The globally popular 441 series has been renewed with additional keys and features to increase comfortability in performance. One addition is the third octave key as indicated by the new series name "441T." This improvement enables players to perform without stress or difficulty.
Duet+ is a patented technology of Yamaha. The wooden inner bore and tone holes are coated with ABS resin. This prevents moisture from soaking into the body, making it durable despite changes in temperature or humidity. It is designed to preserve as much as 90% of the wooden portion, preserving the oboe’s sound and resonance.
The bell bore has been redesigned to improve the intonation of the middle range. In addition, the Low-Bb resonance key improves the intonation of the Low-Bb.
Adding a third octave key stabilizes both the articulation and the intonation in the third octave.
A low B-C# trill can be easily performed, just by opening and pressing down the B key while holding the C# key.
All the pads are made of cork. This reduces pad noise.
The thumb rest has a strap ring. Using a strap improves playability by reducing pressure on the right-hand thumb which can put extra strain on the shoulder and the neck.
When assembling wooden instruments, extra care is needed between the upper and lower joints as too much pressure can cause damage. By reinforcing the sections with a metal tenon and receiver, it is easier to assemble the instrument.
Using patented technology, the injection-molded inner bore is designed to resist cracking while stabilizing the bore for improved consistency and durability. The upper joint is drilled slightly larger around the bore and toneholes. Thermoplastic ABS resin is injected into the cavity, forming an ideal inner bore. It preserves as much as 90% of the wooden material, and its appearance looks the same as conventional all-wooden models.
Upper joint toneholes (except for the octave vents) are molded simultaneously with the resin bore.