Sankyo Flutes

About Sankyo Japan

Sankyo is one of Japan’s finest handmade flute companies, built around the obsession of a creating an incredible sound. The company was founded by three men who came from humble beginnings, Kikuo Hisakura, Hideo Takei and Taichi Oki. Their dream was not to just follow a manufacturing process, but to elevate their flute-making to the highest level. They wanted to showcase a sound that inspires and fulfils.

Kikuo Hisakura preceded his time at Sankyo by managing another flute company’s production and had already firmly established his reputation as a “genius” of flute-making. He designed almost all of the Sankyo mechanical systems, scale and headjoints as well as many specialized tools and equipment. Kikuo Hisakura was a visionary from the beginning through his passing in 2009. We honour him by keeping his pioneering spirit alive.

Hideo Takei managed Sankyo in the beginning, offering many great contributions to the finishing aspects of manufacturing. He especially contributed to pad design and developing an expert padding technique. Although he is now long retired, Mr. Takei still visits the factory almost every day. Taichi Oki went on to establish his own company specializing in the polishing of small parts.

When Hisakura, Takei and Oki formed Sankyo flutes in 1968, they were motivated by their passion to express their technical expertise and more importantly, their artistry. Together, they invested in their shared dream and built the first Sankyo flutes in a garage. While our founders worked tirelessly to grow their new company, they had not imagined that Sankyo would evolve into the international success of today.

A great example of this is found in Hisakura’s son, Yutaka. Yutaka Hisakura learnt flute-making from his father when he was a young boy, going on to become the current President of Sankyo. While his official role is to manage the company, he can still often be found in the production section doing what he enjoys most: building flutes.

The Sankyo name can be divided into two Japanese words: SAN+KYO, where SAN means “three” and KYO means “hibiki” which translates to “sound.” Thus, the “three sounds” represents the three founders and their pursuit of the essence of music: the intangible connections between craftsman–musician–audience.

Sankyo flutes hold a secret within their walls. The extraordinary sound of a Sankyo flute will come to life when it is played and loved by someone who matches it.

Standard Specifications of Sankyo Flutes chosen at Flute Tree

Inline G, A=444 Pitch, Covered hole, C foot joint, C# trill key, D# roller, Gold Riser, 14k/18k/24k and Platinum tubing and other options available on by request or on special order.

Sankyo flutes are available with engraved keys and lip plate designs. We usually select engraved models for our 601, 801 and 901 models.

Sankyo Wood Flute

Sankyo wood flutes are renowned for their gorgeous sound. Richness of tone provides a comfortable foundation for exceptionally nuanced expression. Only the most select aged grenadilla wood is utilized after our strict screening processes, ensuring the highest-quality instrument to be treasured for a lifetime and beyond.

Grenadilla

Handmade flute with grenadilla wood headjoint and body tubing with sterling silver mechanism, tenons and receivers.
French style pointed tonearms, 10k white gold springs.

Sankyo Headjoint Options
Sankyo headjoints are available in a wide variety of tubing materials. The headjoint riser is where the airstream makes its initial contact with the flute; therefore, the riser material will impact the tonal palette and response. Additionally, the riser is what connects the lip plate to the tube. Riser options include 24k, 18k, 14k gold and platinum. Lip plate options, which further enhance the riser effects, include 24k, 18k, 14k and 10k gold.

Sankyo Alto Flute

Sankyo Alto flutes are available with both curved and straight headjoints.

AF 101 - Handmade alto flute with sterling silver lip plate and riser, silver-plated headjoint tubing, body tubing and mechanism.
AF 201 - Handmade alto flute with sterling silver headjoint, silver-plated body tubing and mechanism.
AF 301 - Handmade alto flute with sterling silver headjoint and body tubing with silver-plated mechanism.
AF 401 - Handmade alto flute with sterling silver headjoint, body tubing and mechanism

Sankyo Bass Flute

Handmade bass flute with sterling silver lip plate and riser, silver-plated headjoint, body tubing and mechanism.