For over 40 years, Altus has been at the forefront of crafting flutes that seamlessly combine the charm of vintage design with the advancements of modern technology. Under the expert guidance of Master Flute Maker Shuichi Tanaka, each Altus flute is meticulously hand-crafted to reflect his deep passion for the art of flute-making. His commitment to excellence is evident in every instrument, where premium materials meet intricate artistry to create a flute that not only sounds extraordinary but feels uniquely personal to the player.
The design of each Altus flute is carefully considered, with an emphasis on achieving the perfect balance between aesthetics and performance. Tanaka’s expertise and innovative approach have led to the creation of the acclaimed Altus scale, which is known for its impeccable intonation, carefully tuned harmonics, and consistent sound quality across all registers. The result is an instrument that offers not just superior tonal clarity but also unparalleled playability, allowing musicians to express themselves with exceptional ease and precision.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring flutist, Altus flutes provide the ideal combination of craftsmanship, technology, and musicality, offering a truly inspiring playing experience for generations to come.
1977
Mr. Tanaka met British flutist William Bennett, and their mutual passion for music, culture, and flute-making blossomed into both a lasting friendship and a productive collaboration. This partnership played a pivotal role in the creation of the ALTUS scales, a fundamental element in the exceptional quality of these remarkable instruments.
1981
The first Altus flute was crafted in 1981, marking the beginning of a brand dedicated to creating world-class, handcrafted flutes designed specifically for professional musicians. From the very start, Altus Flutes has remained committed to a simple yet powerful core value: “to produce a sound with the right harmonic structure at the right pitch.”
Altus began crafting their flutes using 900 Coin Silver and .958 (Britannia) Silver, materials chosen for their exceptional tonal qualities and ability to produce a rich, resonant sound.
1990
The completion of the Altus Japan factory marked a new era for Altus Flutes. Nestled among the serene mountains of Azumino Japan, the factory has become the birthplace of the beautiful Japanese flutes.
1991
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This year was the onset of great model change and series integration. Renewing all product line-up, Altus Flutes incorporates both ideas of classical aesthetics and modern science into our flute designs.
- Reintroduced coin silver flutes as sterling silver flutes. We started to make 1007, 1207 and 1407 with sterling silver, with 1007 integrated into the Standard Series.
- 1107, 1307 were introduced to the market.
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1507 was reintroduced as a model with a seamless tube.
2000
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AL was introduced to the market and has been serving as the signature model of Altus Flutes. Beloved by professional flutists, AL is endorsed and highly appreciated by renowned artists including William Bennett, Lorna McGhee, Michael Cox. Along with the PS model, AL is the most sought-after Altus model among top flutists around the world.
