Pearl Flute FLUTE C MAESTA SILVER 997

Maesta: Pearl's Craftsmanship

The Maesta series holds a benchmark position among Pearl's handcrafted concert flutes. Handmade in Japan, it reflects an approach in which the choice of materials, the adjustment of the keywork and the finishing all contribute to the instrument's quality. The MD997R combines a high-purity solid silver construction with the brand's characteristic mechanical solutions.

At its factory in Chiba, Pearl maintains the transmission of instrument-making skills through an in-house apprenticeship program. This continuity between experienced craftspeople and new generations supports a clear ambition: to offer performers carefully crafted instruments capable of accompanying them through demanding musical work.

A flute for developing your playing and shaping your interpretation

This C flute is particularly suited to advanced musicians, higher-education students and professionals. An intermediate flutist already comfortable with their embouchure placement may also find it an instrument for developing their tonal palette. The open-hole keys do, however, require precise coverage of the openings with the fingers.

Its natural repertoire includes the classical repertoire, orchestral and chamber music, where control of dynamics and cohesion with the other instruments are essential. It can also be used for jazz, pop and contemporary music. The C footjoint, the lower section of the instrument, allows it to descend to low C, without the extension to B found on a B footjoint.

997 silver and precise keywork: materials serving phrasing

The headjoint, body and lip plate are made from 997 silver, with a silver content of 99.7%. This material contributes to a rich, nuanced sound, whose density and flexibility the flutist can explore. Projection, intonation and ease of response also remain dependent on breath support and embouchure placement.

The drawn tone holes are formed directly from the tube material: they create the rims against which the pads close. The double-bladder pads provide this seal when properly adjusted, an essential condition for a clean response and even performance across the registers.

The inline keywork places the main keys along the same alignment. The open-hole keys, also known as French-pointed keys, give the player direct contact with the openings. Pointed keywork refers to the tapered arms connecting certain keys to their mechanism; it should not be confused with the shape of the key cups.

The 925 silver keywork is complemented by silver springs and an elongated G-sharp key. The Pinless system reduces the use of through-pins, while the One-Piece Core-Bar is built around a single-piece axle. These choices are intended to ensure keywork stability and consistent operation over the course of playing.

Accessories to protect your Maesta

The included case, cover and cleaning rod meet essential transport and maintenance needs. To complete this equipment, choose a soft, non-abrasive cloth intended for the exterior of silver-plated instruments and absorbent paper for concert flute pads. After each playing session, remove moisture with the cleaning rod and avoid putting any pressure on the keys when storing the instrument.

Technical specifications

Category	Flute	Head	Sterling silver 970‰
Tone	C	Lip Plate	Special Altus silver
Inline keywork	Yes	Foot	B
Hole	Ringkey	Included accessories	Case + Cover + Swab - Maintenance
Mecanics	Sterling silver 925‰	Color	Grey
Body material	Sterling silver 997‰	Finishing	Silver
Pad	Balloon

Type	concert flute.	Springs	silver.
Model	Pearl MD997R Maesta.	G-sharp key	elongated.
Key	C.	Pads	double-bladder.
Footjoint	C.	Mechanical technologies	Pinless and One-Piece Core-Bar.
Tone holes	drawn.	Headjoint	straight.
Key cups	open.	Headjoint material	997‰ sterling silver.
Configuration	inline keywork.	Series	Maesta.
Construction	pointed key cups.	Manufacture	handcrafted in Japan.
Keywork material	925‰ sterling silver.	Preparation	instrument set up by a luthier.