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NEW: Altus Flute Range A9-A12 Models

7th May 2024

The new Altus Flute range continues on the legacy of excellence created by the Japanese company. In this blog we discuss some of the new features of these stunning professional flutes.

altus flutes

New Altus Flute Models

The new range we’re stocking covers the A9 to A12 series. These replace the old 907, 1007, 1107 and 1207 instruments. So, let’s take a look at what’s new in the A9 to A12 series:

For this new range Altus have made a few fairly major changes. First up, the new range feature a modified scale, this is the fundamental building blocks of the instruments tuning and tone production. The new scale improves intonation across the range of the instrument and also offers a more stable harmonic structure on each note.

The next big change is in the headjoint which has a newly shaped lip-plate and embouchure design. These modifications, made alongside input from leading musicians around the world, result in a headjoint that has a great balance between resistance and expression. It’s based around the popular S-cut design but these new modifications have added even more to that classic large Altus sound.

Model Spec & Differences

Each model in the range offers something extra as you go up in number (and up in price!). The type of Silver varies (Britannia .958 and Sterling .925) as well as the amount of silver. Models are available in open or closed hole set-ups, and all the models we stock feature the offset G and split E mechanisn, We’ve detailed the main spec differences below:

Altus A9

  • Headjoint: Hand-cut .958 Brittania Silver
  • Body & Foot: Silver-plated nickel silver
  • Keys: Silver-plated nickel silver
  • Find out more here

Altus A10

  • Headjoint: Hand-cut .925 Sterling Silver
  • Body & Foot: .925 Sterling Silver
  • Keys: Silver-plated nickel silver
  • Find out more here

Altus A11

  • Headjoint: Hand-cut .958 Britannia Silver
  • Body & Foot: .958 Britannia Silver
  • Keys: Silver-plated nickel silver
  • Find out more here

Altus A12

  • Headjoint: Hand-cut .925 Sterling Silver
  • Body & Foot: .925 Sterling Silver
  • Keys: .925 Sterling Silver
  • Find out more here

Altus Flutes: A Brief History

In production for nearly 40 years, the Altus flutes were originally created by master flute maker Shuichi Tanaka in Japan. Each Altus Flute includes premium materials and long-standing quality of production. These meticulously produced instruments offer advanced flautists a highly respected option when seeking their next upgrade.

The story started in 1977 when Mr Tanaka met the famous British flautist William Bennett. They developed a friendship and their close collaboration led to the development of the original Altus scale, an integral part of their early success. The first flutes were produced in 1981 and were originally offered with either 900 Coin Silver or .958 Britannia Silver.

Fast forward a few years to 1990 and the new Altus Japan factory opened in the Azumino mountains. From 1991 onwards the company grew further thanks to the new production facility. The model range was extended to offer a range of professional options including various spec variances. Altus celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2021 and just recently in 2024 a new series of models have been released.