This week, we’re focusing on another professional-grade flute brand: the Sankyo series. Sankyo flutes are also made in Japan; the company was founded in 1968 by Kikuo Hisakura, Hideo Takei and Taichi Oki. The name “Sankyo” can be broken down in Japanese to SAN+KYO, where SAN means “three” and KYO means “hibiki” which translates to “sound.” According to them, the “three sounds” is the foundation and represents the “three founders and their pursuit of the essence of music: the intangible connections between craftsman–musician–audience.”
All Sankyo flutes are known for their attention to detail and high-quality, handmade craftsmanship from beginning to end. Their silver flutes come with a variety of options, from a silver-plated body (the 201) to a solid, 99.7% pure silver head, body, foot, and mechanisms (the 901). There are also numerous customizable options such as a heavy wall (which allows for a darker, fuller tone), lip plate options, and a choice of the finest gold and silver materials for the body of the flute. Sankyo is also known for their top-notch wood flutes, which feature a surprisingly bright sound.
Some of Sankyo’s best-known performing artists include Julien Beaudiment and Walter Auer of the Vienna Philharmonic. More information can be found on their website, http://sankyoflutes.com/. Erin often has a small variety of Sankyo flutes in the flute shop, so feel free to stop in and give these unique instruments a try!