What is the primary material of the Powell Sonaré 705 body?

The body of the Powell Sonaré 705 is made from sterling silver, which provides tonal purity and excellent resonance.

Aurumite is a material developed by Powell that blends 9-karat gold and sterling silver to combine the warm tonal qualities of gold with the projection of silver.

What type of footjoint does this model have?

This specific model features a B footjoint, which allows the player to play down to a low B and can improve the stability of the high register.

What are the benefits of French pointed arms?

French pointed arms extend to the centre of the key cup, providing a more professional aesthetic and better pressure distribution for a more secure pad seal.

What kind of springs are used in the 705 series?

The flute utilizes 10K white gold springs, which are known for their durability and for providing a smooth, even, and responsive key action.

Is the key mechanism silver or nickel silver?

The mechanism is made from nickel silver and is silver-plated, which provides strength and durability for the moving parts of the flute.

Does the Powell Sonaré 705 include a split-E mechanism?

Yes, this model includes a split-E mechanism to help the player produce a clearer and more stable high E note.

Who is the ideal player for the Powell Sonaré 705?

It is ideal for intermediate players and advancing students who are ready to explore professional-level response, sound, and tonal flexibility.

Can I choose between offset and in-line G keys?

Yes, the 705 series offers options for either an offset G or an in-line G configuration to suit the player's ergonomic preference.

What is the typical price range for this flute?

The typical price range for the Powell Sonaré 705 Series Flute with Aurumite Headjoint is approximately GBP 3559.

How does the Aurumite headjoint affect the sound?

The 9K gold and silver blend adds warmth and colour to the tone, making it easier for the player to shape and vary their sound across different dynamics.

What type of key mechanism construction is used?

The flute features a traditional pinned mechanism, a standard professional design that ensures reliable and consistent key movement.

Gear article

Powell Sonaré 705 Series Flute

The Powell Sonaré 705 Series Flute is a professional-intermediate level woodwind instrument featuring a sterling silver body and a signature Aurumite 9K headjoint. Designed to bridge the gap between student models and professional handmade flutes, it combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques to provide a versatile, responsive performance.

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Background and Design

The Powell Sonaré 705 Series represents the higher tier of the Sonaré range, which was established by Powell Flutes to offer the signature 'Powell Sound' at a more accessible price point. The 705 models are distinguished by their use of a sterling silver tube for both the headjoint and the body, paired with a silver-plated nickel silver key mechanism.

The most significant component of this specific model is the Aurumite 9K headjoint. Aurumite is a patented material process where a layer of gold and a layer of silver are fused together. This provides the acoustic properties of gold—warmth and depth—while maintaining the projection and brightness of silver. The inclusion of a B footjoint extends the range of the instrument down to Low B, which also adds a slight weight to the overall feel and stabilizes the upper register.

Technical Specifications

The 705 Series incorporates several features typically reserved for professional-level custom flutes:

Aurumite 9K Headjoint: A 9-karat gold and silver blend for enhanced tonal flexibility.
French Pointed Arms: These provide a refined look and more even distribution of pressure on the pads, leading to improved longevity and seal.
10K White Gold Springs: These offer a snappy, responsive feel under the fingers, ensuring the action remains smooth even during fast technical passages.
Traditional Pinned Mechanism: A robust design that facilitates a professional feel and reliable mechanical performance.
Configuration Options: Available with either an offset or in-line G key and featuring a split-E mechanism for improved stability on the high E note.

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Tonal Character and Performance

The combination of the sterling silver body and the Aurumite headjoint produces a sound characterized by its warmth, colour, and flexibility. While standard silver flutes offer a bright and brilliant tone, the gold infusion in the Aurumite lip plate and riser allows the player to shape the sound with greater ease, offering a broader palette of dark and light textures. The 10K white gold springs contribute to a confident, expressive performance by providing a consistent tactile response across all registers.

Suitability and Market Comparison

The Powell Sonaré 705 is specifically designed for intermediate players, such as advanced high school students or university music majors, who are ready for a professional-level response. It serves as a transition instrument for those not yet ready for the full investment of a handmade custom flute but who require more tonal range than a standard silver-plated student model.

When compared to other instruments in the woodwind category, such as the Yamaha 600 series or intermediate models from Altus, the Sonaré 705 is unique for its use of the Powell-designed Aurumite headjoint. While related accessories like Vandoren ligatures or Yamaha mouthpieces cater to the clarinet family, the 705 stands as a dedicated performance tool for the advancing flautist.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Powell Sonaré 705 body?: The body of the Powell Sonaré 705 is made from sterling silver, which provides tonal purity and excellent resonance.
What is Aurumite?: Aurumite is a material developed by Powell that blends 9-karat gold and sterling silver to combine the warm tonal qualities of gold with the projection of silver.
What type of footjoint does this model have?: This specific model features a B footjoint, which allows the player to play down to a low B and can improve the stability of the high register.
What are the benefits of French pointed arms?: French pointed arms extend to the centre of the key cup, providing a more professional aesthetic and better pressure distribution for a more secure pad seal.
What kind of springs are used in the 705 series?: The flute utilizes 10K white gold springs, which are known for their durability and for providing a smooth, even, and responsive key action.
Is the key mechanism silver or nickel silver?: The mechanism is made from nickel silver and is silver-plated, which provides strength and durability for the moving parts of the flute.
Does the Powell Sonaré 705 include a split-E mechanism?: Yes, this model includes a split-E mechanism to help the player produce a clearer and more stable high E note.
Who is the ideal player for the Powell Sonaré 705?: It is ideal for intermediate players and advancing students who are ready to explore professional-level response, sound, and tonal flexibility.
Can I choose between offset and in-line G keys?: Yes, the 705 series offers options for either an offset G or an in-line G configuration to suit the player's ergonomic preference.
What is the typical price range for this flute?: The typical price range for the Powell Sonaré 705 Series Flute with Aurumite Headjoint is approximately GBP 3559.
How does the Aurumite headjoint affect the sound?: The 9K gold and silver blend adds warmth and colour to the tone, making it easier for the player to shape and vary their sound across different dynamics.
What type of key mechanism construction is used?: The flute features a traditional pinned mechanism, a standard professional design that ensures reliable and consistent key movement.