Flutists are privileged players because today there are great flute makers, excellent flutes with wonderful sound and precise and light mechanism. Here is a selection of the great flute manufacturers.
Altus Flutes - www.altusflutes.com - Japan
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, entrepreneur and most of all a flute master. Mr. Tanaka studied flute with renowned Japanese teacher Toshio Takahashi. During that time, he not only became a talented flutist, but also a sensitive student with a keen sense of the needs of flutists. During his studies, Mr. Tanaka did some studies of interest in the technical qualities of the transverse flute. The construction of a new flute headjoint became his first fascination. Exhaustively Tanaka weighed deeply, than all factors were important. In 1977, Mr. Tanaka met British flutist virtuoso William Bennett. Both even had their respect and respect in common for Louis Lot flutes. With the influence of Bennett and the inspiration of the best old flutes (Louis Lot, Böhm, HAMMIG etc), Mr. Tanaka designed a modern and innovative flute, rich in expressive tone cores, with wide repeatability, intonation and mechanical strength. This was the first Altus flute, built in 1981. More
Akiyama Flute - www.akiyamaflute.com - Japan
Yoshiteru Akiyama, born in Naruto, Japan in 1954, inspired by Louis Lot Flutes, decided to revive the truly handcrafted process and sound of French flutes. Upon receiving a letter of encouragement from Jean-Pierre Rampal, he became even more determined to make his flutes. Inspired by his participation in a brass band in elementary school, Akiyama later started down the path of flute production. In 1972 he takes a position in a Flute Factory in Japan and starts working with flute production. In 1977 Akiyama began to dedicate himself to the production of headjoint and continued working at the company until 1995. In 1995, Akiyama leaves the position of flute maker at the company he worked for and begins to prepare for a new type of flute production. In 1997, after about a year of studies and preparation, Akiyama opens a workshop. I was inspired to begin making seamed tubes after receiving a certain letter. It arrived on the 24th of June, a month after Rampal san (Mr. J.P. Rampal) had passed away,and had been sent with the wish to convey the feelings of French maker Louis Lots fs final craftsman. The most important thing is to make them with seseamed tubes’. I think of this as Rampal san’s (Mr. J.P. Rampal) last will. More
Arista (Juan) - www.aristaflutes.com - USA
Over thirty years ago the Arista family established a small flutemaking workshop in Boston, Massachusetts. In time, the brothers entered into the craft, each having mastered all aspects of mechanical fabrication and aesthetic detail. Flute virtuoso William Bennett and his friends Adrian Brett, Richard and Chris Taylor introduced critical refinements to the Arista instrument that make this flute unsurpassed in craftsmanship and tonal quality. It is an instrument that, in the words of Mr. Bennett, embodies "That mysterious something that only a few old french flutes have." More
Brannen Flutes - www.brannenflutes.com - USA
Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, Inc., was incorporated in 1978 with the mission of building the finest flutes and headjoints in the world. When they started the company, brothers Bickford and Robert Brannen began our ongoing tradition of collaboration. With a variety of collaborations over the years, we have brought a number of innovations to flutists everywhere. More
Burkart Flutes - www.burkart.com - USA
The Burkart & Phelan Flute was founded in 1982 by Lillian Burkart and James Phelan. Each Burkart Flute is made from the finest materials, with an absolute commitment to quality. Each flute is produced to the Burkart level of excellence. More
Emanuel Flutes - www.emanuelflutes.com - USA
A maverick in flute-making, Emanuel has been building instruments for 30 years. Encouraged by mentors Emerson DeFord, Jack Moore, Edward Almeida and Dick Jerome, he introduced Emanuel Flute #1 in 1991 at the National Flute Association’s convention in Washington, D.C. At his first convention, he sold his first two flutes and was commissioned to make Emanuel Flute #3 for Gian-Luca Petrucci of Rome. This led to an introduction to flutist Stefano Cioffi, President of the Italian Flute Academy, and an invitation to exhibit at the first annual International Flute Festival in Italy later that year. In Saluzzo, Italy, Emanuel presented his flute to international greats such as Maxence Larrieu, Giuseppe Nova, András Adorján, and Alain Marion. In a successful finish to the company’s first year, Emanuel Flute #4 was purchased by Maxence Larrieu. More
Wm. S. Haynes - www.wmshaynes.com - USA
William S. Haynes story is the story of passion for perfection, the beginning of every flute craftsman in America. In 1888 the son of a New England sea captain and his brother began making flutes in Boston. William and his brother George experimented with different materials, mechanics, and headjoint designs. From 1900 onwards, the Haynes company officially started to manufacture flutes and all instruments began to receive the "Wm. S. Haynes" logo from the serial number "507" for flutes and piccolos. Haynes has had numerous contributions from great luthiers and the legendary French flutist Georges Barrère. In 1959, Haynes manufactured for Jean-Pierre Rampal the Haynes flute number 29333, a French model, hollow keys, thin wall 14K yellow gold with C foot, Inspired by the Louis Lot 18k by Rampal. A Flute Historia that contributed a lot to the company. When you play with a Haynes flute, you know you are playing with a flute with over 100 years of history and experience in making great flutes. More
