Flutes Flutes and more flutes and did I say flutes? because we love flutes!
Precision that plays.
  Flutes crafted in silver, gold and platinum. 

Burkart-Phelan is a small artisan shop where there is still truth in the words "hand made." We continually answer the demand for improvement in the 21st-century flute with innovative design, new materials, and the most advanced precision tools. Burkart flutes truly live up to the motto "Precision that plays."

From the moment the first Burkart professional flute was introduced in 1996, Burkart-Phelan has led the way in design and materials innovation. In addition to crowning the instrument with an exclusive headjoint, every Burkart flute is crafted with the following features and techniques:

The Burkart Scale: James Phelan developed the scale that is the cornerstone of all Burkart flutes. The Burkart scale is mathematically derived and has eliminated many of the flaws and compromises found in the 20th-century flute. Evenness and stability of pitch are its hallmarks.

Tooled Keys & Arms: To play its best, a flute's pads must cover perfectly. With this end in mind, each Burkart key cup is cut from solid gold or silver, leaving a flat internal surface for pads. The cup perfectly centers the flute pad, delivering added stability to the padding system.

Burkart's micro-Link™ Mechanism is a new way of connecting dependent keys of the flute. The key parts to this innovative architecture are the newly engineered micro-links which serve three very important functions - a miniature linkage connector, an angle positioner, and an adjustment rest. Improving upon prior pinless systems, Burkart's micro-link mechanism eliminates the need for four bulky back connectors. The Burkart player will notice the immediate benefits of reduced weight. Spring tension (resistance) is equal and light between all keys.

Further raising the bar, every Burkart flute is built with a solid 14K white gold rod to maximize the stiffness of the linkage and preserve the integrity of a precious metal mechanism. The sleek design of the micro-links allow Burkart to position the slim gold linkage very close to the main axle of axle of the keys, delivering responsive action. Delay between dependent keys is eliminated, and the mechanism delivers stable, secure, and evenly balanced response of keys for the right and left hand.

The micro-Link™ Mechanism is built upon two traditional pivot mounted axles to ensure easy maintenance and adjustments.

The simple elegance of Burkart's micro-Link™ Mechanism will enhance the technique of the Burkart player, delivering lightning fast key action.

Burkart Tonal Voicing: The tone holes of each Burkart flute or piccolo are tuned with the Lillian Burkart system of voicing. Just as the pipes of the organ are custom tuned, so too are the flute, piccolo and headjoint finessed as they near completion. The final touch under the master's hand gives the Burkart flute its even, balanced tone in all registers.

Gold Solders: Proprietary high-karat gold solders with lower melting temperatures join the tone holes and embouchure joints to the body in all silver, gold and platinum flutes. These noble metal solders join the flute parts more effectively than soft solders and will not deteriorate over time.

Stainless Steel Rods: All Burkart flutes are built using three different types of specially alloyed stainless steel rods. These rods resist the flexing, distortion and corrosion of carbon steels used previously in piccolo and flute making. The system reduces friction and gives the player more hours of maintenance-free play.

Super Silent System: Sleek, black, felted-foam bumpers regulate and quiet the key action. The Burkart finishing staff attends to every detail, delivering silent, accurate key action. These technicians are all capable flutists, so every flute is given hours of play before it is sent to the owner who commissioned it.

Expert Hand Assembly: While the greater precision in the pieces that our technology guarantees is important, expert human assembly is still the hallmark of the Burkart flute.

Frequently Asked Questions:
"How can I test a Burkart flute, piccolo, or headjoint?"

Pricing:
Click here for a complete pricelist.

Availability:
Varies from 3 to 8 months from date of order. Please contact us for current delivery times.

International Dealers:
Click here for a list of Burkart flute and piccolo dealers

Brochure:
Request our printed brochure and price list using our online form.

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