H A N D M A D E F L U T E S

The Kanji symbol for flute.

H A N D M A D E F L U T E S

The founder of Altus flutes Mr. Shuichi Tanaka, known as “Speedy” to his friends, is a man of many talents. He is an artist, musician, engineer, businessman, and most notably a master flute maker.

As a teenager, Mr. Tanaka studied flute with renowned Japanese teacher and performer Toshio Takahashi. During this time he not only developed into a gifted flutist, but also a sensitive student of flute making with keen insight into the needs of flutists.

In 1977, Mr. Tanaka met British flutist William Bennett. The two men had much in common including their respect and admiration for the vintage flutes of Louis Lot. With Bennett’s influence and the inspiration of the finest vintage flutes, Mr. Tanaka designed an innovative modern flute rich in expressive tone colors, with ample capacity for resonance, accurate intonation, and mechanical strength. This was the first Altus flute, built in 1981.

Over the next decade, global respect and interest for Mr. Tanaka’s innovative Altus flute increased. In 1990, he designed a beautiful building (pictured left) on a peaceful site in Azumino, at the base of the Japanese Alps to inspire his artistic creations. This breathtaking facility is where Altus flutes are still handcrafted today.

The Altus flute is founded on friendships, collaborations, intense research, and a passionate devotion to music as an essential part of life.

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Altus flute maker Shuichi Tanaka and renowned British flutist William Bennett shared an admiration for Albert Cooper’s vision of updating and modernizing the traditional flute scale. Bennett combined his vast performance experience and quest for precise intonation with Mr. Tanaka’s flute making vision to create the Altus-Bennett scale.

An instrument’s scale is determined by the size and placement of each of the tone holes and their relationship to each other. This crucial design aspect allows flutists to play with accurate intonation and effortless tone.

The collaboration of Tanaka and Bennett set a new standard for flute design. The Altus-Bennett scale was carefully designed to provide effortless intonation, impeccably tuned harmonics, and exceptionally balanced registers. This monumental achievement is one of the hallmarks of the great Altus flute making tradition.

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WILLIAM BENNETTALTUS SINCE THE BEGINNING

Tubing & MetallurgyAltus 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.

TubingSeamed Tubing – Made from a flat piece of metal that is rolled, hand planished and then seamed, the Altus seamed tube is truly the only handmade flute tube available in modern production.

Sintered Tubing – A process unique to Altus where powdered silver metal is compacted at a high 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.

Alloys14K 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™ – Our 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. Only Altus silver provides the correct silver blend for extensive hand forming and represents the highest art in flute making available today. This results in a flute capable of producing a wide array of complex tonal colors.

Pure 997 Silver – Our 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.

DENIS BOURIAKOVALTUS SINCE 2000

Our Handmade Flutes

The Altus flute is a genuine handmade instrument and is the product of brilliant engineering, modern metallurgy, and seasoned craftsmanship. All Altus Handmade flute models are distinguished by a variety of tube materials and manufacturing techniques. Years of research and development have allowed Altus to pair the highest quality materials with a range of flute making techniques culminating in the prized collection of the world’s finest flutes available today.

Standard features include the Altus-Bennett scale, exclusive SP-1 springs, drawn or soldered tone holes, French-pointed keys, and gizmo key. Numerous keywork options are available including an open G # mechanism by special order. Each model comes in a rich leather covered wood frame French case with leather wrap-around cover.

CHRISTOPHER LEEALTUS SINCE 2012

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14K GOLDAll Altus 14K Gold flutes feature extruded tubing and

include a wide range of keywork and headjoint options.

14K Gold flutes are highly prized and inspiring. This level of precision and craftsmanship allows the finest players to push the boundaries of expression.

Mastery

The 5707 Altus includes soldered tone holes and a solid Gold mechanism.

The 5407 Altus includes soldered tone holes and a Sterling Silver mechanism.

The 5607 Altus includes drawn tone holes and a solid Gold mechanism.

The 5207 Altus includes drawn tone holes and a Sterling Silver mechanism.

LORNA MCGHEEALTUS SINCE 2012

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The 1607 Altus is made with our standard Britannia 958 Silver.

SEAMED TUBESAltus seamed tubes are thin, lightweight and handmade in a choice of two types of silver.

Soldered tone holes and D# rollers are standard. Sterling Silver mechanisms are mounted on Pure 997 Silver hinge tubes. A variety of keywork and headjoint options are available.

There is no other flute as expressive. The player feels the vibrance of the instrument as the audience becomes captivated by its tonal beauty.

