powell Handmade Conservatory Aurumite 9K/ flute gold plating

[alex411]

I am interested in this flute as a upgrade from my armstrong 800b and was wondering if anyone here owned it and if they liked it? and if there is anyone who has tried this instrument and decided to go with a different flute which flute did you go with? also, ive read alot about how the gold content is much higher then plating, but still not that high at all... so will this wear like gold plating? how long does gold plating last before you get to the silver? would it be able to go through polishings? etc. thanks!

[DrAdam]

Very interesting you should post this, because I believe this may be the flute that I have. I can't comment on your specific questions as I don't play, I just inherited the thing!

[fluteguy18]

The difference between Aurumite and gold plating is rather substantial. Aurumite is a hybrid metal (of sorts) that is actually two very thin sheets of silver and gold that have been fused together. Plating is only a few atoms thick whereas the gold in the Aurumite is about half the thickness of the tubing (substantially more). Gold plating will wear off. In fact, just about any kind of plating will wear off if given enough time. The gold in the 9k Aurumite will not wear off.

Source: I work for an authorized Powell Dealer and see these flutes all day.

[cflutist]

FG18,

How does Aurumite respond and sound versus a 9K or 14K flute?

[fluteguy18]

FG18,

How does Aurumite respond and sound versus a 9K or 14K flute?

Well... headjoint design (and how recently it had been serviced) dramatically impacts this of course so it's hard to say. The 9k Aurumite reminds me of the Brannen 85/15 flutes, but a bit softer in color, but not as much as a solid 9k flute. That is at least what I perceived as the player. Who knows what the listener heard!

[JButky]

That is at least what I perceived as the player. Who knows what the listener heard!

I LOVE this answer!