For over 25 years Shuichi Tanaka has married vintage inspiration and modern technology in the creation and handcrafting of flutes from his factory in Azumino, Japan. These tenants are exemplified by his current use of proprietary silver alloys and powdered silver manufacturing technologies. As a master flute maker Mr. Tanaka has merged his background and previous careers in the areas of performance, engineering and business to produce instruments recognized worldwide for their vintage color, pure tonal core, ease of manipulation, excellent tonal properties, response and projection. Based on work and recommendations of British flutist William Bennett, the uncompromised Altus/Bennett scale delivers excellent intonation, tuned harmonics and balanced registers while the hand sculpted headjoints, modern precision standards and unique tubings result in a remarkable sound.
Altus leads the way in providing an unprecedented array of tubing and material choices for the needs of discerning flutists. By combining old world craftsmanship with modern alloys and tubing construction, an incredible range of flutes can be tailored to the specific needs of any flutist. Altus provides the most unique variety of flute tubing and materials in the world today.
Tubing
Seamed Tubing – Made from a flat piece of metal that is rolled, hand planished, and then seamed.
Sintered Tubing – A process unique to Altus where powdered silver metal is compacted at a higher temperature to fuse particles together directly into a rigid tube.
Extruded Tubing – Metal is drawn over a mandrel through a precise die to form a tube. This construction is the modern standard in the flute industry.
Alloys
14K Gold – This karat is the most widely preferred gold alloy with sufficient density allowing a standard thin gold tube. 14K gold’s tone color is dark and warm and its response is both flexible and pure.
Altus 946 Silver™ – The proprietary Altus Limited (AL) alloy combines silver with the world’s finest precious metals. It is a perfectly engineered blend consisting of 94.6% silver and 18 precious metals, including small amounts of platinum and gold. Inspired by the preferred metallurgy of the great French flute making tradition, Altus silver was designed specifically for seamed tube creation. Altus silver provides the correct silver blend for extensive hand forming and represents the high art in flute making available today. This results in a flute capable of producing a wide array of complex tonal colors.
Pure 997 Silver – The exclusive powdered Pure Silver (PS) tube is made possible only through highly innovative sinter technology. Normally, pure silver is too soft for successful flute tube production because it requires trace amounts of harder metals in the alloy to give it sufficient strength. The traditional method of creating a melted metal alloy results in pure silver tubes unsuitable for flute making. Sinter technology creates hard tubes of pure silver by compacting the silver under great pressure without melting it into a soft alloy. This unique process produces a dense and brilliant hard silver tube with supreme projecting qualities.
Britannia 958 Silver – A traditionally created silver alloy composed of 95.8% silver. The remaining common metals balance a dark, rich tonal color without sacrificing brilliance.
Sterling 925 Silver – Comprised of 92.5% silver, Sterling has long been the industry standard for making high quality flutes.
In Japanese, Atsui means hot or deep, powerful, and strong. By adding a layer of precious metal, many unique possibilities can be created to deliver unprecedented power infusing intensity into any score.
The Atsui finish can be added to any Altus Handmade flute as an option. The existing tube is clad with a thick layer of either 18K Gold or Platinum.
