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Product information

Recommended retail prices


date of issue: Feb. 2009

www.altusflutes.eu

History and Craftsmanship

Shuichi Tanaka is one of the most extraordinary flutemakers ever to emerge from the Japanese flute- making
tradition. He studied the flute with the Japanese educationalist, Toshio Takahashi.
An all-around gifted musician Tanaka developed a genuine interest in the qualities and technical aspects of his
instruments already during his studies. At the age of 20 he
decided to learn the art of flute-making. He was particularly interested in the construction of the head joint. This gave
him the opportunity to investigate thoroughly all the factors
influencing the sound of the instrument which change with
every cut, stroke of the file and combination of materials
and which had so fascinated him as a flautist.
After having spent five years at the Muramatsu company
where he received his training, followed by work in senior
positions with Miyazawa and Takumi, in 1981 he was able
to achieve his life-long ambition: Tanaka made his own
flutes. Working in seclusion and in the evenings after
completing his daytime job, he began to combine the

wide range of experience he had gathered during the last


15 years as a flautist and flute-maker in the construction of
ALTUS flutes.
His enthusiasm for the instruments manufactured in the
European flute-making tradition (by Bhm, Lot, Hammig
etc.) spurred him on to develop a flute, which was both
inspiring and modern. His primary influence in this process
was the London virtuoso William Bennett. The two artists
common interest in music, culture and flute-making grew
into friendship and cooperation. The Bennett-Scale was
created which gives ALTUS flutes their extraordinarily
precise intonation.
Tanaka made the first ALTUS flutes in his small workshop in
Taiwan, which he regularly visited as an adviser to the
instrument makers, K.H.S. Musix. International recognition
for his instruments quickly grew and he returned to Japan.
Demand had increased so much in only a few years that
thought had to be given to a completely new production
location. Tanaka dreamed of and planned for a flute-making
workshop in the midst of the Japanese Alps.
In 1990 this dream became a reality in Azumino, not far
from the city of Matsumoto. Here hand-made masterpieces
of the flute-makers art are created under Shuichi Tanakas
guidance. Tanaka sees his vocation in the manufacture of
technically perfect instruments yielding the maximum
possible musical expression.
The use of nickel silver, sterling silver and Britannia silver in
the basic models shows the individual variety of ALTUS
flutes. Moreover, the most varied sound preferences and
demands are realised through the use of other metals
customarily applied in modern flute-making.

Find our SPECIAL EDITIONS


at www.altusflutes.eu

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS 807
handmade silver plated nickelsilver flute
handmade 925 Sterling silver lip plate and riser
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-hole riser
stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

The ALTUS Basic Model 807 is an elegant and very durable flute. Equipped with
everything the advanced musician expects, this instrument captivates with its
excellent qualities of sound and its exquisitely intoned ALTUS scale.

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot
Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-807E
AS-807ER
AS-807ERB

*Recommended
retail price
2.140,-
2.140,-
2.405,-

ALTUS 907
handmade 958 Britannia silver headjoint
silver plated nickelsilver body and mechanism
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz
The ALTUS 907 is a highly popular flute among advanced players. Due to its increased silver content, the 958 Britannia silver headjoint lends this instrument richer
harmonics and, thus, expands the musicians range of tonal expression.
Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot
Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-907E
AS-907ER
AS-907ERB

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
2.670,-
2.670,-
2.935,-

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS 1007
925 Sterling silver headjoint and body
silver plated nickelsilver mechanism
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Due to its nickel silver mechanism, this instrument offers the typical sound of a full
silver flute but still remains in the low-cost range. The ALTUS 1007 has a wide overtone
spectrum, an easy response and markedly uniform playability in all registers.
Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot
Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1007E
AS-1007ER
AS-1007ERB

*Recommended
retail price
3.725,-
3.725,-
4.290,-

ALTUS 1107
958 Britannia silver headjoint and body
silver plated nickelsilver mechanism
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

By using 958 Britannia silver, this flute obtains a wide sound with a darker colouring
than the preceding instruments. Because of the modulation capacity of the sound, the
notes carrying capacity and its dynamic range, the ALTUS 1107 is particularly suitable
for the gifted and ambitious futist.

