Tubing & Metallurgy
Differences in density, hardness, and ductility of each kind of material naturally lead to differences in the flute-making process, maximizing the overall performance in terms of tone and the harmonic structure.
A flute with the seamed tube allows the player to develop it from a processed metal to a musical instrument. The Altus AL and 1607 utilize the "seamed tube" manufacturing method, an indispensable method used for making old French flutes, where a single rolled metal sheet is brazed at the end faces. Compared to ordinary seamless tubing, the seamed tube method is more time-consuming and requires more proficiency. As the flute is played over time, the residual stresses in the metal will gradually dissipate and the molecular arrangement will change to a more ideal form for producing sound.
A pure silver flute possesses supreme projecting quality and it requires innovative technology to make. Powder metallurgy is the method used for processing silver of high purity, in our case, .997 silver that comes standard on the Altus PS model. Normally, pure silver is too soft for successful flute tube production under the traditional processing method, where metal is melted. However, powder metallurgy makes it possible and benefits not only the sound quality but also the durability.