In the vast landscape of musical instruments, the flute stands out as a beacon of elegance and versatility. From its delicate trills to its soaring melodies, the flute has woven itself into the tapestry of musical genres, spanning classical, folk, and contemporary styles.
From the silver keys of classical flutes to the breathy allure of bamboo variants, we’ll explore the diverse types of flutes that have graced stages and studios. This blog will serve as your guide through the captivating universe of the flute, unraveling its rich history, intricate mechanics, and the players who have brought its haunting tunes to life.
So, whether you’re captivated by the ethereal notes of a solo flute or the harmonious blend within an ensemble, let’s embark on an exploration of the most expensive flutes.
12. Muramatsu 24k Gold Flute
Brand: Muramatsu
Material: 24k gold tubings and embouchure
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: www.muramatsuflute.co.jp
Distinguished as one of Muramatsu’s premium offerings, Muramatsu 24k Gold Flute boasts 24k gold tubings and embouchure, symbolizing a commitment to utilizing the highest quality materials for both structural integrity and tonal richness.
Crafted with a Tsubasa-style head joint, this hand-cut flute is constructed from 14K gold, accentuated by sterling silver trim, exemplifying Muramatsu’s dedication to precision and meticulous design.
While this handmade Japanese flute may not offer extensive customization options, it encompasses all the standard features expected from a professional-grade instrument, delivering both exceptional sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
Did You Know?
Founded in 1923 by Koichi Muramatsu, the company has a long-standing history of crafting high-quality flutes, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
11. Lillian Burkart Elite Model 14k Rose Gold Flute
Brand: Lillian Burkart
Material: 14k Rose gold head joint, lip plate, and riser, 14k rose gold silver body
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Flute Center
Handcrafted at Burkart, an artisanal shop known for its commitment to precision and innovation, the Lillian Burkart Elite Model 14k Rose Gold Flute epitomizes the essence of “handmade,” integrating advanced precision tools with artisanal techniques to create instruments of exceptional quality.
Featuring a 14k rose gold headjoint, lip plate, and riser complemented by a 14k rose gold silver body, this flute reflects Burkart’s dedication to utilizing premium materials for both tonal richness and durability. Additionally, there’s an option for a 14k gold mechanism for those seeking further customization, available upon inquiry.
Did You Know?
The flute offers several customizable features, including 14k gold tone holes, a C# trill key, a split-E mechanism, and a D# roller, allowing flutists to tailor the instrument to their playing preferences.
10. Sankyo Handmade Gold Flute
Brand: Sankyo
Material: 14k gold head joint and body, soldered-silver tone holes
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Sankyo Flutes
Handcrafted in Japan, the Sankyo Handmade Gold Flute reflects the renowned Japanese craftsmanship and dedication to detail that the brand is recognized for. It embodies a harmonious fusion of traditional craftsmanship, premium materials, and precision engineering, offering flutists an instrument of exceptional quality and performance capabilities.
Crafted from 14K gold for both the hand-cut head joint and body, alongside a sterling silver mechanism, this flute symbolizes Sankyo’s dedication to utilizing premium materials for optimal tonal richness and structural integrity.
The flute is calibrated to A=442, adhering to a specific pitch standard favored by many professional musicians. Its B foot joint, combined with a (.012) tubing, enables extended tonal capabilities and versatility in performance.
Did You Know?
Founded in 1968, Sankyo has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality flutes, embodying a legacy of meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design.
9. Miyazawa Handmade Gold Flute
Brand: Miyazawa
Material: Solid Gold, Silver
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Flute Center
The Miyazawa Handmade Gold Flute boasts a body and head joint crafted from 14K gold, paired with a sterling silver mechanism and trim, symbolizing a commitment to premium materials for enhanced tonal richness and durability. Notably, Miyazawa offers five distinct head joint options, providing flutists with a range of traditional and contemporary styles to achieve various tonal nuances and expressions.
A remarkable addition to Miyazawa’s offerings is the Cresta Series, designed in celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary. Featuring a new scale for stable intonation, soldered tone holes, and a specially designed G# key for improved weight balance and comfort during play, the Cresta embodies advancements shaped by feedback from flute professionals worldwide.
