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Handmade Gold Flutes

Innovative new Handmade gold flute

After 20 years of continuous development, Yamaha has succeeded in creating a new, innovative lineup of Handmade flutes.
Designed in consultation with András Adorján, professor of flute at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, the new Yamaha Handmade flute lineup allows performers to play with a wider range of expression and with the freedom to create their own unique tonal colors.
The Yamaha 900-series flutes are crafted out of 14k gold for a deep yet focused tone that projects well. To help any flutist find the instrument that is ideal for their playing style and musical preferences, a number of different combinations of materials and key options are available.

Features

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Features

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YFL-977 with a B foot joint and C Type material combination

New “Type A” headjoint

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The new Yamaha “Type A” headjoint enables the flutist to produce an easy yet colorful sound and still play using a wide dynamic range. Indeed, the “Type A” headjoint has been praised by many players for its “clear sound, which is distinctive even at pianissimo.” Among the improvements to the new “Type A” headjoint is a slightly increased wall thickness that greatly improves the resonance of the headjoint and maximizes the tonal colors available for the performer.

Straubinger pads

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Straubinger pads, which are made using a stable plastic base and durable synthetic leather, have been widely adopted as essential components of a high quality Handmade flute. Compared to traditional felt and paper pads that require frequent adjustments, Straubinger pads are more tolerant of environmental change and remain in top playing condition for a longer period of time. A Yamaha Handmade flute with Straubinger pads enables the player to achieve a clear response with a more mature, nuanced sound.

Flat pad cups

Flattened pad cups provide better stability than more traditional-style pad cups. Pad positions can be adjusted more easily and 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.

Pinless left-hand key system (In-line, ring key models only)

The high F-F# key movement is improved and much smoother due to a newly developed and innovative pinless left-hand key system.

Consistent lever position for C# and D# keys between C and B foot joints.

For players who require the use of both a C and B foot joint, Yamaha has unified the design of the C# and D# keys so that pinky finger movements are consistent with either foot joint. Flutists are now able to accurately achieve the precise technique required for playing with the right hand pinky finger, no matter if using a C or B foot joint.

Product Lineup

Handmade Gold

Model	Toneholes	Key Types	Key Systems	Split E Mechanism	Case	Case Bag
YFL-917	Soldered and Undercut	Covered Keys	Offset G	Included	FLC-97CL	FLB-95Ⅱ
YFL-977		Ring Keys	Offset G	Included	FLC-97CS
YFL-987			In-line	-
YFL-997			In-line	Included

All models are available with a B footjoint; add H to the model number when ordering.

Material Combination for Gold Flutes

Model Type	A Type	B Type	C Type
Body, Head &Footjoint	Gold 14k	Gold 14k	Gold 14k
Rings, Posts & Ribs	Silver	Gold 14k	Gold 14k
Key Mechanism	Silver	Silver	Gold 14k

14k can be upgraded to 18k as an optional extra.
Yamaha Handmade gold flutes are unplated for a beautiful natural appearance and a full-bodied tonal resonance.

Toneholes

Soldered and Undercut

Soldered toneholes with undercut inner edges give a strong sound with a lot of 'life' in the tone.

Key Types

Covered Keys

Ring (French) Keys

Covered (or Plateau) keys are easy to use. The pad cup is covered so it will seal the tonehole any time the key is closed. This is common with beginners or others who may not always press the center of the key.

Many advanced players prefer the open feel of Ring keys for subtle control of their tone. Intermediate and Standard model French system flutes come with key plugs to seal the hole until players have become adept at covering the holes with their fingers.

Key Systems

In-line

Offset G

Many players find the Offset G configuration easier to play. Often teachers recommend that beginners start on these flutes, while more and more advanced players are also choosing this natural feeling configuration. Many advanced students and professionals, though, still prefer the traditional In-line formation where all the toneholes are in a straight row.

Split E Mechanism

This key helps give more stability and better centered intonation to the high E.

Footjoints

B Footjoint

C Footjoint

The B footjoint has an extra key enabling the player to play 1/2 step lower than the lowest note of the C foot. It also affects the sound; B footjoint enables a darker, stronger sound with good projection, while C footjoint has flexible, warmer tone.