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot
Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1107E
AS-1107ER
AS-1107ERB

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
4.245,-
4.245,-
4.865,-

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS 1207
925 Sterling silver headjoint and body
925 Sterling silver mechanism
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
SP-1 springs
pitch either 442 Hz or 445 Hz

The ALTUS 1207 is a professional full silver instrument with a brilliant quality of rich
sound. The full silver mechanism is equipped with additional SP-1 springs, allowing the
instrumentalist to perform exceptionally lightly and with precise virtuosity.
Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1207ER1
AS-1207ERB1

*Recommended
retail price
6.460,-
7.075,-

ALTUS 1307
958 Britannia silver headjoint and body
925 Sterling silver mechanism
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
SP-1 springs
pitch either 442 Hz or 445 Hz

Due to its denser material, 958 Britannia silver gives the ALTUS 1307 full silver
flute an increased strength of resonance. The instruments silvery sound obtains a
slightly darker element, which thus provides the musician with a wider range of tonal
modulation.

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1307ER1
AS-1307ERB1

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
6.805,-
7.465,-

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS 1607
958 Britannia silver, headjoint and body made of a hard seamed tube
925 Sterling silver mechanism
soldered toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
SP-1 springs
pitch either 442 Hz or 445 Hz

The procedure of soldering a tube may be more diffcult and, therefore, more costly
than drawing it, as is mostly customary today; however, this is a particularly gentle
method of handling the material. As there is signifcantly less tension in the material,
the vibration characteristics of the instrument are improved. The result is an immense richness of harmonics and great dynamic possibilities for an extremely expressive
performance in all registers.

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1607ER1
AS-1607ERB1

*Recommended
retail price
9.630,-
11.095,-

ALTUS PSD
997 ALTUS silver headjoint and body
925 Sterling silver mechanism
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
SP-1 springs
pitch either 442 Hz or 445 Hz

997 ALTUS silver is a patented invention of ALTUS: practically pure silver, hardened
in a specifc procedure and, with its high density, approximating the capacity of sound
of a gold flute without at the same time losing the brilliance and clarity of the silver
tone.

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-PSDER1
AS-PSDERB1

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
8.235,-
9.495,-

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS PS
997 ALTUS silver headjoint and body
925 Sterling silver mechanism
soldered toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
SP-1 springs
pitch either 442 Hz or 445 Hz

997 Altus silver is currently the purest silver used in f ute manufacture. In addition, ALTUS is the only f ute maker to manufacture instruments from this material. In
contrast to the ALTUS PSD Model, the tone hole risers of the new ALTUS PS
Model are soldered on. These results in far greater purity and clarity of sound,
the instrument has high tonal f exibility, it is homogeneous across the whole gamut,
and the enormous projection capacity across all registers will certainly not remain
unnoticed. A truly masterful instrument, made by an artist for artists.
Specif cation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1707ER1
AS-1707ERB1

*Recommended
retail price
11.035,-
12.745,-

ALTUS AL
ALTUS metal headjoint and body made of a hard seamed tube
925 Sterling silver mechanism
soldered toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
SP-1 springs
pitch either 442 Hz or 445 Hz

Louis Lot, one of the best-known French f ute makers, used a unique material in the
manufacturing of his instruments. The composition remained a secret for decades.
Shuichi Tanaka disclosed this secret and several more of a generation of f ute makers,
to whose instruments the ALTUS AL harks back. ALTUS Metal was formed of over
20 materials. Just like the vintage instruments, the ALTUS AL is also made out of a
brazed tube. The respect ALTUS pays to these masters of their art rings in every tone
of this instrument. This f ute is another example of ALTUS capability of manufacturing
instruments that far surpass that, which is possible with conventional materials. A high
point of the art of f ute manufacture.