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Altus Alto Flute 1019SE
The Altus alto flute model 1019SE features an accurately tuned Sterling silver curved headjoint, Sterling silver body with silver-plated mechanism, split-E mechanism and comfortable keywork for easier hand position.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 1021SE
The Altus alto flute model 1021SE features Sterling silver curved and straight headjoints for multiple player choices, a Sterling silver body with silver-plated mechanism, split-E mechanism and comfortable keywork for easier hand position. Always comfortable when practicing and acoustically sound when performing. The logical choice for schools and flute choirs.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 1025SE
The Altus alto flute model 1025SE is perfect for musicians who prefer the use of a straight headjoint. Featuring a Sterling silver straight headjoint, Sterling silver body with silver-plated mechanism, split-E mechanism and comfortable keywork for easier hand position.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 819SE
The Altus alto flute model 819SE features an accurately tuned silver-plated curved headjoint with a Sterling silver lip plate and riser, silver-plated body and mechanism, split-E mechanism, and comfortable keywork for easier hand position.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 821SE
The Altus alto flute model 821SE features silver-plated curved and straight headjoints with Sterling silver lip plate and riser for multiple player choices, silver-plated body and mechanism, split-E mechanism, and comfortable keywork for easier hand position. Comfortable when practicing and acoustically sound when performing. The logical choice for schools and flute choirs.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 825SE
Lightweight and responsive, the Altus alto flute model 825SE is perfect for musicians who prefer the use of a straight headjoint. Featuring a silver-plated, straight headjoint with a Sterling silver lip plate and riser, silver-plated body and mecanism, split-E mechanism and comfortable keywork for easier hand position.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 919SE
The Altus alto flute model 919SE features an accurately tuned Sterling silver curved headjoint for increased richness of sound, a silver-plated body and mechanism, split-E mechansim, and comfortable keywork for easier hand position.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 921SE
The Altus alto flute model 921SE features Sterling silver curved and straight headjoints for increased richness of sound and multiple player choices, silver-plated body and mechanism, and a split-E mechanism. Always comfortable when practicing and acoustically sound when performing, it is the logical choice for schools and flute choirs.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Alto Flute 925SE
The Altus alto flute model 925SE is perfect for musicians who prefer the use of a straight headjoint. Featuring a Sterling silver straight headjoint for increased richness of sound, a silver-plated body and mechanism, split-E mechanism, and comfortable keywork for easier hand position.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has the alto design to suit every need!
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Altus Bass Flute 823SE
The artist quality Altus Bass flute, like the Altus Alto, has earned a fine reputation for having a truly superb scale; praised for its even tone color and smooth timbre. The Altus bass flute 823SE features a handcrafted silver-plated headjoint with a Sterling silver lip plate and riser, a silver-plated body and mechanism, split-E mechanism, and trill keys.
All Altus Alto and Bass models are designed with with the following standard features:
- hand-carved headjoint
- French-pointed arms
- silver-plated, nickel-silver mechanism
- trill keys
- split E mechanism
- drawn toneholes
- special soldered C# tonehole
- stainless steel springs
- key extensions with Mother-of-Pearl finger buttons for added hand comfort
Altus Co., Ltd is renowned worldwide for its range of artist quality harmony flutes. With the increasing literature available and the versatility required of musicians today, the use of Alto & Bass flutes has dramatically increased in recent years. Altus offers an accommodating selection for any performance situation. Whether in a school music program, flute choir, or for solo playing... Altus has a design to suit every need!
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Altus Flute 1107
With a .958 Britannia silver headjoint and body, the Altus 1107 provides a strong tone with darker colors than its lower counterparts. Perfectly rich in tone and precisely crafted, this model is designed to handle the demands of the aspiring and talented flutist. The Altus 1107 features a handmade, .958 Britannia Silver headjoint and body, silver-plated mechanism known for its durability and exceptional fluidity and feel, the Altus/Bennett scale, drawn toneholes, French-pointed arms, and stainless steel springs. The 1107 is favored by advanced students, woodwind doublers and teachers alike.
Options include a split-E mechanism, C# trill key, 14k Gold riser, 14k Gold lip plate and riser, and choice of Altus Classic, Z-Cut™ or V-Cut™ headjoint.
The Altus 1107 has the following standard features:
- .958 Britannia silver headjoint and body
- silver-plated mechanism
- French-pointed arms
- drawn tone holes
- stainless steel springs
- open holes
- B foot with gizmo
- drawn toneholes
- A-442
- choice of in-line or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint
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Altus Flute 1307
The Altus 1307 remains ever popular with accomplished flutists and conservatory students. The resonant qualities achieved with this solid .958 Britannia silver flute results in a reliable response of sound with less resistance, in part due to its innovative drawn tonehole design. The Altus 1307 has a .958 Britannia silver headjoint and body with a Sterling silver mechanism, .997 Pure Silver hinge tubes, drawn toneholes, SP-1 springs, and a D# roller. Options include a split-E mechanism, C# trill key, .40mm medium heavywall tubing, .43mm heavywall tubing, 18k Gold or Platinum Atsui plating, and choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint.
Altus professional models offer discerning flutists a choice of harmonically tuned and elegant sounding instruments capable of consistently executing technical passages with ease. Each enables the player to exact a wide variety of tone colors. All Altus professional model flutes have hand-carved headjoints by Shuichi Tanaka.
