A Magnificent Alto Flute for Small Ensembles and Soloists
As an intermediate-level instrument designed for a first-class playing experience, the Armstrong 703 Heritage alto flute is an outstanding flute for the advanced flutist or flute program. This superb instrument excels in small ensembles and flute choirs, adding a uniquely soft yet powerful sound to the group. The 703 Heritage alto flute features a silver-plated headjoint and body, which contributes deep yet defined sound to flute choirs and studio recordings. The body is decorated with silver-plated pointed key arms, offering a responsive feel and steady intonation across the entire instrument range, allowing you to focus on improving your technique. Flute players at Sweetwater appreciate that the 703 Heritage comes equipped with two headjoints — one straight and one curved — to suit the player’s preference. Moreover, the Armstrong 703 Heritage alto flute will arrive with a protective hardshell instrument case and cover.
Related Videos: 703 Heritage Alto Flute with Straight and Curved Headjoints
Irresistible feel and outstanding response
Armstrong's 703 Heritage alto flute has a soft, harmonious sound that blends perfectly in any flute choir or woodwind section while remaining distinct enough to stand out as a soloist. Its ergonomic hand positioning and pointed key arms provide a comfortable feel that reacts nicely to the subtle nuances of your playing. This is all thanks to the 703 Heritage's meticulously crafted and assembled silver-plated keys, which join the flute's silver-plated body to create an irresistible combination that makes this instrument a favorite among Sweetwater flutists.
Silver-plated straight and curved headjoints
Finally, this alto flute comes packaged with two headjoints — one curved and one straight — offering even more styles of comfort and playability to all varieties of flute players. Using a straight or curved headjoint is especially beneficial for school ensembles requiring students to share an instrument since the player can choose the headjoint that best suits their individual needs. Straight headjoints are less resistant and have a more open sound, whereas curved headjoints provide a little bit of resistance and can be helpful for smaller players in reaching all the keys. Still, either headjoint will yield a sweet, lyrical tone with ample projection.
Armstrong Flutes: carefully crafted in the Hoosier State
In 1931, William Teasdale Armstrong opened a small flute repair shop in Elkhart, Indiana. Within a few short years, William’s dedication to quality earned him a reputation as a master craftsman, and professional musicians began requesting custom-made instruments. Throughout the mid-20th century, Armstrong Flutes thrived. Eventually, William passed on the business to his son Edward, who recognized a need among student musicians for high-quality, affordable instruments. In the 1970s, Armstrong teamed with Albert Cooper to develop a new flute scale for 440Hz tuning, which was applied to Anderson’s 102, 103, and 104 student model flutes. Today, Anderson continues to focus on crafting top-notch student model flutes in their Elkhart-based facility.
Armstrong 703 Heritage Alto Flute Features:
- Alto flute designed to excel in small ensembles and flute choirs
- Silver-plated headjoint allows for easy transition between concert flute and alto flute
- Contributes a darker, deeper sound to flute choirs and studio recordings
- Curved headjoint keeps the flute close to your body and encourages better posture
- Straight headjoint offers a classic flute appearance
- Includes a hardshell case with cover
