I'm looking for the right flute.

by Greg
(Missouri)

Question: i have been playing about 20 years. I have been given money for a new flute in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. I play mostly in the middle register, toning melody behind acoustic players, though sometimes upper register for short crescendos and some staccato type action. I play a Selmer open hole B foot silver plate currently. What's your favorite for this range. A used flute is okay if it means better quality.


Answer: My opinion is that each flute is different, even if it's the same brand. One Gemeinhardt flute could be great and another one not so great. This is especially true if you're buying a used flute.

I would try each flute before you consider purchasing it. If you have a friend who is a good flutist, ask them to play the flute you're considering buying. Ask them if the notes speak easily and what the tone quality is like.

If you don't have a friend who is a good flutist, ask around for a recommendation of a good flutist, then contact that individual and ask if they would make an assessment of an instrument you're considering purchasing.

I also suggest having a competent repair person evaluate the flute before you buy it. Check the condition of the pads in particular.

There are a lot of great flute brands available today. If you play one and it feels good to you and it's in your budget, you're good to go.




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I'm looking for the right flute.

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Choosing the right flute
by: Janet

My teacher recently remarked that soloists prefer the mellow tone of a golden flute, while flutists who play in a group prefer the brighter sound of silver.

Some flutes take more air to speak well, so consider that as you play different flutes. Go to a dealer that can show you 3 or more brands so you can compare. Take along some music that you can play well, especially in the range you play the most. But don't neglect the full range of the instrument. My Yamaha was terrific in the first 2 octaves, but took a lot of air for the third. I don't have a lot of air, so it was a real challenge.

Now I have a Miyazawa which I adore. When I purchased it I was given a chance to choose between 4 different styles of lip plates, and chose the one which gave me the best sound. The dealer was surprised, because she said most people choose a different one.

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