The Altus 1307 has the following standard features:
- .958 silver headjoint and body
- Sterling silver mechanism
- French-pointed arms
- open holes
- drawn tone holes
- SP-1 springs
- D# roller
- B foot with gizmo
- A=442
- choice of in-line G or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint
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Altus Flute 1507
The Altus 1507 is a handmade professional flute with soldered tone holes that enhance the flutist's professional sound. The 1507 produces a warm, rich sound in the low and middle registers, while maintaining a bright, colorful quality in the higher register. The aspiring flutist will experience a wide, flexible dynamic range going from the softest piano to a powerful forte. The Altus 1507 comes with the option of heavy wall tubing to push the flutist to use strong, consistent air. All Altus professional model flutes have hand-carved headjoints by Shuichi Tanaka.
The Altus 1507 standard features include:
- .958 Britannia silver headjoint and body
- Sterling silver mechanism
- French-pointed arms
- .997 Pure Silver hinge tubes
- SP-1 springs
- soldered tone holes
- open holes
- D# roller
- B foot with gizmo
- A=442
- choice of in-line G or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint
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Altus Flute 1607
The Altus 1607 is one of the most artistically crafted flutes available. The unique design provides the benefits of seamed .958 Britannia silver tubing throughout. Its character is reminiscent of the great flutes of the past yet with increased tone color, balanced harmonics and deep resonance. The soldered seam construction results in minimal mechanical vibration enabling the player to better execute extremes in expression. The Altus 1607 features a .958 Britannia silver seamed headjoint and body with Sterling silver mechanism, French-pointed arms, soldered tone holes, SP-1 springs and a D# roller. Options include a split-E mechanism, C# trill key, 18k Gold or Platinum Atsui plating, and choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint.
Altus professional models offer discerning flutists a choice of harmonically tuned and elegant sounding instruments capable of consistently executing technical passages with ease. Each enables the player to exact a wide variety of tone colors. All Altus professional model flutes have hand-carved headjoints by Shuichi Tanaka.
The Altus 1607 has the following standard features:
- .958 Britannia silver seamed headjoint and body tubing*
- Sterling silver mechanism
- French-pointed arms
- open holes
- soldered tone holes
- SP-1 springs
- D# roller
- B foot with gizmo
- A=442
- choice of in-line G or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint
*Seamed Tubing – Made from a flat piece of metal that is rolled, hand planished, and then seamed.
*Britannia 958 Silver – A traditionally created silver alloy composed of 95.8% silver. The remaining common metals balance a dark, rich tonal color without sacrificing brilliance.
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Altus Flute 1707PS
The Altus 1707PS in .997 powdered Pure Silver is capable of creating a powerful tapestry of sound, allowing the player the opportunity to experience the epitome of a truly silver sound. Altus exclusive Pure Silver (PS) tube is made through sinter technology to create a hard silver tube producing amazing projection and intensity. The tone is even throughout the registers with a noticeable depth of tone color. The Altus Professional 1707PS flute comes with a choice of the Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint. Options include a split-E mechanism, C# trill key, and 18k Gold or Platinum Atsui plating.
All Altus 1707PS professional flutes come with the following features:
- .997 Pure silver sintered headjoint and body
- Sterling silver mechanism
- .997 Pure silver hinge tubes
- SP-1 springs
- French-pointed arms
- soldered tone holes
- open holes
- B foot with gizmo
- D# roller
- A=442
- choice of in-line or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut or V-cut headjoint
Sintered Tubing – A process unique to Altus where powdered silver metal is compacted at a higher temperature to fuse particles together directly into a rigid tube.
Pure 997 Silver – The exclusive powdered Pure Silver (PS) tube is made possible only through highly innovative sinter technology. Normally, pure silver is too soft for successful flute tube production because it requires trace amounts of harder metals in the alloy to give it sufficient strength. The traditional method of creating a melted metal alloy results in pure silver tubes unsuitable for flute making. Sinter technology creates hard tubes of pure silver by compacting the silver under great pressure without melting it into a soft alloy. This unique process produces a dense and brilliant hard silver tube with supreme projecting qualities.
