New flute

Leedthomson · Post by **Leedthomson** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:43 pm

hi everyone!
I'm 14 and i'm in 9th grade. My band director said from the way I play I should get a new better flute. I don't know what kind of flute I have

I have a couple of questions that may sound stupid. What's the difference between a Inline G and offset G and a c foot and b foot? sry if these questions are stupid but I really don't know what they are.

monkey · Post by **monkey** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:27 pm

Hello im 14 as well and i don't know what eaither of those are eaither so sorry for that anways my band director gets us the best flute and for me it seems to work very well its a Armsrong and i like the tone a lot and it is about 700 dollors
~Vanessa~

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:42 pm

Hi, guys! It's cool you're excited about flute! The G keys of student flutes are generally offset. This means the G key assembly is on its own, separate rod, about 1 inch long (the keys on either side of your G# key). This configuration allows easier reach for left-hand ring finger, and less tension for most players. Intermediate and professional flutes are now commonly made with this option. In an in-line assembly, these keys are all mounted on the same rod. This has, for many years, been standard on intermediate and professional flutes in America. Most teachers would recommend an offset configuration for young players. Matter of personal preference and comfort. A C foot is also standard on beginners' flutes. There are two keys (covering holes) at the end of the footjoint, to play low C# and C. A B foot (three keys down there) is standard in America, though not in Europe, on most intermediate and pro flutes, but this is also a matter of personal preference. It's relatively innocuous; I mean, if you're not playing Bs in your piece, it's not going to bother you, but will make your flute the tiniest bit heavier. It's nice to have in the event you need to play B, though this usually occurs in advanced solo literature and sometimes advanced (not school band-type) ensemble literature. There is a bit of a psychological (maybe acoustic) advantage to C not being "the lowest note" anymore---with one more half-step to follow, C suddenly sometimes seems much easier. It will also change the intonation of the third octave, usually for the better (slightly flatter, instead of super-sharp). There is usually no extra charge for inline vs. offset, or for having a B key as a standard feature. When buying a separate footjoint, however, the B foot (more silver) will be more expensive. Armstrong is a really-pretty-good flute for a beginner-to-intermediate player. Good scale, nice-enough tone, relatively few trips to the repair shop...

Leedthomson · Post by **Leedthomson** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:47 pm

Thankyou so much for the info! and its nice to see someone else here is my age hehe. I am very excited about my flute, that is getting repaired, I think I have an Armstrong. I am so excited about getting a new one. I love the flute I have been playing flute for almost five years, also piano for a year, guitar since this summer, and I just started with oboe. As well as singing in my school choir. I love music(if you couldn't tell already), and I dance in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical. Thanks again

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:50 am

MeLizzard has some good info there! Just thought I'd throw in my ten cents...
It is my understanding that it really doesn't matter all that much if your flute is offset or inline--it's more of a matter of personal preference. If you have shorter fingers, you might want to stick with an offset model. If you have really long fingers (like myself) you might want to try an inline model. I played an inline for years and purchased an offset (couldn't get the model I wanted in an inline configuration) this summer. It's a small adjustment, but it's not bad and I can really play on either model.
As far as C foot versus B foot, I would get a B foot if you have the option. MeLizzard is absolutely right in saying that it really doesn't matter too much--it really doesn't. But the B foot does make high notes WAY easier when used correctly, and it never hurts to have the B foot just in case you have a piece that calls for a couple of low B's.
If you're in the ninth grade, I wouldn't especially recommend an Armstrong. Don't get me wrong--they're durable flutes that are pretty well built for a beginner. But I think that at your point in your flute career, you would probably get more milage out of an intermediate Yamaha.
I don't know what your budget is, but even if you could get a used one it would probably be worth it. I'd recommend something with open holes (you could always plug them until you want to learn with them), a B foot and solid silver. Check one out at http://www.wwbw.com/Yamaha-YFL381-Serie ... 970.music?.
Hope that helps a little!

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:55 am

If you're going for Yamaha, skip the lower series and go straight for the 400s, 500s, or 600s. Otherwise, for the $$$, Armstrong is much lower-priced for the same quality. The 300s have played kind of like, well, pretentious 200s. Even the 400s could be considered slightly overpriced. Just play a lot of flutes, different brands and models, before choosing one--it is a big investment. If budget is a prohibitive factor, maybe a new headjoint would help. Other upper-intermediate brands to consider are Trevor James (quite reasonably priced

), Miyazawa Lyric, or even the intro model of the Muramatsu line, the EX. This is a silver headjoint on a silver-plated body. James Galway even likes this one! Choose the one on which you sound great, not friends or your teacher or somebody famous, or anyone.

Leedthomson · Post by **Leedthomson** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:54 am

How would I try different flutes before I buy one? Is that possible? My price range for now i would say id around $1000 dollors give or take a few hundred. I do have...pretty long fingers so probably inline for me i'm guessing. I will probably go with the b foot. thanks again

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 5:13 pm

Trying flutes is pretty easy--if you just go to a music store and tell them which flute you want to try (I'd call ahead of time just to make sure they have it) and they should let you play it in the store. If you don't feel confident in your ability to test a flute, you might consider bringing along an experienced friend or teacher to help you.

biggzh · Post by **biggzh** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:38 am

Take my advice, check out www.flute4u.com or www.fluteworld.com. Their representatives would be glad to help you find a good step-up/intermediate flute.

Leedthomson · Post by **Leedthomson** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 9:45 am

Thanks for all the information everyone!
I didn't exactly get to pick my new flute out, because my mom and dad bought me one for Christmas. I got the new Armstrong 800b. It's quite good too. It costed them just as much as a yamaha, and it sounds rly good, so i'm not dissapointed. It has a gold lip plate that is engraved with flowers, its really pretty. Its open holed, but I didnt take the plaugs out yet because they said to wait a while before you take them out. Thanks again!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 10:30 am

Congratulations! Go ahead and take the plugs out! You may discover that it is not as hard as you may think to play without them.

Also, don't go back and forth with them, it makes it that much harder.