Did You Know?
Customizable features for the Miyazawa flutes include options such as the G key configuration, 14K or platinum lip plates, G disc, split-E mechanism, C# trill key, and C# and D# rollers, providing flutists with the opportunity to personalize their instrument to suit their playing preferences.
8. Louis Lot Silver Flute
Brand: Louis Lot
Material: Silver
Limited Edition: No
photo source: London Flutes
This pre-owned flute, an original Louis Lot, is crafted entirely from silver, featuring a silver head joint, body, and mechanism, reflecting the brand’s iconic and enduring dedication to utilizing premium materials.
With a design rooted in tradition, this flute embodies the classic French (open-hole) model, incorporating pointed key arms and soldered tone holes, contributing to enhanced resonance and precision in intonation.
A notable feature is the inclusion of an inline G key, a characteristic often favored by traditionalists for its ergonomic design and playability. Moreover, the flute boasts a one-piece body extended to low B, a feature that expands its tonal range and capabilities.
Did You Know?
An exceptional addition to this specific model is the Low B “Taffanel” trill key, an enhancement that adds versatility and expressive possibilities in performance.
7. Altus 5407 Series Gold Handmade Flute
Brand: Altus
Material: 14k gold head joint, body, Sterling silver mechanism
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Flute World
Crafted from 14k gold for both the head joint and body, alongside a sterling silver mechanism, this Altus 5407 Series Gold Handmade Flute showcases a commitment to utilizing premium materials for optimal tonal richness and durability.
A distinctive feature of the Altus flute lies in its unique sintering process for the key pipes. Employing 99.7% silver, Altus utilizes a high-temperature compression of powdered silver metal, fusing particles into a robust tube structure. This innovative technique enhances the strength of the key pipes, contributing to improved playability and structural integrity.
The flute offers variations within the 5407 series, including options for open holes, an offset G, and either drawn tone holes (5207) or soldered tone holes (5407). Additional features encompass a C# trill key, a low B foot with a D# roller, and a Gizmo key, catering to the preferences and needs of discerning flutists.
Did You Know?
Altus flutes originated in Japan in 1983 under the guidance of master flute maker Shuichi Tanaka. Since its inception, the brand has earned a reputation for its commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
6. Lunn Green Gold Flute
Brand: John Lunn
Material: 18k gold leaf-trill keys
Limited Edition: No
photo source: John Lunn Flutes
The Lunn Green Gold Flute, fondly known as “The Dryad’s Touch,” is a distinctive and exclusive musical masterpiece designed by John Lunn, priced at $55,000. This preowned flute stands as a unique work of art, unparalleled in its craftsmanship and aesthetic allure.
Crafted from 18K green-gold, the flute’s body intertwines with intricate 14K leaves and vines, both serving as ornamental accents and integral components of the mechanism. This fusion of precious metals not only bestows a distinctive aesthetic but also contributes to the flute’s functionality.
Did You Know?
A defining feature lies in the keys, each adorned with various engravings depicting leaves, flowers, cobwebs, and even a turtle, adding an exquisite touch of nature-inspired elegance and individuality to the instrument.
5. Nagahara Handmade Custom Gold Flute
Brand: Nagahara
Material: 14k gold, white gold springs
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Flute Specialists
Crafted entirely from 14K gold, this exquisite Nagahara Flute boasts unparalleled quality and attention to detail. Its hand-cut head joint, lip plate, riser, and crown, all meticulously fashioned from 14K gold, symbolize the pinnacle of artistry and dedication to superior materials.
The Standard Model incorporates industry-standard specifications alongside the Nagahara Scale and a special thumb-key design, ensuring both familiarity and innovation. The Full Concert Model represents a revolutionary design by Kanichi Nagahara, featuring an enlarged bore, tone holes, and a unique scale system, enhancing tone, resonance, and intonation control. The Galway Model, endorsed by Sir James Galway, includes a specialized head joint Nagahara’s Pinless mechanism, a Wearless Mechanism (Type II), and a distinctive key design for enhanced grip and elegance.
