Guide to Yamaha Flute Model Numbers

Yamaha Flutes have 3-digit model numbers, where each digit indicates something different about the flute. Read on for a guide to Yamaha Flute Model Numbers. 

The first digit indicates the material of the instrument

2xx: all-silver plated
3xx: sterling silver headjoint, silver-plated body and keys
4xx: sterling silver headjoint and body, silver-plated keys
5xx: sterling silver headjoint, silver-plated body and keys
6xx: sterling silver headjoint and body, silver-plated keys
7xx: sterling silver headjoint, body and keys (drawn tone holes)
8xx: wood flute and sterling silver keys (soldered tone holes if not wood)
9xx: 14K/9K gold flute and sterling silver keys

The second digit indicates if the flute is inline or offset, open hole or closed hole, and with or without split-E mechanism. Note that not all specifications are available for all models (for example, x7x is not available for intermediate flutes.)

x2x: closed hole plateau model with offset G
x6x: open hole French model with offset G
x7x: open hole French model with offset G and split-E mechanism
x8x: open hole French model with inline G
x9x: open hole French model with inline G and split-E mechanism

The third digit indicates the type of flute
xx2: Standard & Intermediate Flutes
xx4: Professional Wood Flutes
xx7: Professional Flutes

Optional letters at the end of the model numbers provide more insight into options.
H: B footjoint 
Without “H”: C footjoint
CT: C# trill key
LPGP: gold-plated lip plate

Let’s “decode” a few popular model numbers:

Yamaha 362H/LPGP
3xx: sterling silver headjoint, silver-plated body and keys
x6x: open hole French model with offset G
xx2: Standard & Intermediate Flutes
H: B footjoint
LPGP: with gold-plated lip plate

Yamaha 462H
4xx: sterling silver headjoint and body, silver-plated keys
x6x: open hole French model with offset G
xx2: Standard & Intermediate Flutes
H: B footjoint

Yamaha 222
2xx: all-silver plated
x2x: closed hole plateau model with offset G
xx2: Standard & Intermediate Flutes

Yamaha 687HCT
6xx: sterling silver headjoint and body, silver-plated keys
x8x: open hole French model with inline G
xx7: Professional Flutes
“H”: B footjoint 
CT: C# trill key

Any questions? Contact a Resident Flutist today - we are happy to help, whether you have a question about model numbers, are ready for a trial, or are curious about which flute may be right for you.