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Altus Flute 1807AL
The Altus 1807AL is the lasting result of 30 years of research and fascination with the famed Louis Lot flutes, as well as other vintage French flutes. At last the secret of these fine flutes has been defined with the production of Altus Silver™. This supreme material has the ability to produce expressive effects as excellent as these highly valued older flutes. Consisting of 94.6% silver and 18 other precious metals, and designed with Altus special seaming, this flute once again exemplifies Altus' commitment to create flutes that offer beauty of sound far beyond what is possible with conventional materials. The Altus 1807AL features a .946 Altus Silver™ seamed headjoint and body, Sterling silver mechanism, .997 Pure Silver hinge tubes, SP-1 springs, D# roller, and soldered tone holes. Options include a split E mechanism, C# trill key, 18k Gold or Platinum Atsui plating, and choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint.
Altus professional models offer discerning flutists a choice of harmonically tuned and elegant sounding instruments capable of consistently executing technical passages with ease. Each enables the player to exact a wide variety of tone colors.
All Altus 1807AL professional flutes come with the following features:
- .946 Altus Silver™ seamed headjoint and body
- Sterling silver mechanism
- French-pointed arms
- .997 Pure Silver hinge tubes
- SP-1 springs
- open holes
- soldered tone holes
- D# roller
- B foot with gizmo
- A=442
- choice of in-line or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint
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Altus Flute 807
Altus Artist flutes offer exceptional hand craftsmanship, tonal color, and playability. The Altus 807 is an elite flute, perfect for the fine player who must consider their budget. The handmade Altus 807 is known for its ringing quality, is free blowing and inviting to play. Features include a handmade, silver-plated mechanism known for its durability and exceptional fluidity and feel, the Altus/Bennett scale, drawn toneholes, French-pointed arms, and stainless steel springs.
The Altus 807 standard features include:
- silver-plated headjoint with Sterling silver lip plate and riser
- silver-plated body and mechanism
- French-pointed arms
- stainless steel springs
- open holes
- drawn tone holes
- B foot with gizmo
- A-442
- choice of in-line or off-set G
- split-E mechanism available on offset G
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Altus Flute 907
Altus Artist flutes offer exceptional hand craftsmanship, tonal color, and playability. The Altus 907 is their most popular upgrade model for the more learned flutist. Enhanced with a .958 Britannia silver headjoint, the 907 has an acutely accurate scale and tuned harmonics. Full of colorful overtones, this flute enables the budding performer more opportunity to explore and develop their tone and musical expression. Features include a handmade, silver-plated mechanism known for its durability and exceptional fluidity and feel, the Altus/Bennett scale, drawn toneholes, French-pointed arms, and stainless steel springs. Options include a split-E mechanism, C# trill key, 14k Gold riser, 14k Gold lip plate and riser, and choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint.
The Altus 907 has the following standard features:
- .958 Britannia silver headjoint
- silver-plated body and mechansim
- stainless steel springs
- drawn tone holes
- open holes
- B foot with gizmo
- A-442
- choice of in-line or off-set G
- choice of Altus Classic, Z-cut, or V-cut headjoint
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Altus Flute d'Amore in the key of A - 1009SBEO-A
During the 18th century the Flute d'Amore was commonly played, and since 1960 has enjoyed a renaissance. The Altus flute d'Amore is part of the Altus Harmony Series. The flute d'Amore is seamed with .958 Britannia silver, which lets the flutist project a colorful, vibrant sound, and is constructed in key of Bb or in the key of A, giving the flutist a chance to test their transposition skills and to experience repertoire in a different setting. Though it is slightly bigger than a C flute, the flute d'Amore has a similar resistance so it has an immediate, effortless response.
Specifications: .958 seamed Britannia silver, soldered tone holes, plateau keys, silver-plated nickel-silver mechanism, SP-1 springs, trill keys, and split E mechanism
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Altus Flute d'Amore in the key of Bb - 1009SBEO-B
During the 18th century the Flute d'Amore was commonly played, and since 1960 has enjoyed a renaissance. The Altus flute d'Amore is part of the Altus Harmony Series.The flute d'Amore is seamed with .958 Britannia silver, which lets the flutist project a colorful, vibrant sound, and is constructed in key of Bb or in the key of A, giving the flutist a chance to test their transposition skills and to experience repertoire in a different setting.Though it is slightly bigger than a C flute, the flute d'Amore has a similar resistance so it has an immediate, effortless response.
Specifications:.958 seamed Britannia silver, soldered tone holes, plateau keys, silver-plated nickel-silver mechanism, SP-1 springs, trill keys, and split E mechanism