Landel Flutes - www.landellflutes.com - USA
The Landell Flutes are handcrafted flutes built by the great builder Jonathon A. Landell. Landell built his first flute in 1972 and it was purchased by William Bennett. The Handmade Flutes Landell are of high standard of quality and excellence, recognized and played by great master flutists around the world. More
Miyazawa Flutes - www.miyazawa.com - Japan
Miyazawa Flutes was founded in 1969 by Masashi Miyazawa. Mr. Miyazawa founded the company with a dream to create a better instrument. With his background in the design and manufacture of professional flutes, Miyazawa successfully brought together traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies, a principle which still applies today. This dedication to the best of the old and the new gave birth to an instrument that exceeded even his lofty expectations. More
Muramatsu Flute - https://muramatsu-america.com/ - Japan
Since the first Muramatsu flute was created in 1923 by the late Koichi Muramatsu, thousands of artists worldwide have chosen Muramatsu over all other brands. Leadership was later passed to his son, Osamu Muramatsu and today the factory carries on the same tradition of excellence in flute-making under the direction of his grandson, Akio Muramatsu. Every flute that bears the Muramatsu name is built with the care and precision that has earned Muramatsu its reputation as one of the world’s finest professional flutes. Today Muramatsu sells more professional model flutes worldwide than any other flute maker. More
Nagahara Flutes - www.nagaharaflutes.com - USA
Born and raised in Japan, Kanichi Nagahara began his flute making career as an apprentice at the Sankyo Flute company in Japan concentrating in headjoint making, research and development. He studied traditional Japanese metalworking (including engraving, chasing, and inlay), with Mr. Asai, a master silver smith, and spent 6 months at a technical school in Tokyo studying machinery. In 1987, Kanichi left for the US and began working in two well-known Boston flute manufacturers. During his three years tenure, he mainly worked in the piccolo and headjoint departments. In 1990 Mr. Nagahara left that position to start his own company. NNI Inc./Nagahara Flutes was founded in 1991 in North Reading, MA, as a small company of two and eventually, as the company grew, moved in 1999 to the current workshop in Chelmsford, MA. The company today consists of nine talented team members, including Kanichi Nagahara who remains in the center of the production crew. More
Parmenon Flutes - www.parmenon.fr - French
Created by French flutemaker Michel Parmenon in 1979, Parmenon flutes is an outstanding French flute company. Since its creation, the Parmenon workshop has been dedicated to producing high-end flutes, the result of a close collaboration between musician and craftsman. More
Pearl Flutes - www.pearlflutes.com - Japan
Pearl Musical Instruments was founded in 1946 in post-World War II Japan by Katsumi Yanagisawa. The company got its start in Tokyo by making music stands and accessories. With the global emergence of musical instrument markets, the company enjoyed rapid growth, and continued to expand its manufacturing capability and company size. In 1968, to respond to the growing demand for fine flutes, Pearl established its first flute factory in Chiba, Japan, to produce handmade flutes. Although the mechanical design of the modern flute has been established for many years, the craftsmen at Pearl believed that the mechanism could become more elegant and innovative. More
Powell Flutes - www.powellflutes.com - USA
Verne Q. Powell Flutes was founded by Verne Q. Powell in 1927. Powell built his first flute at a young age and began his luthier work with major flute manufacturers. Every day Verne Q. Powell Flutes employs a combination of strategy, technology and a little bit of magic to create a flute that gives the flutist freedom to explore their musicality. Powell Flutes are built with care and high demand for precision. Ultimately, a powell or piccolo flute is crafted to a high standard of musical performance. From the first flute made in 1906 by Verne Q. Powell to the present day, the humanity of each Powell craftsman is reflected in the character of each Powell Flute.
Sankyo Flutes - www.sankyoflute.com - Japan
An obsession with sound is the driving force behind Sankyo. Founded by three men from humble beginnings, Kikuo Hisakura, Hideo Takei and Taichi Oki relentlessly pursued their vision of building handmade flutes not as simply a manufacturing process or science, but to elevate flute-making to an art. They wanted to capture a sound that inspires and fulfills. When Hisakura, Takei and Oki formed their own company in 1968, they were motivated by their passion to express their technical expertise and more importantly, their artistry. They invested in their shared dream and built the first Sankyo flutes in a garage. While our founders worked tirelessly to grow their new company, they had not imagined that Sankyo would evolve into the international success of today. More
Sheridan Flutes - USA
Dana Sheridan is an American flute maker and master craftsman known for his handcrafted flutes and especially his flute headjoints. Additionally, his flutes are noted for their "old-world craftsmanship and precise work." Originally from the United States, Sheridan now lives and works in Cologne, Germany while maintaining another shop in Boston, Massachusetts.
