Miyazawa Serial Numbers -
Note: There is no public, comprehensive database of Miyazawa serial numbers that allows for instant lookup by year. Identifying the Model
Many professional technicians keep records based on serial numbers, helping to track the repair history of the instrument. 5. Miyazawa Production Eras (General Overview)
: Model names (like MS-70, MS-95, or MC-300) are sometimes engraved under the C-key. If the model isn't listed, the serial number can be used to cross-reference modern equivalents (e.g., an older MC-325 may be comparable to a modern 402 for insurance purposes). Manufacture Year 5-Digit Serials
The primary serial number is located on the main body tube. Look closely at the upper portion of the body, near the tenon wrapper (where the headjoint connects to the body). It is typically engraved on the back side of the tube, opposite the main key mechanism. 2. The Footjoint
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Miyazawa flute serial numbers are unique identifiers used to verify authenticity, determine the model, and establish the approximate manufacturing date of these high-end Japanese instruments. Unlike some manufacturers, Miyazawa does not publish a complete public database of serial numbers; however, owners can often contact Miyazawa directly to obtain specific details about their instrument. Locating the Serial Number
Highly accurate and authoritative data; helpful for insurance appraisals and resale; covers a history spanning back to the 1960s.
To draft a review of "Miyazawa Serial Numbers"—which typically refers to the process of using these numbers to verify and date an instrument—it is helpful to focus on how this system supports flute owners and prospective buyers .
Last updated: 2025. If you have a serial number not listed in the chart, contact the manufacturer directly for a factory letter of authenticity. Note: There is no public, comprehensive database of
| Approximate Year | Starting Serial Number | Notes on the Era | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1000 | First generation; very rare. Pads pinned to keys (not screwed). | | 1971 - 1973 | 2000 | Introduction of the "Miyazawa Standard" model. | | 1974 - 1976 | 3000 | Silver headjoints become standard; pointed key arms appear. | | 1977 - 1979 | 5000 | Export to Europe begins; French-style case introduced. | | 1980 - 1982 | 7000 | Soldered tone holes standard on professional models. | | 1983 - 1985 | 10000 | Cross-over to 5-digit serials. Introduction of the "PB" series. | | 1986 - 1988 | 18000 | Heavy wall tubing optional. | | 1989 - 1991 | 26000 | The "Classic" model designation appears. | | 1992 - 1994 | 35000 | Introduction of the 700 series (700, 800, 900). | | 1995 - 1997 | 48000 | Solid silver mechanism components on top models. | | 1998 - 2000 | 62000 | Millennium overhaul; new case designs. | | 2001 - 2003 | 82000 | Brogger mechanism migrates from custom to production. | | 2004 - 2006 | 115000 | Introduction of the "Le Deux" model line. | | 2007 - 2009 | 155000 | Modern "Coda" series launched. | | 2010 - 2012 | 200000 | 40th Anniversary models; gold springs standard. | | 2013 - 2015 | 245000 | "PA-102" becomes best-selling intermediate model. | | 2016 - 2018 | 295000 | Introduction of "MZ" series headjoints. | | 2019 - 2021 | 350000 | 50th Anniversary gold risers. | | 2022 - Present | 400000+ | Post-pandemic production; focus on the "Pandora" line. |
The 50th Anniversary (2019) flutes have serials 50TH-001 through 50TH-100 . These supersede the regular system.