Specif cation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot


Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot

AS-1807ER1
AS-1807ERB1

*Recommended
retail price
11.035,-
12.745,-

ALTUS goldutes on request.

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

Soprano Flutes

Options
Following options are available on model 1207 1807 for extra charge:
Gold plating
*Recommended
retail price
535,-
2.710,-
2.845,-

Specifcation
Headjoint 18K gold plating
Tube (C-foot) 18K gold plating
Tube (B-foot) 18K gold plating
Platinum plating

*Recommended
retail price
895,-
5.178,-
5.525,-

Specifcation
Headjoint platinum plating
Tube (C-foot) platinum plating
Tube (B-foot) platinum plating
Trill keys

*Recommended
retail price
600,-
1.085,-
720,-
1.255,-

Specifcation
C# trill key for 1207 - PSD
C# trill key for 1607 - 1807 (AL)
G/A trill key for 1207 -PSD(AL)
G/A trill key for 1607 - 1807 (AL)
Gold riser / lip plate

*Recommended
retail price
1.125,-
2.705,-
1.420,-
3.315,-

Specifcation
Riser 14K gold
Riser and lip plate 14K gold
Riser 18K gold
Riser and lip plate 18K gold
Platinum riser / lip plate

*Recommended
retail price
1.980,-
5.105,-

Specifcation
Riser platinum
Riser and lip plate platinum

Headjoints / Footjoints

807

907

1007

1107

1207

Single headjoint
with case

402,-

815,-

730,-

815,-

1.268,-

Single B-foot
with case

805,-

805,-

1.280,-

1.395,-

2.155,-

1307

PSD

1607

PS (1707)

AL (1807)

Single headjoint
with case

1.425,-

2.055,-

1.710,-

2.055,-

2.055,-

Single B-foot with


case

2.250,-

3.145,-

3.950,-

4.505,-

4.505,-

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

Alto Flutes
ALTUS transverse flutes win musicians over with well-balanced intonation and an even
sound pattern in all registers. The instrument has a balanced feel, responds neatly in
all registers and has a full and very beautiful, sonorous and nonetheless elegant sound
allowing for every desired modulation.

ALTUS 817
straight headjoint
handmade silver plated nickelsilver flute
handmade 925 Sterling silver lip plate and riser
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-hole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Straight headjoint for well balanced playability

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-817E

*Recommended
retail price
4.485,-

ALTUS 819
curved headjoint
handmade silver plated nickelsilver flute
handmade 925 sterling Silver lip plate and riser
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-hole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Curved headjoint for more playing comfort


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-819E

*Recommended
retail price
4.620,-

ALTUS 821
straight and curved headjoint
handmade silver plated nickelsilver flute
handmade 925 Sterling silver lip plate and riser
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-hole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Straight and curved headjoint for ensembles, orchestras and institutions


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-821E

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
4.790,-

Alto Flutes
The 925 Sterling silver headjoint features the winning combination of the typical sound
of silver and improved projection power. A wider overtone spectrum and more tonal
richness are further attributes of the ALTUS transverse flutes in this series.

ALTUS 917
straight headjoint
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
stainless steel springs
silver plated nickelsilver body and mechanism pitch 442 Hz
drawn toneholes

Straight headjoint for well balanced playability

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-917E

*Recommended
retail price
4.945,-

ALTUS 919
curved headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
silver plated nickelsilver body and mechanism
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Curved headjoint for more playing comfort


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-919E

*Recommended
retail price
5.410,-

ALTUS 921
straight and curved headjoint
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
stainless steel springs
silver plated nickelsilver body and mechanism pitch 442 Hz
drawn toneholes

Straight and curved headjoint for ensembles, orchestras and institutions

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-921E

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
6.065,-

Alto Flutes
A magnifcent alto transverse flute with outstanding resonance and top-quality tonal
characteristics. The instrument offers an easy response and markedly uniform playability in all registers. The intonation is excellent, and the solid handicraft reveals itself
clearly in the richness of tonal colours and in the instruments expressive articulation
possibilities.

