How It's Made - Flute

I am often asked why flutes cost so much. This five-minute documentary on how a flute is made shows the steps which go into making a flute by hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHSu0trGkRg

The prices they mention in the video are for a top-end handmade flute. Hand craftsmanship allows for the ultimate attention to every detail in how the flute works, so, in general, the more hand finishing a flute has (especially important is the headjoint), the better it plays.

The factory appears to be the Brannen Bros. factory in Boston, though I cannot make out the engraving on the flute. I played a custom-made Brannen, a beautifully crafted instrument, for about a year in the 1990's.

FYI: I have played on handmade old scale Powell flutes (made in 1971 and 1940) with a David Williams silver headjoint for about 12 years now. I love the many expressive possibilities this combination offers.

Hope you find the video enlightening.
Catherine