Aitkins
An Artisan’s Flute
Reginald C. Aitkins Flute.
Solid silver, handmade French model, soldered tone holes, .016” headjoint,
.018” body, open hole, pointed arms, no adjustment screws, inline G,
C-foot, Bb shake, gold springs, felt pads, traditional scale.
In the 1980s, Aitkins founded
his flute company in North Andover, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. During
that period, Haynes remained the sole operating flute company within Boston
itself. Powell had relocated to Arlington Heights in 1970. Many boutique flutemakers
with Boston ties were primarily working in the surrounding areas rather than
within the city limits. Nevertheless, the distinct Boston flute-making
tradition can be traced directly back to Haynes and Powell, with roots
extending to the early 20th century in Boston.
Our Aitkins flute is a very well
made instrument, crafted by a true craftsman in a small shop. The age of the
individual maker is passing, replaced by larger, corporate entities. The purity
of the maker's vision is now often compromised by committee decisions and
marketing pressures. Despite its meticulous craftsmanship, this flute's playing condition is compromised due to poor padding, it will need a proper overhaul to reveal its true
nature. The price reflects this opportunity. It comes in its original
custom wooden case in good condition.
Maker’s mark on body only, no serial number.
The embouchure hole measures 10.2 x 12.0 mm.
Sounding length is 598 mm.
Headjoint length is 8-5/8”.
The flute weighs 445 grams.
Please see detailed photos below.
Price is $2,500 USD, $65 shipping within USA.
Home /
For more information please email Alan Weiss at alan@vintagefluteshop.com