ALTUS 1017
straight headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
and body
silver plated nickelsilver mechanism
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Straight headjoint for well-balanced playability

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-1017E

*Recommended
retail price
6.510,-

ALTUS 1019
curved headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
and body
silver plated nickelsilver mechanism
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Straight and curved headjoint for ensembles, orchestras and institutions


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-1019E

*Recommended
retail price
6.980,-

ALTUS 1021
Straight and curved headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
and body
silver plated nickelsilver mechanism
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Straight and curved headjoint for ensembles, orchestras and institutions


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-1021E

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
7.670,-

Alto Flutes
Models with the ALTUS Design mechanism constitute an innovation. This ALTUS
invention also enables musicians with smaller hands to play a contralto flute with a
straight head joint. The mechanical parts for the left hand are modifed in such a way
that that the left arm can remain in the same position as used when playing a soprano
flute and the fngers do not have to be so spread out. This then reduces tension in the
neck, which also relieves the right hand. This ergonomic improvement offers a more
comfortable posture and a pleasant feeling when playing.

ALTUS 825
straight headjoint
handmade silver plated nickelsilver flute
handmade 925 Sterling silver lip plate
and riser
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz.

Straight headjoint for well-balanced playability


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-825E

*Recommended
retail price
4.485,-

ALTUS 925
straight headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
silver plated nickelsilver body and
mechanism
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz.

Curved headjoint for more playing comfort


Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-925E

*Recommended
retail price
4.945,-

ALTUS 1025
straight headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint
and body
silver plated nickelsilver mechanism
drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz.

Straight and curved headjoint for ensembles, orchestras and institutions

10

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-1025E

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
6.510,-

Bass Flute
The ALTUS 823 bass flute is an entirely hand-carved instrument meeting the highest
demands on response, intonation and quality of sound. It has an excellent reputation due to its balanc e and richness of sound. The scale is brilliantly intoned, the
instruments tonal colour and timbre are unique.

ALTUS 823
handmade nickelsilver silver-plated flute with curved headjoint
handmade 925 Sterling silver lip plate and riser
drawn toneholes
special soldered C#-tonehole riser
stainless steel springs
pitch 442 Hz

Specifcation

Model No.

Split E-mechanism

AS-823E

AZUMINO
J A PA N
*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

*Recommended
retail price
6.860,-

11

ALTUS Materials
For over 100 years now flute-makers have
experimented constantly to discover the
subtle influences of the combination and
above all the density of different metals on
the sound quality of the instrument when
played. Metals are selected on the basis of the
ease with which it can be worked, its capacity for
projection, and above all, for its sound quality.
Every musician spends his whole life striving for a
variety of tonal colours in order to arrive at the greatest possible
musical expression. Mr Tanaka supports these endeavours in
the manufacture of his instruments: on his ALTUS flutes the
musician can achieve an extraordinarily wide and differentiated
spectrum of undoubtedly unbeatable tonal colours through the
development of new materials and his patented inventions of
new alloys. For more than two decades, ALTUS has led the field
in flute manufacturing with respect to the development of new
silver alloys and the introduction of new and unique materials.
The instruments response, its projection capacity, dynamic
expressiveness and the richness of its tonal colours vary
according to the alloy used.
Pure silver and pure gold are very soft as precious metals. In
order to manufacture a flute from these materials they have to be
hardened by means of an alloy process. The result is a precious
metal in several degrees of purity. Which materials are added
and in which relationship to each other in order to achieve the
particular sound qualities of ALTUS flutes desired in each case is
one of flute-maker Shuichi Tanakas secrets.
Nickel silver
A material composed of copper, nickel and zinc. This material
has been used for more than 100 years in the manufacture of
flutes. Some of the most well-known old flutes were made of this
material. Nickel silver has a low density but is a very hard and
therefore very resilient material, which increases ist resistance to
every kind of damage. It is relatively inexpensive but
nevertheless well suited to the manufacture of flutes. This
material is an excellent choice for a musician who has to keep his
budget in mind.
Sound qualities: Due to the low density of this material, nickel silver
instruments have a light and clear tone and inspire with a very
precise response.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-807 and AS-907, ALTUS
contralto and bass flutes.

