Jupiter alto flute

[flutesong]

Help - I'm feeling the call of an alto flute and need some advice please! I have come upon a Jupiter alto flute for sale. The asking price is between $740-$820. It is used, in good shape, not played much, and the flute head joint actually says just 500 with no letter designation to indicate which head joint(s) it comes with though it is being sold with a straight head joint. I am not a professional player by any means and just play for my own enjoyment. Would like to know what folks think of this "deal" and whether the general consensus is that it's a good start for someone like me who would enjoy the lower registers an alto could offer. Tx. much!

[fluttiegurl]

I had a Jupiter alto at one time. Mine was originally sold with a curved headjoint, which I found hard to tune. I later bought a straight one to go with it and was very satisfied. It is not a top of the line flute by any means, but mine was a very nice flute that served me well while I had it.

[Linda L]

I also own a Jupiter alto. I am an adult amateur who, after 25+ years of not hardly touching the flute, started to play again with a flute choir two years ago. I would make sure you are comfortable with the reach using the straight head. I ended up buying a curved head for mine, as the reach was too uncomfortable for me to play any length of time. It also took me a little while to figure out how to get Eb2 and E2 to sound decent. I think the price you quoted is good, if the instrument is in good shape, as I paid $900 for mine with a straight head joint last year. It is a great entry level alto, and is on Dr. Chris Potter's recommended list. I found I liked playing alto so much that I just upgraded to an Altus.

Linda

[flutesong]

Comparing an Artley alto flute w/solid silver straight head joint - which do folks think would be a better of choice for a beginner purchasing their 1st alto - the Artley or the Jupiter "500". Tx for all input. Very helpful!

[Phineas]

Comparing an Artley alto flute w/solid silver straight head joint - which do folks think would be a better of choice for a beginner purchasing their 1st alto - the Artley or the Jupiter "500". Tx for all input. Very helpful!

IMHO, all things being equal and both in the same playable condition, I would get the one that was the best price. You would really have to get good at playing it to really notice a difference. I like the headjoint on the Jupiter better, but the Artley I tried was easier to play. The Artley is also heavier than the Jupiter as well.

My only other suggestion is be prepared to get it worked on. Add at least $100 dollars to the price you purchase a used flute to allow for minor repair and adjustment. I have not ever bought a used instrument that did not need work.

Phineas

[flutesong]

"IMHO" ? not familiar w/this. Definition pleeze. Also tx. much for input. Most appreciated and helpful when trying to make up my learning mind!!!!!What was it about the Jupiter head joint that you liked better? How was the Artley easier to play 4 u? I already have a student Jupiter flute w/C foot and a B foot Artley, both of which I love.

[Phineas]

"IMHO" ? not familiar w/this. Definition pleeze.

IMHO = In my humble/honest opinion.

[James_Alto]

Help - I'm feeling the call of an alto flute and need some advice please! I have come upon a Jupiter alto flute for sale. The asking price is between $740-$820. It is used, in good shape, not played much, and the flute head joint actually says just 500 with no letter designation to indicate which head joint(s) it comes with though it is being sold with a straight head joint. I am not a professional player by any means and just play for my own enjoyment. Would like to know what folks think of this "deal" and whether the general consensus is that it's a good start for someone like me who would enjoy the lower registers an alto could offer. Tx. much!

I don't know if it helps - but that's an incredibly good price on an alto flute - provided you don't spend the same amount, having to service it.

The Jupiter alto flutes are fine for a beginner - they are free-blowing and easy to get used to. I loved the Dimedici range, however the price point was simply not competitive where I live, with the import duties making the price of the solid silver Dimedici alto flute in the range of an Altus basic model. The advantage of the Dimedici flute includes a split-E mechanism - which other competitors in the high-end market don't have. I can't say it bothers me at all, but some really prefer it.

The weight and size of a solid silver alto flute doesn't trouble me - if you're struggling with the weight and length, then the Jupiter would be a better option. In the longer term, if you decide to stick with the alto flute and upgrade, it will be easier to move a Jupiter alto flute than an Artley, which only sentimental collectors or bottom-trawlers looking for bargains on auction sites would really grasp.
Although the idea of playing a vintage flute is commendable, it is usually better sounding in wood imho!