the differences between aurumite and silver in the conservatory models vs aurumite and silver in the handmade models, see below.

"whats the difference between the conservatory vs. handmade flute itsself?"

soldered tone holes



those are my answers at least.

Currently, only Landell is making titanium headjoints. Based upon his tests, which are on his web page, it is much faster - mostly because I think, he can make it a lot thinner and still be stronger than Silver.

But last I checked, it was well over $2500 for one, and I just don't have that sort of money, especially when his silver ones (and those from dozens of other makers of custom headjoints) run about half that.