What is the typical price for the Yamaha YFL617?

The Yamaha YFL617 is typically priced at approximately £4,588. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific regional taxes.

What material is the body of the YFL617 made from?

The body of the YFL617 is made from silver. This material is chosen for its ability to produce a warm sound with excellent overtones and projection.

What are Straubinger Phoenix Pads?

These are high-end pads used on professional flutes to ensure a clear sound timbre. They offer a more stable and precise seal than standard pads, contributing to the instrument's quick response.

What is the benefit of the AM headjoint?

The upgraded AM headjoint provides the flautist with greater freedom for musical expression. It is designed to allow for a colourful sound across a very wide dynamic spectrum.

What does the 'sound annealing' process do?

Sound annealing is a special heat treating process applied during manufacturing. It results in a quicker and more lively response from the instrument when played.

Does the YFL617 have increased wall thickness?

Yes, this model features increased wall thickness compared to standard models. This provides slightly more resistance, which many advanced players prefer for better control and projection.

Is the YFL617 suitable for beginners?

The YFL617 is designed for advanced players who want to grow. While a beginner could play it, the increased resistance and professional features are best utilised by those with developed embouchures and air control.

How does the silver lip-plate affect the player?

The silver lip-plate and headjoint provide a more comfortable feel for the musician. This is particularly beneficial for players who engage in extended periods of use.

What is the general sound character of this flute?

The flute is described as having a modern sound that is warm and colourful. It offers outstanding projection, allowing the player to be heard clearly in various musical settings.

Is this model considered a handmade flute?

Yes, the YFL617 is classified by Yamaha as a Professional Hand Made Flute. This indicates a higher level of craftsmanship and attention to detail during assembly.

What category of instrument does the YFL617 fall into?

It falls into the Flutes & Clarinets category of woodwind instruments. Specifically, it is a professional-tier transverse flute.

Does this flute support a wide dynamic range?

Yes, the combination of the AM headjoint and the silver body construction allows the flautist to produce a wide dynamic spectrum, from soft passages to powerful solo lines.

Gear article

Yamaha YFL617 Professional Handmade Flute

The Yamaha YFL617 is a professional-grade flute designed for advanced players seeking a modern sound with exceptional projection and musical flexibility. Featuring a silver body, a specialised AM headjoint, and Straubinger Phoenix Pads, it is engineered to provide a colourful sound across a wide dynamic spectrum.

See live prices

Overview

The Yamaha YFL617 belongs to Yamaha's professional range of woodwind instruments, specifically designed to bridge the gap for advancing musicians. It is defined by its 'Handmade' construction quality, utilising high-grade materials and specialised manufacturing techniques to ensure a quick response and a lively acoustic profile. The instrument is intended for those who require a tool capable of supporting growth in both technical facility and musical expression.

Design and Key Features

A primary feature of the YFL617 is its increased wall thickness. This design choice provides slightly more resistance when blowing, allowing the player to push the instrument further without the sound 'breaking.'

The technical specifications include: * AM Headjoint: An upgraded design that offers freedom for musical expression and a wide dynamic range. * Sound Annealing: A special heat treating process applied to the metal to ensure a quicker, more lively response. * Straubinger Phoenix Pads: These professional-grade pads are known for providing a clear sound timbre and a more precise seal than traditional felt pads. * Silver Components: The body, headjoint, and lip-plate are crafted from silver, which contributes to the instrument's warmth and resonance.

Sound Character

The YFL617 is noted for its warm sound and outstanding projection. The combination of the silver body and the sound annealing process results in excellent overtones and a colourful palette of timbres. Because of its increased wall thickness, the flute maintains a stable and rich sound even at higher volumes, making it suitable for orchestral environments and solo performances where projection is critical.

Target Audience

This model is specifically aimed at advanced players who want to grow beyond the capabilities of intermediate instruments. Its ergonomic design, featuring a comfortable silver headjoint and lip-plate, makes it suitable for extended periods of use, such as long rehearsals or conservatory practice sessions. It suits musicians requiring a modern-sounding flute that does not sacrifice traditional warmth.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard student or intermediate models, the YFL617 offers significantly more resistance and tonal depth due to its thicker walls and professional padding. While entry-level flutes prioritize ease of play, the YFL617 rewards the player's air support with greater projection and a more complex harmonic profile. When compared to other professional woodwinds, such as those from Selmer Paris or specialised clarinet mouthpieces like the Yamaha 6C, the YFL617 stands out for its specific focus on 'lively' response through its unique heat treatment process.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for the Yamaha YFL617?: The Yamaha YFL617 is typically priced at approximately £4,588. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific regional taxes.
What material is the body of the YFL617 made from?: The body of the YFL617 is made from silver. This material is chosen for its ability to produce a warm sound with excellent overtones and projection.
What are Straubinger Phoenix Pads?: These are high-end pads used on professional flutes to ensure a clear sound timbre. They offer a more stable and precise seal than standard pads, contributing to the instrument's quick response.
What is the benefit of the AM headjoint?: The upgraded AM headjoint provides the flautist with greater freedom for musical expression. It is designed to allow for a colourful sound across a very wide dynamic spectrum.
What does the 'sound annealing' process do?: Sound annealing is a special heat treating process applied during manufacturing. It results in a quicker and more lively response from the instrument when played.
Does the YFL617 have increased wall thickness?: Yes, this model features increased wall thickness compared to standard models. This provides slightly more resistance, which many advanced players prefer for better control and projection.
Is the YFL617 suitable for beginners?: The YFL617 is designed for advanced players who want to grow. While a beginner could play it, the increased resistance and professional features are best utilised by those with developed embouchures and air control.
How does the silver lip-plate affect the player?: The silver lip-plate and headjoint provide a more comfortable feel for the musician. This is particularly beneficial for players who engage in extended periods of use.
What is the general sound character of this flute?: The flute is described as having a modern sound that is warm and colourful. It offers outstanding projection, allowing the player to be heard clearly in various musical settings.
Is this model considered a handmade flute?: Yes, the YFL617 is classified by Yamaha as a Professional Hand Made Flute. This indicates a higher level of craftsmanship and attention to detail during assembly.
What category of instrument does the YFL617 fall into?: It falls into the Flutes & Clarinets category of woodwind instruments. Specifically, it is a professional-tier transverse flute.
Does this flute support a wide dynamic range?: Yes, the combination of the AM headjoint and the silver body construction allows the flautist to produce a wide dynamic spectrum, from soft passages to powerful solo lines.