Add a catagory to Faq...Testing a New Instrument

[Phineas]

I have been reading around the internet, and have come a cross a subject that would be worth adding.

Testing my new flute.

How do I play test a flute?

What do I look for when i play test a flute?

What piece should I play?

Whay do i need a tuner?

Should ! record myself?

What are the most important qualities should I consider?


I know people will add more. I have my method of testing out instruments, does any one esle want to add their ideas?

Phineas

[sidekicker]

There may be some things in what I sent you regarding head joint testing that could be used on this subject as well (e.g., using exactly the same music for each head, choosing just a few pieces that, in combination, will allow testing for response in all registers, articulation, tone quality, etc., so that you can do equal side by side comparisons.); I'm not sure if it made it in or not. But feel free to adapt or add to that if you want, if you think those are decent ideas (as you said, everyone usually has their own methods of play testing instruments). Not all of what I had to offer on that subject applies to choosing an entire instrument, though; I was honing in on head joints only. But some of it is probably just as relevant. I do think it's a great idea to at a FAQ on it, though; especially since we often have people come here interested in upgrading their instrument.

Thanks again, Phineas for taking the lead on this big project. I really think it will be helpful.

SK