About Azumi
Azumi Flutes were founded in the autumn of 2002 in Azumino, Japan, as an off-shoot of the premium brand Altus Flutes. Created by renowned master flute maker Shuichi Tanaka, the brand was designed to bridge the gap between student and professional models by offering high-quality, handcrafted flutes at an accessible price point. Manufactured in Taiwan and finished with a hand-cut Altus headjoint, Azumi flutes combine reliable construction with the tonal sophistication associated with the Altus name.
Azumi Headjoints
Azumi flutes are offered with two different styles of headjoint; the Z-cut and the S-cut.
Z-cut flutes have a rectangular shaped embouchure hole for a quick response and an easy focus and tone production without sacrificing flexibility or control.
S-cut flutes have an oval shaped embouchure hole which offers more blowing resistance, renowned for producing the trademark vibrant and warm Altus sound with excellent projection.
The Altus-Bennett Scale
A key feature of every Azumi flute is the Altus-Bennett scale, developed through the long-standing collaboration between Altus founder Shuichi Tanaka and the renowned British flautist William Bennett. This scale is intended to provide accurate intonation, carefully tuned harmonics, and balanced registers.
The Altus-Bennett scale is based on the work and recommendations of renowned British flutist William Bennett and expertise of Altus flutemaker Shuichi Tanaka. An admirer of flutemaker Albert Cooper’s scale work, Bennett modified Cooper’s scale and prioritized tuning harmonics to increase the resonance of the instrument. Flutes using the Altus-Bennett scale are easier to play in tune, while the enhanced resonance allows for a flexible sound with more depth and colour.
The combination of the Altus headjoint plus careful attention to setup and adjustment, give Azumi flutes a level of performance that sets them apart from many other instruments in their class.
Additional Features
Other features offered across the range include open or closed holes, a B or C footjoint, offset or inline G keys, a split E mechanism and on some models, a C# trill key.
For advancing players looking to move beyond a beginner flute, Azumi offers an introduction to the design philosophy and playing characteristics that have made Altus one of the most respected names in flute making.
We are pleased to now be a stockist of the Azumi flute brand here at Presto Music. Below are some of the models we have in stock in our Leamington Spa store, and the full range can be viewed here
The key to the success of the Azumi is the Altus headjoint. This is the Z-cut style, handcut in Japan, which has a wide, rectangular shape to provide quick response with a large tone, across the range of the flute. The Z1 is the ideal gateway to an intermediate flute, providing a carefully crafted balance between ease of play, flexibility of sound and fullness of tone.
Altus flutes are held in the very highest esteem by professional players and technicians the world over. Now the Altus sound is available at an affordable price, thanks to the Azumi flute.
The key to the success of the Azumi is the Altus headjoint. This is the Z-cut style, handcut in Japan, which has a wider, rectangular shape to provide quick response with a large tone, across the range of the flute.
The key to the success of the Azumi is the Altus headjoint. This is the S-cut style, handcut in Japan, which has an oval shape to the embouchure hole providing a rich and colourful sound with slightly more blowing resistance than the already hugely popular Z-cut headjoints on the Z series Azumi flutes. The S-cut headjoints are the same as those used on the Altus professional range of flutes, which pays homage to their success and popularity.
Altus' Azumi S series uses a combination of silver purities which work in harmony with the S-cut handmade headjoint to produce a stunning range of flutes.
