Manufacturer's Description "Yamaha alto flutes have reached a new standard in harmony flute design. Yamaha´s unique expertise with the various alloys used in brass instruments has led to the discovery that gold brass (brass with a higher than usual copper content) is the perfect material for optimum tone, weight, and playability. The gold brass gives a rich, colorful sound, and the flute is much more comfortable to hold and play than traditional alto flutes, being considerably lighter."