For our next focus on brands that are sold here in the Indy Flute Shop, we are going to take a look at famed American flute company, William S. Haynes and Co. Haynes is one of the oldest flute-making companies in the world, and their workshop has been based in Boston since the 1880s.
The Haynes company has a rich history of fine instrument making for over 125 years, establishing their business by making a copy of a wood flute at the request of a member of the Boston Symphony. Brothers William S. and George Haynes made these wood flutes by hand themselves for the first 10 or so years of the business, as well as a solid gold flute with silver keys. By 1912, they grew to the point of needing a separate showroom and factory, which were both based in the heart of Boston. In 1913, William patented a new method of drawing toneholes that revolutionized their flutes and the way they responded; these methods are still used in all handmade Haynes flutes today. By the 1940s, silver flutes had outpaced wooden flutes in popularity, but silver became scarce during World War II. The Haynes company responded by acquiring a government contract, making parts for war machinery while still making high-quality flutes for military ensembles.
Today, Haynes is owned by Eastman Music Company, which is led by flutist Qian Ni, who had a long-time interest in the classic Haynes sound since he was a developing player. Ni re-introduced the Haynes Classic series, an approachable conservatory-level instrument that hearkens back to the classic handmade Haynes flutes manufactured in the mid-1900s. He also pioneered Haynes’ step-up line, the Amadeus series, which come with a Haynes Classic headjoint. These flutes are available for rent-to-own or purchase in the Indy Flute Shop.