The numbers are typically engraved in two places depending on the model tier:
You can estimate the age of your flute based on when its specific model series was produced: Model Series Common Sub-Models Estimated Production Years YFL-22N / 22S Standard models 1969 – 1972 YFL-24N / 24S Standard models 1973 – 1979 YFL-100S / 100AS Standard models 1979 – 1990 YFL-225N / 225S Standard models 1979 – 1990 YFL-225NII / SII Standard models 1990 – 2000 Advantage series 2004 – Current YFL-211S(2) Intermediate models 1990 – 2000 Intermediate models 1985 – 1999 Where to Find the Serial Number Standard to Professional (2XX–7XX) : Engraved on the reverse side of the foot joint end of the body. Hand-made Models (8XX–9XX) : Engraved at the base of the post near the C-key Yamaha Flute Serial Number Chart
| Serial Number Range | Approximate Year | | :--- | :--- | | 001000 – 004000 | Early 1980s | | 005000 – 010000 | Mid 1980s | | 010000 – 020000 | Late 1980s | | 020000 – 040000 | Early 1990s | | 050000 – 080000 | Mid 1990s | | 100000+ | Late 1990s / Early 2000s | The numbers are typically engraved in two places
While the Yamaha Flute Serial Number Chart gives you a year, it does not tell you: Yamaha Flute Serial Number Chart
Shift to current numbering like YFL-221 (standard since 2002) and YFL-222.