Old Muramatsu Flutes Serial Number
Karin Semler
We recommend using either UPS or Federal Express 2nd day air, as a quick and efficient way of shipping. We are in the office M-F noon-5p; please save yourself the additional expense and hassle and AVOID a request for delivery before noon. Please pack your flute carefully by wrapping each section in a small piece of tissue paper, then replacing each section in the case. Place the case in your case cover, and send your flute in a box that is a bit larger than the instrument (an 18x8x6 box works great!). Make sure there is packing material (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, newspaper, etc.) at the bottom of the box, then your flute, then more packing material on top. Please remember to include your name, address and phone number, along with a brief description of the reason you are shipping the flute to us. If you are sending the flute for service, please include a short description of any concerns and/or the service that you are requesting.
We have many authorized dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Please see our MAP of Authorized Muramatsu America Dealers & Repair Technicians. If you prefer, call the office at (248) 336-2323 and we can assist with any questions or concerns.
Unfortunately, yes, there are some companies that do not purchase their Muramatsu inventory through the authorized channels. You can often detect an unauthorized company or agent, even when they claim to be authorized, if they do not display the authorized logo (see below), are selling new Muramatsu flutes on Ebay, tell you that you will have to wait for your flute, if they say that you do not have to worry about a factory warranty because their in-house repair staff (not trained at the Muramatsu factory) will provide service, if the flute is not stamped MA on the ribbing (applies to flutes made February 2002-present), or if they do not provide you with a case cover and gold certificate of authenticity (note: it was green before 2020). Please look for the following logo for authorized Dealers:
Your flute may be pitched sharp for this market, the spring tension may be different, the cut may be different. Customs and duties may not have been paid on these flutes or may have been falsified with customs, you may not receive a paid invoice, appraisal, nor factory warranty from the seller. You may not receive all the items that come with a new flute such as a case cover, etc. We have seen unintentional damage to Muramatsu flutes when service technicians are not trained in proper Muramatsu flute service, and we have seen examples of irreparable damage. Your flute may be subject to a repair surcharge if previous work has been performed by a Repair Technician that is not Authorized by Muramatsu America and has led to damage or work that must be repaired. Repair Techs who have not completed our training and authorization do NOT have access to Muramatsu parts for flutes made after 1995 and may use parts not specific to or appropriate for Muramatsu flutes.
When something is manufactured in a country other than the United States, you are subject to customs and duties charges. Muramatsu America pays all customs and duties charges on every flute we import. This means that all the proper paperwork has been filed with the United States government, and your flute is not in jeopardy of being repossessed.
If you have ordered with either Muramatsu America or one of our authorized dealers, your flute will likely be shipped within 3 business days. We have a huge inventory, ready for you. We do the waiting, by placing our orders from the Muramatsu, Inc. factory in Japan, well in advance of our customer demands. Please inquire directly with us for special order flutes. The wait time for special order flutes can be 3-18 months, and will vary based upon model, specifications and timing. We can walk you through any questions you have by emailing fl...@muramatsu-america.com or calling our office at 248-336-2323.
Most orders get shipped within 48 hours. If your dealer is stalling you, they are probably an unauthorized agent and you should call us immediately. We have most models in stock at all times. If you have placed a special order instrument through Muramatsu America, the wait times will vary. Please touch base with us and we will answer any questions you might have.
Special ordering refers to items we do not usually carry in our inventory, such as closed hole or C foot instruments, along with some of the higher end flutes such as 18k or 24k. Special orders should be placed directly with Muramatsu America, and it could take anywhere from 3-18 months for your flute to arrive. We always let our customers know the status of their special order.
This has happened on occasion when the demand for a certain model has exceeded our anticipated sales. We try very hard to keep everything in stock either here in our office, or with our dealers. Backorders are rare, and we ship as soon as possible.
It depends on the repair. Minor repairs and adjustments take 7-10 days, but overhauls take longer. Muramatsu America has one of the quickest repair turn-around times of any major professional flute maker.
Sorry, only authorized Repair Technicians can purchase Muramatsu parts such as pads, screws, washers, etc. This is simply due to the fact that the Muramatsu flute requires precision repair techniques. You can obtain key oil, cases, and case covers from Muramatsu America.
Yes and no. Every component of every Muramatsu flute is made to order. Older flutes (pre-1981) cannot have a new foot joint or headjoint made since these items are no longer in production. Solid silver flutes most likely can have new parts manufactured, but Muramatsu America has to check availability, price, and timing for each individual flute.
This is a mechanism which actually splits the two keys operated by the third finger in the left hand which produces G. The split E allows the second of these two keys to close independently when playing a high E and makes the high E speak more easily. This mechanism could be called a split G, but its purpose is solely for producing the high E, hence the name split E mechanism.
No. After the flute has been manufactured, neither a C# trill key nor a Split E mechanism can be added to the flute. However, a high E facilitator (also known as E ring, or donut), can be installed on your Muramatsu flute.
Yes. You can call to schedule a trial with the Muramatsu model and options you wish to try. We will need your name, address, phone number and a payment method for security. Trial period is 7 days from receipt of the flute.
No. Every flute sent for trial is brand new (unless you request a used flute), and that flute is available for sale. So, if you test the flute and like it, you may keep the flute by completing the purchase.
Yes, when in-person trade-shows resume, you can trial and purchase Muramatsu Flutes from us or our authorized dealers. A trade show is just like an in-home trial. If you like the flute, you can make your purchase with our trade show representative.
We continue to update our in-person testing protocol as we adapt to changes in the pandemic. Please call (248) 336-2323 or email fl...@muramatsu-america.com to discuss the options with us that may include in-person testing, local pick up or shipping for trial with our staff.
Flutes manufactured after April 1995 are all registered in the Muramatsu America database, as long as your flute was purchased through a legitimate dealer or agent, of course. If your flute was manufactured before April 1995, we will be able to contact the factory on your behalf to obtain information about your flute.
North American specifications refer to pitch, spring tension, headjoint, cut, etc. Also, if you are purchasing a DS, Platinum Clad, Gold or Solid Platinum flute, the D# roller is a standard feature on these flutes. Over the years our staff has worked closely with the engineers at Muramatsu Inc. to ensure that the flutes we import have the features desired by the American flutist.
Muramatsu America is licensed to represent Muramatsu, Inc. in guaranteeing to arrange repair or replacement of any part or item on the flute deemed to have a defect that occurred in the manufacturing of the instrument. Flutes purchased directly from Muramatsu America have additional warranty. Please refer to the warranty page for details.
The founder of the Muramatsu company was an artist, who became enamored when he heard a Boehm system flute for the first time. This sound was new to Japan, and inspired the young Koichi Muramatsu. He had recently acquired engineering skills while repairing instruments for the army music school, and he resolved himself to creating such flutes himself. This young artist and flute maker did not realize at that time, in 1923, the legacy he would be creating. He was to become the founder of modern day flute making in Japan.
Family traditions continue in the Muramatsu company, which warmly greets traveling flutists to Japan and maintains friendly relationships with flutists worldwide. Flutists are always welcomed to visit the Tokyo Flute Shop and the company sometimes allows visitors to the factory in Tokorozawa.
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