925 Sterling silver


This alloy consists of 92.5% pure silver. Most flautists to-day
prefer this material. Copper and a small proportion of other
metals make this material harder. The specific character of

Find our SPECIAL EDITIONS


at www.altusflutes.eu

Sterling silver is frequently resorted to by both professional craftsmen and the manufacturers of flutes for students. Sterling silver
has a higher density than nickel silver; as a result, the sound
projection of these instruments is considerably greater.
Sound qualities: Transverse flutes made from Sterling silver have a
quite characteristic silver sound and, because of the higher density of
the material, a better carrying capacity. Recommended models:
ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1007 and AS-1207, ALTUS contralto flutes.

Britannia silver
ALTUS has led the industry for more than 20 years now in the use
of alloys with a higher proportion of silver. This rare material with a
silver share of 95.8% is distinguished from sterling silver by the
fact that it contains various hardening elements. Silversmiths
started using this alloy a long time ago on account of ist density,
which is similar to that of zinc, in the manufacture of fine cutlery.
ALTUS created its own 958 alloy and finally discovered a precious
metal, which offers a sound quality, which harks back to the
instruments made by the early French flute-makers. This alloy
offers a more powerful sound without the instrument requiring
stronger walls.
Sound qualities: Instruments made of 958 Britannia silver offer a
con-siderable harmonic richness and a stronger resonance, but the
tone still remains light and silvery.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1107, AS-1307 and AS-1607.

ALTUS metal
As a result of an intensive study of historic French flutes carried
out by ALTUS flutes master flute-maker, Shuichi Tanaka, ALTUS
can offer an extraordinary material, which will meet especially well
the expectations of musicians who need to play with
aboveaverage strength of expression and wide tonal
differentiation. ALTUS metal is an impure silver alloy, which, in
addition to silver, consists of 20 other different components. Not
only Mr Tanaka but many other flute-makers too searched for a
long time for the composition of the alloys used in old flutes made
for instance by Louis Lot; Mr Tanaka has arrived at a particularly
convincing result, the composition of which is highly secret and
has been patented under his name as ALTUS metal. One can
regard this discovery as the peak of his work to date.
Sound qualities: Instruments made from ALTUS metal
impress with their especially intimate, silvery tone, their very
distinct character and the enormous richness of their tonal
colours.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1807 (AL).
ALTUS silver
This almost pure silver alloy with a silver content of 99.7% is
Shuichi Tanakas latest contribution to the art of flute-making; the
material, which has been patented in his name, makes him the
only flute-maker using this silver. This alloy is the closest to pure
silver of all alloys currently found. Pure silver was long seen as
being too soft to enable it to be processed into a flute suitable for
playing. But ALTUS has developed a new and special process to
harden this material. In spite of its softness, the pure metal is
given above-average hardness by means of a quite specific
treatment, such that it is now used not only for the manufacture of
flute tubes but also for particularly heavily-used mechanical parts
of the instrument.

ALTUS Materials
Sound qualities: The even greater density of 997 ALTUS silver offers
remarkable projection capacity. This enlargement is achieved by means
of a very soft and uniform tonal colour.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1407 (PSD) and AS-1707 (PS).

14 carat & 18 carat gold


These alloys are standard in the manufacture of gold flutes. Gold
is a more precious metal than silver and has a greater density,
which gives it, increased tonal carrying capacity. Many musicians
who perform predominantly in large concert halls prefer these
instruments. The brilliance of a silver instrument and ist exact
response retreat somewhat into the background in favour of a very
warm and full tone and outstanding binding qualities.
Sound qualities: A flute made of 14 carat gold offers the warm and soft
sound, which one expects of a gold flute. An instrument made of 18 carat
gold offers in addition more darkness and warmth in tonal colour.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-5207, AS-5607, AS-5407 and AS5707.

