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The shape, the precise fit, the smoothness and weight in your hand. The touch, the sound, the thing that drives you more than any other: your obsession. An obsession with sound is the driving force behind Sankyo. Founded by three men from humble beginnings, Kikuo Hisakura, Hideo Takei and Taichi Oki relentlessly pursued their vision of building handmade flutes not as simply a manufacturing process or science, but to elevate flute-making to an art. They wanted to capture a sound that inspires and fulfills. Our 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 our three founders and their pursuit of the essence of music: the intangible connections between craftsman–musician– audience. We invite you to explore the richness, tradition, beauty and sound of Sankyo.
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Sankyo created the world’s first 24k gold flute in 1995. We longed to know what sound a 24k gold flute would carry. The result was a melodious instrument
Musical lines and artistic analysis running through your mind.
filled with captivating expressive power and the ability to whisper
The physical memory of breath and technique. Sensing the
the purest tone imaginable.
integration of sight and touch and sound. A passion to create. As a musician, you are compelled to create, to play, to immerse yourself in music. Sankyo artisans feel that same inexorable urge to build. Even the tiniest components are exquisitely crafted with great care from the most luxurious materials. We create flutes with you, the player, in mind.
24k gold with gold keys
14k gold with gold keys
10k gold with silver keys
Select models shown. Visit www.sankyoflutes.com for available models and details.
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When our founders formed their own company, they were motivated by their passion to express their technical expertise and more importantly, their artistry. They
The commitment to pursue your dreams. Feeling compelled
invested in their shared dream
to shape and improve and perfect. The passion to inspire
and built the first Sankyo flutes in a garage. While our founders
others to reflect and consider—to feel through music.
worked tirelessly to grow their new company, they had not imagined
Our craftsmen express this same passion in every Sankyo flute.
that Sankyo would evolve into the
These emotions exist in every etched line and polished key; from
international success of today.
the smallest solder joint to the precise fitting of the body.
Sterling silver headjoint with silver-plated body tubing and mechanism
Sterling silver headjoint, body tubing and mechanism
Pure silver headjoint and body tubing with sterling silver mechanism Select models shown. Visit www.sankyoflutes.com for available models and details.
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Hideo Takei managed the company in the beginning and contributed greatly to the finishing aspects of manufacturing, such as pad design development and
Striving to reach the next level and taking on new challenges.
expertise in padding technique. Although he is now long retired,
Exploring advanced techniques and innovative sounds.
Mr. Takei still visits the factory
Learning from the past and moving forward into new territory.
almost every day.
Allowing new expressions of artistry to grow. Just as the player is never fully satisfied with the last performance but reaches for the next one; the next opportunity to engage, to teach, to grow—so do we. We cannot help but evolve in our craft, in our art. It is the dream we feel compelled to pursue. Grenadilla wood headjoint and body tubing, sterling silver mechanism
Alto flute with curved headjoint
Alto flute with straight headjoint Select models shown. Visit www.sankyoflutes.com for available models and details including piccolo and bass flute.
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Freedom experienced through discovery. The success of accomplishment and the realization that there is yet more RT style 14k gold
to achieve. Joy in the celebration and the need to pursue even higher goals. The knowledge that it truly is the journey, not the destination. From the dark, rich tone and control of the RT to the warm and expressive fluidity of the ST, we create headjoints that offer new
ST style 10k gold
territories of expression. The way one small tweak allows the tone to be magically transformed is one of the reasons we do what we do at Sankyo.
FT style sterling silver
Kikuo Hisakura was already known as a “genius of flute-making” when he founded Sankyo. He designed almost all the mechanical systems, scale and headjoints as well as many specialized tools and equipment. He was a visionary from the beginning through his passing in 2009. We honor him by keeping his pioneering spirit alive.
Select models shown. Visit www.sankyoflutes.com for available models and details.
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Music is the ultimate muse of creativity and exploration. The sound; the expression and connection through music, is what we all seek—audience, player and craftsman. What is possible? What has not yet been attempted? How will it sound? These are the questions that seduce us every day. This is why we push the boundaries of what is expected. Our flutes hold a secret within their walls. The extraordinary sound of a flute we craft will come to life when it is played and loved by someone who matches it. That special connection of flute and flutist is what we seek. This is the pride of Sankyo Flutes.
Yutaka Hisakura, the President of Sankyo and son of Kikuo Hisakura, can often be found in the production section doing what he enjoys the most: building flutes.
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www.sankyoflutes.com 1-888-686-0832 info@sankyoflutes.com