FLUTES OF SUPERB QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

For over 30 years, the Altus factory, nestled among the serene mountains of Azumino Japan, has incorporated both ideas of classical aesthetic and modern science into their handcrafted flute designs.

An Altus flute 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.

The founder of Altus flutes, Mr. Shuichi Tanaka, is a modern example of a Renaissance man. 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 became a gifted flutist, but also a sensitive student of flute making with keen insight into the needs of flutists. Each Altus flute reflects his passion to produce the finest playing flutes available utilizing the finest of materials handwork and artistry.

The meticulous design of the Altus flute and its uncompromised scale received great attention. Based on the work and recommendations of British flutist William Bennett, the Altus Scale offers excellent intonation, carefully tuned harmonics, and balanced registers.  In admiration of the vintage flutes, Altus has also developed a proprietary silver alloy (Altus Silver™) and innovative materials like sintered silver.

Masterfully hand-sculpted headjoints, contemporary precision standards and unique tubing produces the remarkable sound of the Altus flutes. Vintage color, pure tonal core, ease of manipulation, excellent intonation properties, response, and projection – flutists worldwide recognize the inspired Altus sound.