Flutes fall into the category of woodwinds and unlike other similar instruments produce their sound without using a reed. Flutes produce sound using the flow of air against an edge. Generally called a flautist or flutist, the flute is known for its pleasant and sweet sounding tones that easily blend with various other instruments.
Flutes are made of various types of metals often with intricate designs and craftsmanship. The first types of flute-like instruments were made of bones and tusks from animals like mammoths and swans.
Nowadays, flute manufacturers like the Powell Company use precious metals to make their flutes because of their denseness, attractive luster and malleability. Silver, gold and platinum alloy are the most used of the precious metals. Platinum alloy flutes are thought to be the best sounding flutes because of their dark, penetrating sound as well as its ability to maintain stable pitches with different dynamic levels.
William Kincaid, the world-renowned flutist and teacher was the proud owner and player of a flute that would become the world’s most expensive flute. The platinum flute he performed with until his death in 1967 was made in 1939 by the Verne Q. Powell Company, and was exhibited in the New York City World’s Fair held in that same year.
Christie’s auctioned the expensive flute in 1986 for an unbelievable $187,000. Kincaid’s other accolades include a faculty position at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, spots in both Philadelphia and New York City’s Symphony Orchestras and the C. Hartman Kuhn Award.