Jupiter 711 series

[Band_twink_14]

I'm thinking of purchesing a jupiter 711 as a step-up flute. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with them. If so, are they reliable? Do they stay in tune? Are they hard to play (I haven't been able to play on one,yet.)? Would you recommend the 711 for a 8th grade who's been playing on a gemeinhardt 2sp for two years? Which other brands would you reconmend for about the same price? Should I get the offset or inline G?





Thank you for any advice.

[fluteguy18]

I have played on a few Jupiter flutes, and I was actually rather impressed with them in comparison to their price. I would recommend almost any 'step up' model made by a reputable company. The degree of recommendation of course depends on the model in question. So, yes, I think this would be a decent upgrade.

I would also have a look at:
Azumi
Emerson
Pearl [Quantz models]
Sonare
Trevor James [there are a couple of models that are in a close price range]
Yamaha 300-400 models.

I personally would recommend saving up to get into a $1500-ish price range. In this range, it would be easy to get a fairly decent intermediate flute from any of these companies. I would also recommend looking into getting a flute that has a handcut headjoint, even if it means that you might have to get a silver plated body instead of an all solid silver body. This would give you a more flexible flute overall, and would be a much better step up than an all machine made instrument for about $200 less.

So, for a similiar price range with the handcut head, on this list, you would need to take a look at: Azumi,Sonare, yamaha, and perhaps pearl [but I am sort of unsure about the last one].

Good luck with your search!

[flutepicc06]

If so, are they reliable? Do they stay in tune? Are they hard to play (I haven't been able to play on one,yet.)? Would you recommend the 711 for a 8th grade who's been playing on a gemeinhardt 2sp for two years? Which other brands would you reconmend for about the same price? Should I get the offset or inline G?

The Jupiter company has had some issues with reliability in the past, but if you're buying a new instrument, you shouldn't have any problems. They've made some great improvements in the not-so-distant-past. As for whether they stay in tune, the scale on them is no worse than a lot of flutes at this level, but pitch is decided primarily by the player, so assuming you have a good ear and a flexible embouchure, "staying in tune" should not be an issue with any flute of decent quality. I find Jupiters pretty easy to play (they don't have the resistance of some flutes), but whether or not they feel good to you is a different story...Try them out (along with as many other flutes that Fluteguy suggested as you can) and see what you think. Personally, I don't think most people who have been playing for only two years need to upgrade (I didn't get my first upgrade until I had been playing 4 years), but obviously I can't judge your particular situation, so if you are set on upgrading, there's nothing wrong with the 711. If you end up liking the Jupiters, you might look into a DiMedici (which is Jupiter's intermediate line). As for offset G or Inline, that's all a matter of comfort. Try flutes with both, and whichever option you like the feel of is the one you should go with.

[Band_twink_14]

Thank you both, and my lessons teacher said I should upgrade.