Brand profile · Japan, est. 1946

Altus

Altus is a highly respected Japanese flute manufacturer renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and focus on player comfort. Building upon the legacy of the venerable Pearl flutes (Altus was originally the Pearl flute division), they've established a distinct identity through a commitment to innovative keywork ergonomics and a warm, resonant tone. Altus instruments are favored by serious students and seasoned professionals alike.

AS-1000 Series FlutesXRBE (Extended Reach Body) KeyworkFocus on ErgonomicsWarm, Resonant ToneHand-crafted Headjoint Design
1946founded
Japancountry
18products in stock
$3,593–$14kprice range

Altus in the charts

Every chart where Altus has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.

All 18 Altus products

Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first.

Altus AS-A11 RBEO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$6,941€6,179Check ↗

Altus AS-A10 RBEO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$5,839€5,198Check ↗

Altus AS-A10 REO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$5,032€4,479Check ↗

Altus AS-A13 RBEO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$11,233€9,999Check ↗

Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$9,884€8,798Check ↗

Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$3,593€3,198Check ↗

Altus AS-A11 REO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$6,064€5,398Check ↗

Altus AS-PSD ERB1 Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$9,538€8,490Check ↗

Altus AS-925 SE Alto Flute

Alto and Bass Flutes

$10,166€9,049Check ↗

Altus AS-917 SE Alto Flute

Alto and Bass Flutes

$9,424€8,389Check ↗

Altus AS-823 SE Bass Flute

Alto and Bass Flutes

$14,435€12,849Check ↗

Altus AS-823 SE Bass Flute

Alto and Bass Flutes

$14,435€12,849Check ↗

Altus AS-A9 EO-S Flute

Closed Hole Flutes

$3,593€3,198Check ↗

Altus AS-A12 RBEO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$11,681€10,398Check ↗

Altus AS-A12 REO-S Flute

Open Hole Flutes

$10,312€9,179Check ↗

Altus AS-919 SE Alto Flute

Alto and Bass Flutes

$11,569€10,298Check ↗

Altus AS-A11 EO-S Flute

Closed Hole Flutes

$5,952€5,298Check ↗

Altus AS-A10 EO-S Flute

Closed Hole Flutes

$5,278€4,698Check ↗

Altus, honestly

What Altus does well
  • Exceptional intonation across all registers
  • Ergonomic keywork reduces finger fatigue
  • Warm, focused tone quality appeals to many
  • High-quality materials ensure longevity
  • Beautiful, refined aesthetic
What to watch for
  • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for some
  • Can be overly warm for players preferring a brighter tone
  • XRBE keywork isn't universally preferred
  • Limited selection outside of flutes
  • Requires experienced repair technicians

Questions about Altus

Where are Altus instruments made?

Altus flutes are primarily manufactured in Japan, with a strong emphasis on hand-crafting and quality control throughout the production process.

What is the significance of the 'XRBE' designation on Altus flutes?

XRBE stands for 'Extended Reach Body,' indicating a keywork design intended to improve comfort and accessibility for players with smaller hands or those seeking a more relaxed playing experience.

How does Altus differentiate itself from its parent company, Pearl?

While Altus originated as Pearl's flute division, it has cultivated a distinct identity through a design philosophy prioritizing player comfort and a warmer tonal character, often diverging from Pearl's more traditionally bright sound.

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