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Product information

Recommended retail prices

date of issue: Feb. 2009

www.altusflutes.eu

History and Craftsmanship

Find our SPECIAL EDITIONS

at www.altusflutes.eu

Shuichi Tanaka is one of the most extraordinary flute-

makers ever to emerge from the Japanese flute- making

tradition. He studied the flute with the Japanese educatio-

nalist, Toshio Takahashi.

An all-around gifted musician Tanaka developed a genu-

ine 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 particular-

ly 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.

Soprano Flutes

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

ALTUS 807

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.*Recommended

retail price

Split E-mechanism, C-foot AS-807E 2.140,-

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot AS-807ER 2.140,-

Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot AS-807ERB 2.405,-

ALTUS 907

silver plated nickelsilver body and mechanism

drawn toneholes

special soldered C#-tonehole riser


pitch 442 Hz

The ALTUS 907 is a highly popular flute among advanced players. Due to its increa-

sed silver content, the 958 Britannia silver headjoint lends this instrument richer

harmonics and, thus, expands the musicians range of tonal expression.


retail price




1

*Recommended retail price including 19% VAT.

handmade silver plated nickelsilver flute

handmade 958 Britannia silver headjoint

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS 1007

silver plated nickelsilver mechanism

drawn toneholes



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.


retail price




A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

ALTUS 1107


drawn toneholes



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.


retail price




2


925 Sterling silver headjoint and body

958 Britannia silver headjoint and body

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS 1207

925 Sterling silver mechanism

drawn toneholes


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.


retail price

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot AS-1207ER1 6.460,-

Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot AS-1207ERB1 7.075,-

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

ALTUS 1307


drawn toneholes


SP-1 springs


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.


retail price



3


925 Sterling silver headjoint and body

958 Britannia silver headjoint and body

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS PSD


drawn toneholes


SP-1 springs


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.


retail price

Split E-mechanism, open holes, C-foot AS-PSDER1 8.235,-

Split E-mechanism, open holes, B-foot AS-PSDERB1 9.495,-

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

ALTUS 1607


soldered toneholes


SP-1 springs


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 immen-

se richness of harmonics and great dynamic possibilities for an extremely expressive

performance in all registers.


retail price



4


997 ALTUS silver headjoint and body

958 Britannia silver, headjoint and body made of a hard seamed tube

ALTUS goldutes on request.

Soprano Flutes

ALTUS PS


soldered toneholes


SP-1 springs


997 Altus silver is currently the purest silver used in fute manufacture. In additi-

on, 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.*Recommended

retail price



A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

ALTUS AL


soldered toneholes


SP-1 springs


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.*Recommended

retail price



5


997 ALTUS silver headjoint and body

ALTUS metal headjoint and body made of a hard seamed tube

Soprano Flutes

Options

Following options are available on model 1207 1807 for extra charge:

Gold plating

Specifcation*Recommended

retail price

Headjoint 18K gold plating 535,-

Tube (C-foot) 18K gold plating 2.710,-

Tube (B-foot) 18K gold plating 2.845,-

Platinum plating


retail price

Headjoint platinum plating 895,-

Tube (C-foot) platinum plating 5.178,-

Tube (B-foot) platinum plating 5.525,-

Trill keys


retail price

C# trill key for 1207 - PSD 600,-

C# trill key for 1607 - 1807 (AL) 1.085,-

G/A trill key for 1207 -PSD(AL) 720,-

G/A trill key for 1607 - 1807 (AL) 1.255,-

Gold riser / lip plate


retail price

Riser 14K gold 1.125,-

Riser and lip plate 14K gold 2.705,-

Riser 18K gold 1.420,-

Riser and lip plate 18K gold 3.315,-

Platinum riser / lip plate


retail price

Riser platinum 1.980,-

Riser and lip plate platinum 5.105,-

Headjoints / Footjoints

807 907 1007 1107 1207

Single headjoint

with case402,- 815,- 730,- 815,- 1.268,-

Single B-foot

with case805,- 805,- 1.280,- 1.395,- 2.155,-

1307 PSD 1607 PS (1707) AL (1807)

Single headjoint

with case1.425,- 2.055,- 1.710,- 2.055,- 2.055,-

Single B-foot with

case2.250,- 3.145,- 3.950,- 4.505,- 4.505,-

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N6


Alto Flutes

ALTUS 817



drawn toneholes

Straight headjoint for well balanced playability


retail price

Split E-mechanism AS-817E 4.485,-

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

ALTUS 821



drawn toneholes

Straight and curved headjoint for ensembles, orchestras and institutions


retail price

Split E-mechanism AS-821E

ALTUS 819

4.790,-


handmade 925 sterling Silver lip plate and riser

drawn toneholes

Curved headjoint for more playing comfort


retail price


7

ALTUS


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.



pitch 442 Hz



pitch 442 Hz



pitch 442 Hz

ALTUS transverse flutes win musicians over with well-balanced intonation and an even

straight headjoint

curved headjoint

straight and curved headjoint

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

Alto Flutes

ALTUS 917

handmade 925 Sterling silver headjoint


drawn toneholes

Straight headjoint for well balanced playability


retail price


ALTUS 919



drawn toneholes



retail price


ALTUS 921



drawn toneholes



retail price


8


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.



pitch 442 Hz



pitch 442 Hz



pitch 442 Hz

The 925 Sterling silver headjoint features the winning combination of the typical sound

straight headjoint

curved headjoint

straight and curved headjoint

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

Alto Flutes

ALTUS 1017


and body


drawn toneholes

Straight headjoint for well-balanced playability


retail price


ALTUS 1021


and body


drawn toneholes



retail price

Split E-mechanism AS-1021E

ALTUS 1019

7.670,-


and body


drawn toneholes



retail price


9


characteristics. The instrument offers an easy response and markedly uniform playa-

bility 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.



pitch 442 Hz



pitch 442 Hz



pitch 442 Hz

A magnifcent alto transverse flute with outstanding resonance and top-quality tonal

straight headjoint

curved headjoint

Straight and curved headjoint

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

Alto Flutes

ALTUS 825


handmade 925 Sterling silver lip plate

and riser

drawn toneholes

Straight headjoint for well-balanced playability


retail price


ALTUS 925


silver plated nickelsilver body and

mechanism

drawn toneholes



retail price


ALTUS 1025


and body


drawn toneholes



retail price


10


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.



pitch 442 Hz.



pitch 442 Hz.



pitch 442 Hz.

Models with the ALTUS Design mechanism constitute an innovation. This ALTUS

straight headjoint

straight headjoint

straight headjoint

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

Bass Flute

ALTUS 823


drawn toneholes



pitch 442 Hz


retail price


11


demands on response, intonation and quality of sound. It has an excellent reputa-

t ion due to its balance and richness of sound. The scale is br il l iant ly intoned, the

instruments tonal colour and timbre are unique.

The ALTUS 823 bass flute is an entirely hand-carved instrument meeting the highest

handmade nickelsilver silver-plated flute with curved headjoint

ALTUS Materials

Find our SPECIAL EDITIONS

at www.altusflutes.eu

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

Sterling silver is frequently resorted to by both professional crafts-

men 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 AS-

5707.

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).

A Z U M I N O

J A PA N

002465-1

.5-0

2-0

9

ALTUS distribution:

www.altusflutes.eu

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

Your Altus dealer

Prices as well as specifcations and design are subject to

change without any prior notice.

For literal mistakes we assume no liability.

KT-A

SB

PLE

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