Inspired to start afresh, we went back to a clean slate applying all of the knowledge, advancements, and skills we’ve obtained over the last two decades crafting some of the finest handmade flutes available today into the design of an entirely new line of handmade instruments. Focusing on innovation, we’ve created some instruments that change the image of the handmade flute significantly. They offer tone with charm and depth, and a wide dynamic range that allows performers to play with a wide range of expression and the tone and volume flutists have long desired. Top-of-the-line handmade gold flutes offer a rich, deep tone with outstanding presence in orchestral settings. Highly responsive with a wide dynamic range that spans from rich, sensitive pianissimo to highly resonant fortissimo they allow the flautist to discover new limits of musical expression. From the finest details to their overall design, every part, process, and component on these handmade silver flutes is designed to function in harmony with the rest.
900 Series
(This picture is YFL997CH.)
800 Series
(This picture is YFL-877H.)
Features
Headjoint
The new Yamaha “Type A” headjoint enables the flutist to produce an easy yet colorful sound and still play using a wide dynamic range. The newly designed lip plate promotes efficient playing technique and provides optimal resistance when paired with the new Handmade flute body. The “Type A” headjoint provides a high degree of freedom for musical expressions and has been praised by many players for its rich and clear sound, which is distinctive even at pianissimo.The wall thickness is slightly increased from other headjoint models (9K Gold: 0.35→0.43mm, 18K Gold: 0.3→0.35mm, 14K Gold: 0.3→0.43mm) to improve the resonance of the headjoint and promote a solid resonance when playing fortissimo, maximizing the tonal colors available for the performer.
Toneholes
The overall weight of the flute was slightly raised by increasing the thickness of the toneholes. Combined with a special undercut tonehole design that is used only in combination with soldered toneholes, the performer is enabled to play with a colorful palette of sounds. An optimal level of resonance provides a wide dynamic range with the volume and presence needed for performing in professional orchestras.
Flat pad cups
The thicker and more durable key arms and machined pad cups provide better stability than more traditional-style pad cups. Pad conditions can be easily stabilized for a longer length of time when the pad is seated in a flat pad cup. Because the pad is more stable, it is also able to respond more freely, creating a rich and desirable resonance.
Straubinger™ Pads
Straubinger™ Pads have been widely adopted as significant components of a high quality handmade flute because of their clear response and optimal resonance. Straubinger™ Pads are more tolerant of environmental change and remain in top playingcondition for a longer period of time. A Yamaha Handmade flute with Straubinger™ Pads enables the player to achieve a clear response with a more resonant sound.
Pinless left-hand key system (Available for YFL-897/997 only)
The high F-F# key movement is improved and much smoother due to a newly developed and innovative pinless left-hand key system.
Acoustic annealing
A special acoustic annealing process that allows for a more pure transmission of vibration from the player to the flute provides Yamaha Handmade flutes with a deep, mature sound and clear response.
Case
The case is compact for easy travel and durable to protect the flute, and is accompanied by a sophisticated case cover. (Left: Handmade Gold, Right: Handmade Silver)
Audio & Video
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András Adorján – and the new generation of Yamaha Handmade Flutes
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Mathieu Dufour talks about his career and Yamaha hand-made flutes
Options
Options
Mechanical Option
C# Trill Key
An additional lever and tonehole which are useful for B to C# trills, but can also be used to facilitate a number of other trills and tremolos.
G/A Trill Key
This aids in trilling from G to A.
G# Open
Removing G# tonehole enables better intonation of high E, even without a Split E Mechanism.
Clutch E Mechanism
A switch allowing players to turn on or off the Split E mechanism as desired.
C# and D# Rollers
Rollers on the key levers to facilitate finger movements.
Pad
Traditional Pad
Traditional pad, which has been adopted as a standard for many years, is also available instead of Straubinger Pad.
Wall Thickness
Gold
Standard 0.30mm-Flexible, delicate tone
Sterling Silver
Light 0.35mm-Light free tone, easy response
Standard 0.38mm-Well-balanced resistance
Heavy 0.43mm-Heavier weight for powerful sound, increased air resistance
Material
Gold Crown (only available for Gold)
An optional gold crown for C Type flutes is available by special order.
14k Lip Plate and Riser (only available for Silver)
Deeper sound is available with the optional gold lip plate and riser.
Engraving
Yamaha's optional engraving is hand carved with unmatchable skill and care. The traditional Japanese engraving technique used has been passed done from father to son for many generations, making these flutes true works of art.
Crown
Rings
Lip Plate
Keys
* Specifications are subject to change without notice. The colors and finishes shown may vary from those on the actual products.