Emotion

The 1807 Altus Limited (AL) is made with our special alloy of Altus 946 Silver.™

GEORGE POPEALTUS SINCE 2009

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SINTERED 997 PS

Our unique 1707 PS model is available only with the Altus standard tubing

thickness. Soldered tone holes and D# rollers are standard. Its Sterling Silver mechanism is mounted on Pure 997 Silver hinge tubes.

The PS is capable of a powerful tapestry of sound. Its unique sintered tube

provides the strength and power to produce amazing projection and intensity.

Virtuosity

The 1707 Altus PS is available with a variety of keywork and headjoint options.

VIVIANA GUZMANALTUS SINCE 2009

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BRITANNIA 958 SILVERAll Altus Britannia Silver flutes are available in standard, medium

heavy or heavy wall tubing. They feature extruded tubing and Sterling Silver mechanisms mounted on Pure 997 Silver hinge tubes.

Personality exudes from the Britannia Series! Advanced players and teachers appreciate its immediate reaction to player demands due to its customizable character, and its ability

to demonstrate a vast palette of tone colors and technique with clarity and precision.

Spirit

The 1507 Altus includes soldered tone holes and is available with a variety of keywork and headjoint options.

The 1307 Altus includes drawn tone holes and is available with a variety of keywork and headjoint options.

NINA ASSIMAKOPOULOSALTUS SINCE 2012

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STERLING 925 SILVER

All Altus Sterling Silver flutes are available in standard, medium heavy or heavy wall

tubing and feature extruded tubing and Sterling Silver mechanisms mounted on

Pure 997 Silver hinge tubes. A wide range of keywork and headjoint options are available.

The classic pairing of flutist and the original precious metal has long been held as the soul

of fluting. Connect with the flute’s great history and extend your personality into the future.

Tradition

The 1407 Altus includes soldered tone holes and is available with a variety of keywork and headjoint options.

The 1207 Altus includes drawn tone holes and is available with a variety of keywork and headjoint options.

ABI COFFERALTUS SINCE 2013

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ATSUI

The Atsui finish can be added to any Altus Handmade flute as an option.

The existing tube is clad with a thick layer of precious metal.

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.

Energy

18K Gold lends warmth and richness to the tone while the silver gives the flute brilliance and life.

Platinum gives the flute a darker color pallete with exceptional response while the silver maintains the right balance of sparkle in the sound.

KARL “FRITZ” KRABERALTUS SINCE 2011

Artist Series Flutes

Through the careful selection of materials and the Altus dedication to handmade craftsmanship, the Artist Series achieves an unparalleled balance between performance quality and affordability.

Artist Series flutes feature handmade silver-plated mechanisms well-known for their hardness, strength and durability without sacrificing exceptional fluidity and feel. The extruded body tubes maintain a standard thickness and include drawn tones holes and the Altus-Bennett scale.

Other standard features include stainless steel springs, French-pointed keys, and a gizmo key. Each flute can be configured with either an offset or inline G. Added keywork options include a split E mechanism and C# trill. Each flute comes in a French style leatherette covered wood case with a zippered, fleece lined cover and a shoulder strap.

EMILY BEYNONALTUS SINCE 2001

Photo by Eric Richmond

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For serious performers refining their talent to rise above the rest, the 1107

has a lush sound with a noticeable balance of brilliance and warmth.

Dedication

The 1107 Altus pairs a Britannia 958 Silver Body with a silver-plated mechanism, and offers a full range of headjoint options.

LISA SCHROEDERALTUS SINCE 2009

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Mechanical precision and expressive tonal capabilities

make the 907 the perfect choice for the passionate flutist.

Motivation

The 907 Altus pairs a Britannia 958 Silver headjoint with a silver-plated body and mechanism, and offers a full range of headjoint options.

KEITH PETTWAYALTUS SINCE 2014

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Renowned for its open and ringing quality, the handmade 807

is free-blowing and inviting to play, making it the ideal match

for many lifelong flutists including students and teachers.

Balance

The 807 Altus pairs a Sterling 925 Silver lip plate and riser with a silver-plated headjoint, body and mechanism. The headjoint features our versatile classic cut.

JAMIE BAUMALTUS SINCE 1993

Harmony Flutes

Altus Harmony flutes offer many qualities not generally found in other flutes. Specifically designed for either the soloist or ensemble player, the Altus harmony collection provides the most ergonomic finger position and accurate intonation for ease of expression and rich tonal color.

Features include hand cut embouchure holes, hand soldered C# tone holes, drawn tone holes, mother of pearl buttons on key extensions, French pointed arms and stainless steel springs. Trill keys and split E mechanisms are included on all Altus Harmony flutes.

ERIC LAMBALTUS SINCE 2010

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The flute d’Amore combines the playing ease of a C flute with the haunting open sound of

the alto flute for those wishing to incorporate a unique sultry sound into their repertoire.

