The Powerhouse Museum contains the largest and most significant collection of flutes in Australia. A variety of factors make them distinctive and include their general provenance, their connection to performers that were important in shaping Australian flute performance and teaching, their technological development by important makers and changes and variations in their design over time.

This flute by Gerhard Rudolf Uebel (1915-1991), was manufactured during the 1960s in Eastern Germany. Its design and the materials used reflect this period of manufacture with a clean and robust design also seen in other products manufactured in Eastern Europe such as optical equipment including binoculars and cameras. The flute's design is also of interest in the context of the Museum's collection differing from common flute design practice. The thick tubed body is made of aluminium rather than other metals such as silver, gold or steel (check). The thickness is also unusual where the standard for metal flutes has been to have relatively thin bodies. The tapering of the ends of the flute is also distinctive as are the angular shapes used for the keys, holes recesses and trill touch plates. Uebel's instruments such as flutes and clarinets appear to have been well respected in Eastern European orchestras at this time. Much of the Museum's collection reflects the English tradition of flute making, so this instrument provides an interesting contrast to that tradition by representing flute construction in part of continental Europe.

Produced in Eastern Germany after an original design by Gerhard Rudolf Uebel (1915-1991). Parts of the original design using wooden bodied flutes appear to have originated during the development of a flute by the maker during the late 1930s or early 1940s. The aluminium flutes appear to have been produced in significant numbers during the 1960s assuming the serial numbers reflect the number of this model (model 116) produced, ie 474 in 1966 and 1481 in 1969.

The Uebel family of instrument makers appear to have specialised in woodwind instruments in Wohlhausen and Markneukirchen in eastern Germany. RG Uebel possibly began the business in 1878 according to the Langwill Index (p.407). Gerhard Rudolf Uebel was possibly the nephew of F Arthur Uebel who trained under O. Oehler. The makers specialised in both clarinets and flutes.

Used by the donor when a teacher at Geelong Grammar School, where he taught for 21 years.

Flute, aluminium / silver plate/ steel / plastic, designed and made by G Rudolf Uebel, Wohlhausen, Vogtland, Germany, [1966]

Boehm system flute consisting of thick aluminium body in single piece which tapers at both ends. Silver plated keys and trill touch plates are stylistically designed reflecting angular shapes rather than usual circular and elongated forms. Holes in body are recessed and sit within partly angular cut bed rather than in perfect circular shape. Pillars for key rods are screwed directly into body wall rather than being soldered, screwed or attached to small ribs. Separate silver-plated head joint with moulded black plastic lip plate with black plastic end cap.

Sits in hard black leather covered case with blue velvet lining. Case contains metal cleaning rod and small metal and plastic screwdriver for fine adjustments.

Maker: unknown; 1966

Body: 'Original / G. Rudolf / xUebelx' within oval border. 'Wohlhausen / (Vogtland) / Germany'
Serial No: 116 66 474.

2007/59/1

1966

42 mm

40 mm