Straubinger Flutes - www.straubingerflutes.com - USA
Straubinger flutes are built by American craftsman Davi Straubinger and his son Joel Straubinger. Straubinger flutes are handcrafted, handmade flutes. Straubinger has developed a shoe made up of plastic, microfiber and excellent leather. Straubinger are used in professional flutes and are widely used by major manufacturers such as Powell, Haynes, Brannen, Miyazawa and others. More
Williams Flutes - https://williamsflutes.com/ - USA
The Williams Flute Company was founded in 1990 by David C. Williams after more than 25 years as a performing musician in a variety of musical genres. Mr. Williams' personal quest to define a better instrument for his own playing needs has evolved into a definitive example of modern flute design. The Williams Flute Shop produces a limited number of instruments each year; one flute at a time. We are dedicated artisans with a single mission: create the finest flutes in the world. More
Yamaha Flutes - https://usa.yamaha.com/ - Japan
The skillful hands of Torakusu Yamaha started the world's largest musical instrument factory. It all started in 1887, when he created Japan's first bamboo organ. Yamaha started producing flutes in 1970, their first flutes were the Yamaha YFL-23 Flute and the Yamaha YFL-31 Flute. His first flutes were student model flutes. Nine years later, in 1979, Yamaha built the Yamaha 211 and 311 flute models, a best seller among beginners to this day. They are excellent flutes that serve flute beginners very well. In addition to the Yamaha 211 and 311, Yamaha has developed numerous flute models for all levels of flutists. Yamaha Flutes have become a favorite among many teachers and students because of their open sound and ease of playing.
Abell Wood Flutes - www.abellflute.com - USA
Flutemaker Chris Abell handcrafts Boehm system wooden flutes, headjoints, and whistles, predominantly from aged African Blackwood and sterling silver. He has been a resident artist at Grovewood Village since 1995. More
Braun Wood Flutes - www.braunflutes.com - Germany
Anton Johannes Braun, (1941- ) a woodwind- instrument maker and graduate in mechanical engineering. In 1977 Anton J. Braun moved to Germany, where he began to build up the present-day workshop for flutes and piccolos. 1985: With 28 years' professional experience of instrument- making and three years' experience of technical research behind him, he developed his patented piccolo incollaboration with the flautists Michael Hasel (member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet Berlin). Antonia Eva Simon (born Braun) has been working in her father's business since 1998. She gradually assimilated the family expertise, which has been passed on from generation to generation and constantly developed, thus ensuring the continuation and high quality of the company in the 5th generation. Following musical training in piano, flute and voice, and successful graduation as a Maker of Woodwind Instruments from the "Fachschule für Musikinstrumentenbau" (College of Instrument-Making) Ludwigsburg, she is working in the family company since 2001. More
The manufacturers Sankyo, Powell and Yamaha already presented above also manufacture wooden flute models.
Faulisi Headjoints - www.laflutetraversiere.com - France
Salvatore Faulisi was born in Sicily, Italy, and after learning the trade of flute repairman, he moved to Paris where he began to manufacture flute headjoint. With 35 years of experience, its headjoint are played by flutists around the world. More
Lafin Headjoints -www.lafinheadjoints.com- Germany
Rainer Lafin, born in 1940, Lörrach, Germany, studied with many prominent flutists, including Dr. Demmler and Aurele Nicolet, and began his career in the Orchestral realm. His last professional engagement was principal piccoloist with the Berlin Radio-Symphony-Orchestra, and he was a regular substitute with the Berlin Philharmonic. In 1979, Mr. Lafin moved to Japan where he trained extensively at the Muramatsu factory. He began working with Albert Cooper, the best flute and headjoint maker of the day, to create a better headjoint. Continually experimenting with newer and better headjoint designs, the current design of J. R. Lafin headjoints are constantly changing in an ongoing effort to make flutes play even better. In May 2008, Mr. Lafin signed an agreement with Brannen Brothers Flutemakers, who are now the exclusive makers of Lafin headjoints for all of North America.
Mancke Headjoints - http://www.mancke.com/ - Germany
Mancke has been producing superior handmade headjoints since 1986. The company was started by Christoph Mancke, who began his flute studies in 1965 with Professor Ludwig Jann in Dortmund. His love of music and the flute lead his interests to the construction of the instrument itself. In 1986, he produced the first MANCKE headjoint, beginning a family tradition of excellence. His son, Tobias, joined the business in 1998. More
Mascolo handmade Headjoint - Mascolo headjoint flute
Mascolo headjoint are handcrafted by Nilson Mascolo Filho. Nilson Mascolo Filho is an Italian-Brazilian flutist, teacher, writer of Methods and Studies and flute repairman. The Mascolo headjoint is 100% handmade, everything is handcrafted from a silver or gold plate. The tube are handcrafted as the tubes of the brilliant Louis Lot flutes were manufactured. Mascolo headjoint have a velvety sound, balanced in all octaves, easy to play, clean and clear articulation, wide variety of colors, flexibility, projection and elegance. More
Song Flute headjoint - wwe.songflute.com - South Korea
Y.C. Song flute headjoint are from the manufacturer Sul Coreao and their headjoint are 100% handcrafted. Y. C. Song manufactures its own welded tubes. During creation of Song headjoints traditional craftsmanship methods are paired with innovative technology (Song's patented crowns) and a variety of luxury materials including precious metals, woods, and gemstones to highlight Song's philosophy - that the joy of creating beauty can be both visual and in your sound.