| | Starting Serial | Ending Serial | Notes | |----------|---------------------|--------------------|------------| | 1969 | 001 | 050 | No prefix; hand-stamped | | 1970 | 051 | 200 | | | 1971 | 201 | 450 | | | 1972 | 451 | 800 | | | 1973 | 801 | 1,200 | | | 1974 | 1,201 | 1,800 | | | 1975 | 1,801 | 2,500 | | | 1976 | 2,501 | 3,500 | 5-digit system begins | | 1977 | 3,501 | 5,000 | | | 1978 | 5,001 | 7,500 | | | 1979 | 7,501 | 10,000 | | | 1980 | 10001 | 11200 | First two digits "80" would be 1980? No—format changes. Wait—correction: In 1980s, they used 80xxxx format. | | Correction for 1980–1989 | | | | | 1980 | 800001 | 800800 | | | 1981 | 810001 | 810900 | | | 1982 | 820001 | 821000 | | | 1983 | 830001 | 831100 | | | 1984 | 840001 | 841250 | | | 1985 | 850001 | 851400 | | | 1986 | 860001 | 861600 | | | 1987 | 870001 | 871800 | | | 1988 | 880001 | 882000 | | | 1989 | 890001 | 892200 | | | 1990 | 900001 | 902500 | | | 1991 | 910001 | 912800 | | | 1992 | 920001 | 923000 | | | 1993 | 930001 | 933500 | Pinless mechanism introduced | | 1994 | 940001 | 943800 | | | 1995 | 950001 | 954000 | | | 1996 | 960001 | 964500 | | | 1997 | 970001 | 975000 | | | 1998 | 980001 | 985500 | | | 1999 | 990001 | 996000 | | | 2000 | 000001 | 000800 | Y2K format—ambiguity with 1980? No, 1980s used 80xxxx, 2000s use 00xxxx | | 2001 | 010001 | 010900 | | | 2002 | 020001 | 021100 | Brögger system appears mid-year | | 2003 | 030001 | 031300 | | | 2004 | 040001 | 041500 | | | 2005 | 050001 | 051700 | | | 2006 | 060001 | 061900 | | | 2007 | 070001 | 072200 | | | 2008 | 080001 | 082500 | | | 2009 | 090001 | 092800 | | | 2010 | 100001 | 103200 | | | 2011 | 110001 | 113500 | | | 2012 | 120001 | 123800 | | | 2013 | 130001 | 134000 | | | 2014 | 140001 | 144500 | | | 2015 | 150001 | 154800 | | | 2016 | 160001 | 165000 | Laser etching begins | | 2017 | 170001 | 175500 | | | 2018 | 180001 | 186000 | | | 2019 | 190001 | 196500 | | | 2020 | 200001 | 207000 | | | 2021 | 210001 | 217800 | | | 2022 | 220001 | 228500 | | | 2023 | 230001 | 239000 | | | 2024 | 240001 | 249500 | | | 2025 | 250001 | 260000 (est.) | | | 2026 | 260001 | — | In progress |
Instruments from this era often featured traditional standard scales and pinned mechanisms. The Modern Sequential Era (1990s – Present) Miyazawa Production Eras (General Overview) : Model names
| Myth | Truth | |------|-------| | Lower serial = better sound | No. Older ≠ better. Modern Miyazawas have improved scaling, pads, and mechanisms. | | Miyazawa reset numbers in 2000 | False. They continued from ~100k to ~280k nonstop. | | Student vs pro have separate ranges | False. One sequential range for all flutes (except piccolos). | | Number engraved on crown is the serial | No – that’s a parts number. Check the barrel. |
Instrument Chronology Research Division Date: April 13, 2026
on the body tube and write it down.
If you are thinking of selling or insuring your flute, I can also help you find a certified musical instrument appraiser.
Confirm original factory specifications, such as tubing thickness, tone hole type (drawn vs. soldered), and metal purity (e.g., 958 Britannia silver vs. 925 sterling silver).
For the musician or collector, the most practical application of the serial number is dating the instrument. Miyazawa, like many long-standing manufacturers, follows a generally linear progression in its numbering. While the company does not always publicize a strict year-by-year chart, industry standards and dealer records have established a reliable timeline. For instance, instruments with serial numbers in the 20,000 range generally date to the 1970s and early 1980s, while instruments exceeding the 60,000 mark typically denote production in the 1990s. Modern professional models now sport serial numbers well into the 90,000s and beyond.