Brands
Legendary manufacturers defining the history of music gear.
Altus
Japanese flute maker founded by Shuichi Tanaka, a former Muramatsu craftsman. Altus is known for its proprietary silver alloys (notably the Altus 958 "Britannia" silver) and for handmade flutes that combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a distinctive warm, focused tone. The line spans from intermediate models to fully handmade professional instruments.
Boss
The division of Roland Corporation that defined the compact pedal format. Founded 1973 (as MEG), compacts started 1977.
Electro Harmonix
Electro-Harmonix (EHX) is a renowned American company, founded in 1968, known for pioneering innovative and iconic guitar effects pedals as well as high-quality vacuum tubes. Their products, used by a wide array of famous musicians, are a staple in the music industry.
Gemeinhardt
American flute manufacturer founded in Elkhart, Indiana by Kurt Gemeinhardt, a fourth-generation German flute maker. For decades Gemeinhardt has been one of the most recognizable names in North American student flutes, with the 2SP and 3SHB models a staple of school band programs. The company also produces intermediate and handmade professional flutes.
Muramatsu
The oldest flute manufacturer in Japan, founded by Koichi Muramatsu in Tokyo. Muramatsu is one of the most prestigious names in handmade flutes worldwide and the training ground for many of Japan’s other major makers (Sankyo, Altus, Miyazawa). Its professional models — including the SR, GX, DS and 9k/14k/18k gold flutes — are used by leading soloists and principal flutists in major orchestras.
Nikkan
Nippon Kangakki Co., Ltd. (日本管楽器, "Nikkan"), founded in Hamamatsu in 1917, was one of Japan’s earliest wind instrument manufacturers and a pioneer of domestic flute production. Nikkan flutes from the mid-20th century are still appreciated among collectors and students for their solid build and characteristically warm tone. The company was acquired by Yamaha in 1970, and its flute-making expertise became the foundation of Yamaha’s wind instrument division — many vintage "Nikkan" stamped flutes remain in circulation as student and intermediate instruments.
Sankyo
Sankyo Flute Mfg. Co., based in Saitama, Japan, was founded by former Muramatsu craftsmen. The company is recognized for its precision mechanism, refined keywork and silver alloys, and produces a full range from intermediate to fully handmade professional flutes. Sankyo flutes are a favored choice among orchestral and chamber players for their evenness across registers.
Yamaha
Japanese manufacturer whose wind instrument division grew out of its 1970 acquisition of Nippon Kangakki (Nikkan), a Hamamatsu-based flute and brass maker founded in 1917. Yamaha flutes — from the student 200 series up to the professional handmade lines — are recognized for consistent intonation, durable build quality, and approachable response, making them one of the most widely used student and intermediate flutes worldwide.