Did You Know?
Nagahara offers three distinct sub-models for this flute, catering to diverse preferences and playing styles.
4. Verne Q. Powell Custom Handmade Gold and Platinum Flute
Brand: Powell
Material: 10k yellow gold, white gold springs
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Powell Flutes Boston
The Verne Q. Powell Custom Handmade Gold and Platinum Flute embodies an exquisite blend of premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, priced at $69,273, making it a distinguished offering in the realm of musical instruments.
At its heart lies a platinum head joint featuring a 10k yellow gold lip plate, riser, and crown, symbolizing a meticulous fusion of precious metals. Its sterling silver mechanism, coupled with rings, ribs, and posts, underscores a dedication to both durability and tonal quality.
Soldered tone holes ensure precise intonation, complemented by 10k gold springs renowned for their responsiveness. The inclusion of Straubinger pads signifies a commitment to sealing and stability.
Did You Know?
The instrument features a B foot with a gizmo, adding an extended range and tonal versatility.
3. Haynes Platinum Flute
Brand: William S. Haynes
Material: 14k gold tone holes, rings, ribs, and post, gold springs
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Pinterest
At the core of Haynes Platinum Flute lies a platinum hand-cut head joint featuring a 14K rose gold lip plate and riser, complemented by a platinum body intricately paired with a 14K rose gold mechanism. This fusion of precious metals signifies a dedication to both artistry and functionality.
The flute showcases the esteemed Haynes pinless mechanism, an emblem of precision engineering, along with soldered 14K gold tone holes, rings, ribs, and posts, embodying meticulous attention to detail. Adopting the French (open hole) model, it incorporates pointed key arms and gold springs, ensuring exquisite responsiveness and accuracy in performance.
Did You Know?
With a history spanning over a century, Haynes Flutes boasts a rich legacy as one of the oldest flute-making establishments in the United States. Its enduring presence signifies a commitment to excellence and innovation.
2. Brannen Brothers Platinum Flute
Brand: Brannen Brothers Flutemakers
Material: Silver or 14k gold mechanism, White gold springs, Platinum
Limited Edition: No
photo source: Carolyn Nussbaum
The Brögger Flute by Brannen Brothers Flutemakers stands as an exceptional masterpiece, meticulously crafted in the USA with an array of unparalleled features. This flute boasts a fusion of premium materials and innovative design elements, defining its unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
At its core lies a hand-cut Brannen-Cooper platinum head joint, accentuated by a 14K gold lip plate and riser, complemented by a platinum body. Its mechanism, available in silver or 14K gold, incorporates the pioneering Brögger Mekanik™, showcasing soldered silver or 14K tone holes, alongside silver or 14K barrels, rings, ribs, and posts.
Did You Know?
All flutes produced by Brannen Brothers Flutemakers are meticulously handmade in the United States, emphasizing their commitment to quality control and ensuring each instrument meets their high standards.
1. William Kincaid’s Verne Q. Powell Flute
Brand: Powell
Material: Platinum, Silver
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Flute Builder
The Verne Q. Powell flute owned by William M. Kincaid is the most expensive globally, having fetched $187,000 at auction in 1986. Crafted by the esteemed Verne Q. Powell Company, renowned for their flute and piccolo production since 1927, this particular flute was fashioned from platinum and silver, materials favored by the company alongside gold and wood.
William M. Kincaid, a distinguished American flutist born in 1895, performed with this exceptional instrument until his passing in 1967. Notably, the flute was originally commissioned for the New York Fair, representing a pinnacle of craftsmanship and design. Kincaid’s ownership added historical and artistic value to the instrument.
The flute’s price at the auction in 1986 not only marked a record for flute valuation but also highlighted the instrument’s significance within the realm of musical history and collector’s items. Its exceptional craftsmanship, coupled with Kincaid’s legacy and association, contributed to its elevated worth and status within the music community.
Did You Know?
Beyond his performing career, Kincaid became a revered flute teacher, imparting his expertise at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he mentored numerous aspiring flutists, many of whom achieved great success in their own right.