Platinum
This extremely hard material is the densest (21.5 g/cm) currently
used in the manufacture of instruments. Its colour is a gleaming
silver-grey. It is very hard with an astonishing ability to project
across the complete tone-scale without sounding either
excessively light or dark. This material is especially loved by
musicians who have to fill large concert halls or who play a lot of
contemporary music. Platinum is a very rare and expensive
material; its extreme hardness also makes it very difficult to work,
which increases the costs of a platinum flute still further, placing it
outside the reach of many flautists.
Sound qualities: An instrument made of platinum offers a very clear,
precise and direct response; it sounds a little darker than silver and has
enormous projection and assertiveness.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-Platinum.

18 carat gold-plating
An option, which allows all the significant enhancement
possibilities gold, has to offer to be fulfilled. Not least due to ist
resilience, gold can help to protect a silver flute. To this is added
the softness and darkness in tone with which gold-plating can
ideally complement a silver flute. This enables many of the
positive sound qualities of gold to be realised without the
considerable additional expenditure involved in a gold flute.
Sound qualities: The typical sound of a silver flute acquires a warm
elegance when enriched with gold-plating.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1607-18 carat

Platininum-plating
The fusion of platinum and silver offers even more brilliance in the
characteristic sound projection of a silver flute. The sound
qualities of silver offer the basis for such a concept. Platinum,
however, offers such an instrument something extra in the way of
power and assertiveness. A platinum-plated model is affordable in
comparison with a platinum flute and still offers many of the
qualities of the more expensive alternative.
Sound qualities: Very clear and direct response characteristics, a darker
brilliance and considerable sound presence distinguish platinum-plated
transverse flutes.
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1707-platinum-plated.

SP-1 springs
So-called SP-1 springs are an additional feature, which
distinguishes ALTUS instruments and sets them apart from all
other transverse flute brands. Springs are normally made of steel,
but ALTUS has developed a metal alloy in this field, which shows
groundbreaking new qualities. This alloy is composed of gold,
platinum, palladium, silver, copper and zinc and was really
developed for the telecommunications industry. The material is
very valuable and has tremendous elastic qualities. Highly
resilient springs can therefore be manufactured from this material,
which are almost indestructible. SP-1 springs do not rust, are not
subject to wear and tear and are therefore very durable.
Playing qualities: Due to its SP-1 springs the mechanism of an ALTUS
flute operates with a high degree of precision and springs back into place
extremely quickly. This conveys a very easy feeling, even when playing
passages demanding the very highest virtuosity.
models: Due to the very high material costs, ALTUS flues are fitted with
SP-1 springs from models AS-1207 and above.

Soldered tubes
Since at that time the machinery did not yet exist for the
manufacture of drawn tubes, soldered tubes were used right from
the very beginning of the manufacture of metal flutes. Since they
are easier and therefore cheaper to manufacture, most flutes
these days are made with drawn tubes. Nevertheless, tubes made
in the traditional manner have different qualities such that to-day it
is once more worth incurring the costs and difficulties of
manufacturing soldered tubes. There are ALTUS flute models
made from both drawn and from soldered tubes.
Sound qualities: Instruments with soldered tubes have a powerful
dynamic expressiveness and a rich range of tonal colours. Its harmonic
richness also enables a high tonal carrying capacity
models: ALTUS soprano flutes AS-1607 and AS-1807 (AL).

AZUMINO
J A PA N

KT-ASBPLE

Your Altus dealer

www.altusflutes.eu

Prices as well as specifcations and design are subject to

ALTUS distribution:
ARTIS MUSIC Division of MUSIK MEYER GmbH Postfach 1729 35007 Marburg www.artismusic.de

002465-1.5-02-09

change without any prior notice.


For literal mistakes we assume no liability.

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