"AFL" Altus Flute

[Trance]

I am considering buying a back up flute / a flute to take where I don't want to take my Burkart flute. I have found a used Altus AFL-807 flute that seems to be reasonably priced. However the AFL in the name is throwing me off, I have not seen a AFL marker on any other description of an Altus flute. I will still playtest the flute before deciding to buy it. Anyone know what the AFL means?

Thanks!

[cflutist]

Joe would know, he is the Altus rep here.

[JButky]

I'll get an answer tomorrow, But I think AFL was the labeling on slightly older models.

807's are all plated except for the lip and riser which are sterling.

[JButky]

AFL was used as a preface with earlier models. The 807 is plated except for a sterling Lip Plate and Riser.

It is also possible that some companies would use that designation internally to keep their inventory straight (e.g. AFL= Altus Flute, BFL= Burkart flute, MFL= Muramatsu flute, etc...)

[Trance]

Thanks JButky, yeah that makes sense AFL for Altus Flute. That pretty much answers the question. I wondering now however; how old is a "earlier" AFL Altus flute? The place I'm buying it from does not know how old the flute is. If I found out the serial number would Altus have a record of when the flute was produced? The flute seems to be in good condition in the photos and the shop that is selling it is offering a 1 week trial and 1 year local warranty on adjustments and such and the price seems reasonable so I'm tempted to make an offer. Thanks

[JButky]

I can email the serial # to Japan and ask the factory when it was made..

[Trance]

The serial number of the Altus flute I'm considering buying is 11941. Thanks again.

[JButky]

Sent an inquiry to Japan for you...

[JButky]

Made in 1995..

[Trance]

Wow thats like ancient at 18 years old. Probably not as good of deal then as it seems. I'll think about it, I might make an offer but probably at a lower amount. Or maybe I'll keep looking, its not like I'm in a rush, I already have an amazing instrument. Thanks again!

[EdThomas]

I know this is an old topic, but pertinent to me. Just acquired a beautiful SFL 1207 RB. I'm not getting any response from an email to the Altus site and wondered if I can also get help with the date of production and the material. I'm assuming it is sterling head, body AND keys, from what literature there is on the internet, and am guessing it is an early 90's, but it would be nice to know for sure.

It still makes the same mistakes as my previous flute(s), but at least they sound purtier.

[JButky]

I know this is an old topic, but pertinent to me. Just acquired a beautiful SFL 1207 RB. I'm not getting any response from an email to the Altus site and wondered if I can also get help with the date of production and the material. I'm assuming it is sterling head, body AND keys, from what literature there is on the internet, and am guessing it is an early 90's, but it would be nice to know for sure.

It still makes the same mistakes as my previous flute(s), but at least they sound purtier.

What's the serial #? We didn't receive an email request for this... sorry.

[EdThomas]

Oops.
Serial # 0625.

Thanks,
Ed

[JButky]

That's an Oldie. Will check with Japan, but my guess is that it's 80's

[EdThomas]

Thanks. I know it is a very low serial number. Does that mean it was actually hand-made by Mr. Tanaka? I'm vague on the degree of his hands-on once he was established. I was told it is a heavy-wall.

Ed