The Bamboo Flute

Verne Q. Powell was a man of exquisite talent and ingenuity when it came to building flutes.  We've seen the craftsmanship of instruments he built from precious metals and wood, but there is one particular flute here at the Powell facility that is quite unique -- the bamboo flute. We recently found more information on this flute in our historical archives:

The "Bamboo Flute," Powell number 392,  is a Boehm Flute made in 1940 of a Bamboo walking stick that Mr. Willis J. Abbott brought to Mr. Powell on a trip back from China.  Mr. Powell then turned the walking stick in to a flute and gave it to his good friend William F. McKenzie. The flute is pitched in D and features engravings of monkeys along the back (see photo detail).  The top of the headjoint has a silver cap, which is engraved with the following:

“Friendship Flute

Made for

William F. McKenzie

From a Chinese Cane

The Gift of

Willis J. Abbott

Verne Q. Powell

Boston

1940”