Altus-Bennett Scale
Based on the work and recommendations of renowned British flutist William Bennett, the Altus–Bennett scale offers excellent intonation, carefully tuned harmonics, and balanced registers.
Altus flutemaker Shuichi Tanaka along with Bennett admired Albert Cooper’s scale work and made some modifications of their own, creating the Altus/Bennett scale. The Altus/Bennett scale is used on all Altus and Azumi flutes. The precise intonation not only makes these flutes effortless to play in tune, it also enhances the resonance of the instrument. A more resonant flute has more depth and color to the sound and is more flexible.
It may help to explain exactly what is meant by the “scale” of an instrument. The instrument’s scale is the relationship of the tone holes to each other, the size of each hole, and the distance of the tone holes from the embouchure. The musician will play with better intonation while expending less effort with a well-built scale.
View Additional Features
Z-Cut Headjoint
The most distinctive feature of all Azumi flutes is the Altus Z-Cut professional headjoint, which responds quickly and easily and produces a full and rich tone in all three registers.
Pointed Key Arms
Originally reserved for professional models, all Azumi Flutes feature pointed key arms for an elegant and refined look, even pad wear, and improved key strength.
Open Holes
An open-hole flute has holes at the center of the A, G, F, E, and D keys. Open holes are the standard among intermediate flutes and are the preference of the majority of professional flutists.