Do Flutes Improve with Age?
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Do Flutes Improve with Age?
Hi, I'm new to the world of flutes. Does age matter on a flute if its been recorked & padded?...or they say the corks & pads are in good condition? I read at flutesonline.com that flutes don't improve with age like violins. What's your opinion? I was considering buying a used yamaha 225SII or a gemeinhardt M2 but now I'm wondering if I should. Maybe I should focus only on the yamaha yfl-221 or the gemeinhardt 2sp. Thanks for your help.
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powayflute01
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Flutes don't improve with age, but they don't necessarily get worse either.
A lot of the "great" flute players play on older flutes (I believe Jean-Pierre Rampal played primarily on a 1950's Haynes; someone correct me if I'm wrong about that). Generally speaking, a very high-quality flute with proper care can play great for a very long time.
It doesn't matter if a flute has been recorked or repadded; it does not affect the value in any way. When you're purchasing a flute though, you might want to make sure the corks and pads (whether they are the originals or new ones) are in good condition or you're going to be shelling out a few bucks to get new ones.
If you're a beginning player, I'd say it's fine to get a used flute as long as it's in good condition. We have more than a few threads on Gemeinhardt vs. Yamaha, if you look around. My personal preference is Yamaha (after playing on a Gemeinhardt for 6 years and a Yamaha for 6 months).
A lot of the "great" flute players play on older flutes (I believe Jean-Pierre Rampal played primarily on a 1950's Haynes; someone correct me if I'm wrong about that). Generally speaking, a very high-quality flute with proper care can play great for a very long time.
It doesn't matter if a flute has been recorked or repadded; it does not affect the value in any way. When you're purchasing a flute though, you might want to make sure the corks and pads (whether they are the originals or new ones) are in good condition or you're going to be shelling out a few bucks to get new ones.
If you're a beginning player, I'd say it's fine to get a used flute as long as it's in good condition. We have more than a few threads on Gemeinhardt vs. Yamaha, if you look around. My personal preference is Yamaha (after playing on a Gemeinhardt for 6 years and a Yamaha for 6 months).
Haha, this one is my favorite: :shock:
[size=75]I <3 LXA[/size]
[size=75]I <3 LXA[/size]
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
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[quote] I was considering buying a used yamaha 225SII or a gemeinhardt M2 but now I'm wondering if I should. Maybe I should focus only on the yamaha yfl-221 or the gemeinhardt 2sp.[/quote]
Now I understand a little better about where you were coming from in the other thread.
As I said before, technology has greatly improved flute making over the last 10 years. Even the Yamaha line has had some major improvements. Yes, some flutes hold their value better than others simply because of "who" made them. Voilins get better with age due to the material that they are made from, wood. Metal does not do this. It does not get worse, but it does not improve either. As for factory produced student line flutes, they do not hold their value at all. That is why you can buy them so cheaply.
Out of the two you are looking at, I would suggest the Yamaha 225 over the Gemeinhardt M2. I would also suggest avoiding buying online if you are not exactly sure what you are looking at or looking for. Try finding a used flute that belonged to a player in your area who has moved on to a higher model. You may also want to consider getting in touch with a band director or flute teacher who can help you. Just finding the right model number on a flute does not make it a good one. If someone is trying to sell something, they are going to tell you it is in good condition. That does not mean it will be when it arrives at your door, nor does that mean they will take it back later. Be extremely careful buying online. Good luck!
Now I understand a little better about where you were coming from in the other thread.
As I said before, technology has greatly improved flute making over the last 10 years. Even the Yamaha line has had some major improvements. Yes, some flutes hold their value better than others simply because of "who" made them. Voilins get better with age due to the material that they are made from, wood. Metal does not do this. It does not get worse, but it does not improve either. As for factory produced student line flutes, they do not hold their value at all. That is why you can buy them so cheaply.Out of the two you are looking at, I would suggest the Yamaha 225 over the Gemeinhardt M2. I would also suggest avoiding buying online if you are not exactly sure what you are looking at or looking for. Try finding a used flute that belonged to a player in your area who has moved on to a higher model. You may also want to consider getting in touch with a band director or flute teacher who can help you. Just finding the right model number on a flute does not make it a good one. If someone is trying to sell something, they are going to tell you it is in good condition. That does not mean it will be when it arrives at your door, nor does that mean they will take it back later. Be extremely careful buying online. Good luck!