Guo Tocco Plus?

[Kaylyn]

Hi all,

I am looking at potentially purchasing a Guo Tocco Plus flute in the near future. I was wondering if any of you had played one and/or your impressions of them?

I have searched on this forum and others and what I have seen has been mainly positive as far as reviews go, but I haven't been able to find a whole lot out about them.

Looking specifically at the Tocco Plus because it comes apart like a normal flute whereas the regular Tocco stays in one piece.

I am looking mainly for a fun, great-sounding flute that will be used for outdoor concerts. This will not serve to replace my main silver flute.

Any reviews or opinions about this instrument and/or the company are greatly appreciated!

[Phineas]

I am a big fan of composite flutes, especially the Guo brand/series of. Are they necessarily the best playing flute in the world. Not to me. Would I do a concert with one? Sure depending on the type of music of course.

Just like any other flute, you just have to play on it to see if it is for you. Also, keep in mind that the GUO flutes are not cheap. For the same money, you can probably get a good comparable metallic flute.

Phineas

[fluteguy18]

I've not tried the Tocco line, but I've become a fan of their original Grenaditte model. Though I plan on buying one at some point, I know that I plan to overhaul it as soon as I get it with different pads.

[Kaylyn]

Thanks to both of you for the input! Fluteguy18 what are your issues with the pads, if you don't mind me asking?

[Kaylyn]

Phineas, is there another composite flute you'd recommend over the Guo? I am very new to the idea so haven't looked at a whole lot. Not looking to spend more than about $800 or so (the Tocco Plus is $699 from the dealer on eBay).

[fluteguy18]

On their original standard model, it seems to me that I remember that they were a sort of black foam of some variety or another. I remember thinking they felt squishy and very soft. I would want to change them out for a more traditional, firmer pad.

[Phineas]

Phineas, is there another composite flute you'd recommend over the Guo? I am very new to the idea so haven't looked at a whole lot. Not looking to spend more than about $800 or so (the Tocco Plus is $699 from the dealer on eBay).

Another popular brand of composite that is out there is Nuvo. They are ok to play on. But not nearly as well crafted as the Guo. I would not recommend it over a Guo, but they play good enough for honorable mention. They are also cheaper.

[fluteguy18]

The Nuvo flutes are interesting. They don't play nearly as well as the guo flutes do, but for the price, they're not too shabby. Intended for smaller children, they come with interchangeable lip plates (one standard and one with a whistle mouthpiece.... both snap on and off the tube), and then you can buy a separate package that will convert it from a child sized instrument to one with a standard headjoint and foot.

[Kaylyn]

Funny you should mention the Nuvo. I am planning on buying my kiddo one if she ever expresses any interest in flute! Probably have to be pink, though.

[kmbrly]

Funny you should mention the Nuvo. I am planning on buying my kiddo one if she ever expresses any interest in flute! Probably have to be pink, though.

I'm a beginner and I bought one for myself (the standard version with the straight headjoint and C foot) so I could keep it out for practice. I chose the white with the silver keys and a set of green keys to change out. I'll likely buy some more keys here pretty soon because I'm getting ready for a change of color. It's a lot of fun to keep the flute out and pick it up several times a day like I can with my recorder. My 8 yo daughter has expressed an interest in playing and I am happy to hand over the Nuvo to her to try.

I do have a silver-plated flute (Emerson EF6OF) and I prefer the sound of the it, but the Nuvo isn't bad for what it is and I tend to play it much more simply because I can leave it out and don't have to wipe it down after each time I pick it up. It doesn't take long to transition from playing the Nuvo to playing the Emerson.

Can the Guo flutes be left out on a stand, too?

[gerardo1000]

I own a very nice refurbished Gemeinhardt M3S solid silver flute, and a Nuvo plastic flute that I always keep ready on a stand at home. I finally received a brand new Guo Tocco flute (the original model, with the detachable head joint but with the fixed C foot), and although I was very enthusiastic at the idea of owning a quality composite/abs flute (I have always been fascinated by alternative materials. i.e. am a big fan of carbon fiber acoustic guitars) I finally decided to return it.
The flute looks very nice, but I couldn't really find a reason for preferring this flute to a comparable (in cost) silver flute.
The case is super stylish and super awkward to use. The flute comes with a super long cleaning rod that requires a good amount of attention when used in conjunction with a cloth , you have to roll the cloth with care in order to avoid that it gets stuck inside the long body of the flute.
The sound is good but not superior to the sound of a silver plated student flute at half the cost (personal opinion, of course) and I do not find the head joint particularly friendly to play, not to mention that the volume of the instrument is a bit low.
Yes they say that you can wash it in the bath tub. But still it looks quite delicate to me, with all those plastic keys and micro steel screws. And if it needs a spare part or repair,I guess that it's not easy to find a tech who could work on it and has the parts. You would probably be forced to ship it to the distributor. In all honesty, I am keeping my $ 150 Nuvo flute as my spare flute, it does not sound worst than the Tocco, it costs four times less, it is fully detachable, and if you lose it or break it you have lost a limited amount of money. This is a very personal point of view, of course, but I think that for what it offers, this Guo flute is overpriced and more an exercise in modern industrial design rather than a practical solution for a flute player.

[Kaylyn]

gerardo1000, I did buy the Guo flute. I do like it for what it is, but I am unsure how long I will keep it as well. It is neat for what it is, and the sound is different. However, I also struggle with the headjoint. I recently switched flutes to a Muramatsu EX and have heard over and over how difficult that head is to control. I find that one easier than the Guo headjoint. I would also agree with you that the case is super awkward. Looks great, though. I have a tough time with the pads. I am used to a lighter touch and feel like I have to push too hard to get the pads to seal because of what they are made of.

That said, I do like the sound. I think the flute itself is great for outdoor playing (my primary reason for purchase). Also, I am always amazed at how LIGHT these flutes are. They would be great for someone who struggles with physical issues that prevent them from holding the weight of a regular flute.

Guo has recently released a new line of AME flutes, which intrigue me. As for the Tocco, I am unsure as to whether I will keep it or not. Time will tell!