Miyazawa Flutes
The first line of high-end flutes that we decided to stock at Sheehans, Miyazawa have always impressed our workshop staff with the quality of their construction and assembly.
One of the more affordable high quality manufacturers, their instruments have continued to progress and develop ever since our earliest experiences, giving us great confidence in them.
They remain our most popular brand of advanced flute.
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Series and Models
All Miyazawa flutes are hand made, and feature open holes with traditional 'French style' pointed tone arms. All are available with either a C footjoint (models ending in an R) or B footjoint (models ending in RH) - for more details see the options section below.
The Type 1-SS and Type 2-SS are fitted with Straubinger pads - for more information see below.
Miyazawa Flutes - Models & Specifications
| Series |
Features |
Models |
| PA-101 |
Silver lip plate and riser, silver plated nickel-silver footjoint and key mechanism. Drawn toneholes. |
PA-101R (C foot) |
| PA-101RH (B foot) |
| PA-202 |
Silver headjoint, silver plated nickel-silver footjoint, body and key mechanism.
Drawn toneholes, Pinless L/H mechanism. |
PA-202R (C foot) |
| PA-202RH (B foot) |
| PA-302 |
Silver headjoint, PCM-silver alloy body and footjoint, silver plated nickel-silver key mechanism.
Drawn toneholes, Pinless L/H mechanism. |
PA-302R (C foot) |
| PA-302RH (B foot) |
| PA-402 |
Silver body, headjoint and footjoint, silver plated nickel-silver key mechanism.
Drawn toneholes, Straubinger Pads |
PA-402R (C foot) |
| PA-402RH (B foot) |
| Type 1SS |
Silver body, headjoint, footjoint and mechanism. 14k gold riser. Drawn toneholes, Straubinger pads. |
Type 1SS |
| Type 2SS |
Made entirely from a choice of silver, gold-silver (GS) alloy, 9 karat or 14 karat gold. Soldered toneholes, Straubinger Pads. |
Type 2SS |
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Headjoints
The price of each Miyazawa flute includes a handcrafted headjoint; alternatively the headjoint can be purchased separately. Available headjoints and risers are:
- Sterling silver headjoint
- Gold-silver (GS) alloy headjoint
- 14 karat solid gold headjoint
- 14 karat gold riser
- 24 karat gold riser
- Platinum riser
- 9k gold lip plate with 14kt gold riser
- 9 karat gold lip plate with platinum riser
Each combination of metals is available in 'traditional', 'modern' or 'modified wave' styles.
For more information, please contact us.
Click here to shop for Miyazawa flutes in our online store.
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Options
A range of options to customise your flute...
- Inline / Offset G keys - all models are available with a choice of inline or offset G keys, to provide players with the most comfortable left wrist and hand position for their needs. Traditionally inline G was used on all flutes, and still the best option for some players who have longer fingers, but nowadays offset G keys are more popular, with most people finding they offer a more natural hand position. There is no difference in tone, and either option is available on all models.
- Split E mechanism - or "E mech", separates the action of the upper and lower G keys, allowing the lower G to close and the upper G remain open while fingering the troublesome 3rd octave E note. An E mech makes the high E much more stable in pitch, with a faster attack. Available on all models.
- High E facilitator - an economical alternative to the more popular E mechanism - the tonehole below the lower G key is made smaller by inserting a doughnut-shaped ring. Available on all models, however in our experience most players tend to opt for an E-mechanism when purchasing a handmade flute, finding that the increased performance in the high octave justifies the extra cost.
- Footjoint - a choice of footjoint to low C (on models ending in an R) or low B (Models ending in an RH). B footjoints are fitted with a high C facilitator as standard.
- C# trill key - simplifies many awkward trill and tremolo fingerings, and can be used to improve the pitch and clarity of the open C# note. Available on the PA-201 series and above.
- Rollers - can be fitted to the C# and D# keys to make movement between the two easier. D# roller available on all models, C# available on the Classic and Boston Classic series.
- Tubing thickness - heavy wall (.018") tubing is available as an alternative to the standard thickness (.015"). Heavy wall is sometimes preferred by those who play with a very fast airstream, and have a tendency to overpower their instrument. Subject to availability - please contact us for more information.
Click here to shop for Miyazawa flutes in our online store.
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A Word about Straubinger Pads
Traditionally all flutes have been fitted with pads made from felt. When properly set up, good quality felt pads do their job very well, preventing leaks while requiring the player to press only lightly on the keys.
However, the physical properties of felt vary quite dramatically with changes in temperature and humidity (one of the main reasons for always cleaning out the excess moisture from your flute before putting it back in the case). Hence, over time the expansion, contraction, moistening and drying out that results from changes in atmospheric conditions causes the pads to go out of adjustment, meaning regular maintainance is required to keep the instrument playing to its full potential.
Straubinger pads are made from a special synthetic material, with a similar 'feel' to felt, but whose properties are much more stable. Also, each pad is held in place under tension by a unique support mechanism. The result is that the pads remain in place and properly adjusted, and the instrument requires much less maintainance to keep it in top condition.
Click here to shop for Miyazawa flutes in our online store.
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