advice on new flute

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:21 am

my dad is thinking about getting me a new flute..i told him a yamaha would be good..but I don't know what model would be best...I have been playing for five years give or take and i do all the solo stuff.. any advice would be appreciated!

&hearts;

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:17 am

"Don't automatically jump for the Yamaha" is the best advice that can be given. They are solidly built flutes that work well, but no flute is good match for everyone. You need to playtest the Yamahas, as well as other makes (I'll provide some names a bit later), and see what you like best. Buying without play testing an instrument is just asking to be disappointed, and as some instruments cost a good deal of money, it's just not a smart way to go. I don't know what your budget is, but I'm guessing you're looking at an intermediate flute (correct me if I'm wrong). Those usually run in the 1K-3K range (give or take a little on either end as you move between makers). Have you considered what specs you want? Do you want inline or offset G (If you don't know from experience playtest both and see which is more comfortable)? B foot or C foot? Open holes? All silver or silver head with a plate body? These are things, that combined with your budget should help confine your search to a few makes and models. In addition to Yamaha, I would look at:

Muramatsu
Azumi
Amadeus
Sonare
Brio
Sankyo
DiMedici
Emerson
Pearl
Trevor James
and possibly some good condition used flutes from other makers.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:48 am

If you're reasonably serious about playing well, and are willing to invest a bit of money, please try the Muramatsu EX. This is an excellent handmade flute for about $2700. The head is silver and the body is triple-plated (don't get hung up on materials--design & craftsmanship are more important!). Several of my students have been very happy with these. Try a wide range of flutes, different makers, models, price ranges, etc. to find thebest one for you. Although, if you only have access to Yamaha, it's not at all a poor choice. It's far better than "only" having access to some other brands I know, LOL.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 2:22 pm

I agree, as usual. The Muramatsu EX has proven to be an excellent instrument. I have seen several of these played by high school and college students, as well as a few pros with amazing results.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:47 pm

Yes, I agree. When I tried the EX for the first time, I was really shocked. But, of course, it was also the first "hand made" or "mostly hand made" flute I had ever played. I also believe that Miyazawa has a flute in the 1-3k price range too. I like those a lot as well. Just shop around, and try your options. Dont be afraid of calling different places to do a trial period. I know that fluteworld.com does this option. So, just with that source, you are available to many different flute makers. (And, even though it may seem risky to do this sort of thing over the internet they also do business over the phone).

shortandsilly · Post by **shortandsilly** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:44 am

thnks a lot you guys. I did not expect that quick of responses. The options and tips will surely point me in the right direction..I haven't went shopping for one yet, but I will make sure to try the Muramatsu EX. As for details I am lost..but I will make sure to play test them all. Thnks again you guys! I will let you know when I get it

<3

amhso · Post by **amhso** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:48 am

I currently play a Sonare 7000 with Split E. It works wonderful for me and i found it way better than a few yamaha and gemeinhardts. But the sonare flutes seem to either work for someone or not, not often in the middle, but I do suggest you test it out.

I personally like sankyo's a lot, although i can't recall the particular model i have played

flutytooty91 · Post by **flutytooty91** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 11:03 am

I agree with everyone else. Last Christmas, I was ready to purchase a flute a step up from my student flute. I had gotten a Yamaha 381 from ebay...just because it was a bargain. It was decent but I was not satisfied. I went to the Chuck Levin's music center in Washington(wicked awesome) and tried numerous different flutes. I tried a Pearl and didn't like it too much. I went through some upper level Yamahas and stuggled with the same problems as i did with my 381. I tried a Sonare and loved it!! It was resonablly priced for the quality also! Next, I tried a Muramatsu EX and fell in love! I couldn't put it down. I decided to buy the Muramatsu even though it was more expensive.. but it was definently worth it. Everyone has different preferences..this is just some of my experiences. I don't know where your price range is but I hope you find something you are satisfied with.

suckmykiss · Post by **suckmykiss** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 6:59 am

Hey guys since the question I'm gonna ask is related I shall just not make a new thread..

I'm planning to get a flute but my budget is limited. So it's either I get a student model new flute, or a secondhand prof model flute. Most secondhand flutes I've seen so far are in pretty bad condition and need repair, but according to the seller after it's repaired it'll sound as good as new.. So shall I get a new one or a secondhand one? =S

Also, what brands and models shall I try? I've been playing Yamaha 648H since day one. Is it necessary to get a Bfoot/Goffset/blahblah? Thanks for the help in advance! =)

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 8:18 am

It's not NECESSARY to get any option (such as a B foot. offset G, etc.). Whatever you are most comfortable with, and will serve your purposes best is what you should get. If you've been playing a Yamaha 684H, depending on age, that an introductory to mid-level pro flute, so I absolutely would not recommend taking a step back and buying a student flute. Are you sure that your Yamaha is in good, upkept condition? If not, some maintainance may make it play like a whole new flute. I would not advise buying a second hand pro flute (or any other flute) that seems in poor shape without showing it to a tech to be sure it could be reconditioned. Not to mention that a full overhaul can be quite expensive, so you'll have to add that to the price. If you can tell us what your budget is, we can provide a much more useful list of flutes that might sell in that price range, but assuming you go for the pro, here is a general list of brands worth trying:

Altus
Burkart
Yamaha
Tom Green
Pearl
Brannen
Powell
Haynes
Landell
Louis Lot
Nagahara
Emanuel
Moore
Muramatsu
Miyazawa
Sankyo
And others....

Hope that helps!