Modern
technology has come a long way from 18th century. Boehm could not even
dream about the modern materials and technology, which have been used
for the mechanism of MATIT flute:
The metal keywork operates on magnets instead of metal springs. The up
and down motion of the light keys are quick, sensitive and well
balanced. The magnets operate without friction. They do not wear out or
lose their power. Yet they are easily replaced.
A new G-sharp mechanism avoids the duplicate tone hole required in
conventional spring -return flutes. It's the first time this
arrangement really works, thanks to magnets. Lower notes of the octave
are better in tune and more resonant. An additional split E-mechanism
is no longer needed.
The MATIT flute mechanism uses miniature precision stainless steel ball
bearings and high quality ground and hardened steel axles.
Thin synthetic elastomer gaskets mounted on the tone hole collars have
replaced conventional keypads. There are no soft and ragged pads
anymore, only hard surface under the keys. This new solution provides
superior coverage and creates a reflective surface all around the
vibrating air column inside the body and helps to keep the intonation
equal throughout the entire scale.
Handling and ergonomics have been improved by moving the axles of the
right hand key section to the opposite side of the flute body.
The fingering
is similar to Boehm-system flutes.
There are three choices of material for the keywork: plated brass,
solid silver and solid titanium! Titanium is a very light metal which
allows for a very rapid motion of the keys. It is also very resistant
to oxidation and corrosion.
The carbon fibre body construction as well as the magnetic key action
are patented by Matti Kahonen covering all wind instruments. The
original design of the flute is covered by the international copyright
legistlation.
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