It has a larger bore than the standard C flute and is pitched in either Bb or A.

Intrigue

The 1009 Altus d’Amore body is a seamed Britannia 958 Silver with soldered tones holes and is paired with a silver-plated mechanism. Standard options include a B or C foot, and a special order open hole version is available.

DEANNA LITTLEALTUS SINCE 2012

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The alto flute has a fascinating open and warm sound that is perfect for flute ensembles and solo work. It produces a luxurious, focused

sound while maintaining clarity throughout all registers.

Mystery

ALTO FLUTESAltos are constructed of extruded tubing with drawn tone holes and are available

in either Sterling 925 Silver or silver-plated nickel-silver. Headjoint choices include the 19 Series curved model, the 21 Series curved and straight model, or the 25 Series

straight model with ergonomic keywork. Silver-plated mechanisms are standard.

The 1000 Series models feature an all Sterling Silver tube.

The 900 Series models feature Sterling Silver headjoints and silver-plated bodies.

The 800 Series models feature a sterling lip plate and riser only on an all silver-plated tube.

PAIGE LONGALTUS SINCE 2010

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The Altus bass flute is luscious and soothing as a solo instrument or in a flute ensemble. The exceptional intonation, ergonomic design, and precise mechanism

make this bass flute shine as the clear choice for any professional player.

Profound

The 823se Altus Bass Flute headjoint features a Sterling 925 Silver lip plate and riser.

BASS FLUTESOur professional model 823se Bass Flute possesses the same

exceptional intonation that all Altus flutes share. The silver-plated tubing is fitted with our extremely durable silver-plated mechanism.

Headjoints

Each Altus flute comes complete with a professional, handcrafted headjoint. Silver headjoints are offered with three different cuts and include precious metal options for lip plates and risers made from gold or platinum. Headjoints can be purchased separately with a variety of tubing, material and cuts.

CLASSIC CUT Renowned for producing the trademark Altus sound, this headjoint provides vibrant warmth with excellent projection. Its pure tonal center allows the artist great flexibility within an infinite color palette.

Z-CUT™With a more rectangular embouchure hole with minimal over and undercutting,

this headjoint produces a quick response without sacrificing flexibility or control. The sound is open and free with a darker tonal color.

V-CUTAltus has created one of its most powerful headjoints

capable of producing an exceptional tonal depth without sacrificing flexibility. Featuring a high front wall and

steep angled lip plate, this headjoint performs at the cutting edge of modern headjoint design.

Altus Artists

Altus Artists

ROBERT AITKENINTERNATIONAL SOLOIST AND RECORDING ARTIST

NINA ASSIMAKOPOULOSWEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

JAMIE BAUMMANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

SHAUL BEN-MEIRDETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (RETIRED)

WILLIAM BENNETTROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC

EMILY BEYNONROYAL CONCERTGEBOUW ORCHESTRA

DENIS BOURIAKOV NEW YORK METROPOLITAN OPERA

ANDREA BRACHFELDCONTEMPORARY ARTIST

COLLEEN CARROLLLOS ANGELES RECORDING ARTIST

ABI COFFERFREELANCE ARTIST

MICHAEL COXBBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

TERI FORSCHERPRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE

VINNY GOLIN JAZZ RECORDING ARTIST

VIVIANA GUZMANFREELANCE ARTIST

ELIZABETH HOLLER-RANSOMCAROLINA CHAMBER SYMPHONY

GEORGE HOYOSORCHESTRE SYMPHONIQUE ET LYRIQUE DE NANCY

REBECCA KLEINMANFREELANCE ARTIST

KARL “FRITZ” KRABERUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS (RETIRED)

YU KURATANIPPON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

ERIC LAMBINTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE

CHRISTOPHER LEETORONTO PHILHARMONIA

DEANNA LITTLEMIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

PAIGE LONGNEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

PHYLISS LOUKEROSE CITY FLUTE CHOIR

LORNA MCGHEEPITTSBURGH SYMPHONY

SUSAN MCQUINNSTETSON UNIVERSITY

KEITH PETTWAYDELTA STATE UNIVERSITY

GEORGE POPEUNIVERSITY OF AKRON

NICOLE RINERUNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

JOHN RUSHTULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

LISA SCHROEDERNOTEWORTHY DUO

BOB SHEPPARDINTERNATIONAL SOLOIST AND RECORDING ARTIST

GENI SKENDOFREELANCE ARTIST

ELDRED SPELLWESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

MARY STOLPERGRANT PARK SYMPHONY

GARY STROUTSONINTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST

JOEL TSETOLEDO SYMPHONY

TREVOR WYEINTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST, SOLOIST, TEACHER

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H A N D M A D E F L U T E S