- Made in Boston in 1967
- Platinum tubing, 0.014″
- Haynes silver embouchure
- Embouchure: 10.37 mm x 12.14 mm x 4.85 mm (0.191″)
- 120 g
The headjoint was made for Powell 2788, but the body was sold with a different headjoint. For a flute body with a wall thicker than 0.014″, we recommend using copper tape for a proper fit to preserve the uniqueness of this fine headjoint.
Powell platinum headjoints are known for their incredibly dense sound, and this one is no exception. The headjoint initially had a gold embouchure, but the owner swapped the embouchure for a beautifully designed vintage silver Haynes embouchure. We’re glad he made the change. A gold embouchure often subdues the platinum sound and makes platinum sound more like a silver headjoint. A silver embouchure, however, accentuates the zing that platinum is known for. (The original gold embouchure is not available.)
While the embouchure is from the Haynes workshop, we highly suspect Verne Powell crafted it. During his tenure at Haynes Co., Powell often created similar lip plate designs. We haven’t seen these designs from the Haynes workshop before or after Powell’s employment. Moreover, we have three other examples of Powell using these designs. One is on Haynes 7279 during his time at the Haynes workshop. The other two are on Louis Lot 9650 and Powell 246. See photos below.
We’ve tried this headjoint on various bodies; the sound is similar on all flutes. The low register has incredible depth and intensity. The middle and upper registers are very compact and brilliant, a type of brilliance only platinum can provide. The sound is fluid, and the response is quick and clean.
Some of the prominent flutists who played either a vintage platinum Powell flute or headjoint are:
• William Kincaid, principal of the Philadelphia Orchestra
• Donald Peck, principal of the Chicago Symphony
• Joseph Mariano, principal of the Rochester Philharmonic
• Thomas Nyfenger, freelance musician and instructor at Yale School of Music
• Julius Baker, principal of the New York Philharmonic
• Sam Baron of the New York Woodwind Quintet and Bach Aria Group
• John Wummer, principal of the New York Philharmonic
• Jacob Berg, principal of the St. Louis Symphony
• Elaine Shaffer
• John Solum
• Murray Graitzer, principal of the San Francisco Symphony
• Albert Tipton, principal of the Detroit Symphony
• Christina Smith, principal of the Atlanta Symphony
• Warren Little, principal of the Atlanta Symphony
• Leonard Posella, Warner Brothers studios and principal of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
• Richard Trombley, principal of the Eugene Symphony and flute professor at the University of Oregon.
Price: $5,000
Sold as is. Sales tax applies to purchases within California. For inquiries on purchasing, please contact Gary Lewis.
