buying a new flute, HELP!!!

[piccolobander]

Well I've been playing flute for 8 years, I'm a junior in high school and I want to major in music education in college. I have a Gemeinhardt 3SHB with a solid silver head joint, open holes, and B foot joint. I've noticed that my flute is starting to hold me back and I really want to get a new one. My teacher agrees that a new flute would be beneficial. I've been doing research on flutes since September and I am almost ready to order some to try. But there is one problem, I have to narrow it down to a list of 3 to try. These are the ones I was thinking of..

-Miyazawa Classic or 402
-Muramatzu GX
-Altus 1307
-Powel Conservatory Silver

I'm planning on getting an offset G and C# trill. No split E mech.

So just some questions. Is there really much of a difference between solid silver keys and silver plated, or a at least a difference worth $2000? Also are D# rollers helpful?

[Phineas]

First, check out the Flute FAQ

viewtopic.php?t=1926

This will give you a lot of information and suggestions and should answer all of your questions.

When you start getting into that kind of money for a flute, person perference becomes to main focus over brand. Just play on them and see which one sounds the best to YOU.

Phineas

[flutepicc06]

Good info from Phineas, as usual!

I KNOW that the FAQ addresses the issue of silver's impact, since I helped write a section about it, but I'm not sure if your particular question about D# rollers is answered there. I find the D# roller extremely useful. It makes sliding from the D# to the Low C#/C/B keys much easier. If possible, I would suggest a C# roller along with it just to make the transition even easier. Of course, it may be that you don't like the feel of the rollers, so try flutes with and without them and see which you prefer.

[vandoren]

Well I've been playing flute for 8 years, I'm a junior in high school and I want to major in music education in college. I have a Gemeinhardt 3SHB with a solid silver head joint, open holes, and B foot joint. I've noticed that my flute is starting to hold me back and I really want to get a new one. My teacher agrees that a new flute would be beneficial. I've been doing research on flutes since September and I am almost ready to order some to try. But there is one problem, I have to narrow it down to a list of 3 to try. These are the ones I was thinking of..

In what way does this show up ?

I'm not trying to be smart here, just trying to understand where such limitations are apparent, leading to upgrading of the instrument.

[piccolobander]

my flute is starting to hold me back

In what way does this show up ?

I'm not trying to be smart here, just trying to understand where such limitations are apparent, leading to upgrading of the instrument.

Well, for one thing, my low register is non existant. But that is due to an accident in 6th grade where I did major damage to my flute. I was running in the band room with my flute, hit a door frame and bent my foot joint off. Then, in fear of my parents, went home tried to fix it myself and made it worse. Now, despite the number of times I've had it professionaly repaired, there really isn't much else I can do about it. I'm extreamly ashamed that I ever did this, but I have grown up since then, and I would never let something like that happen again.

Also, I have trouble with dynamics. It is very difficult to play soft!!! I'm also not happy with the tone. When I play other people's flutes, my tone is a thousand times better than it is on mine.

[flutepicc06]

Well I've been playing flute for 8 years, I'm a junior in high school and I want to major in music education in college. I have a Gemeinhardt 3SHB with a solid silver head joint, open holes, and B foot joint. I've noticed that my flute is starting to hold me back and I really want to get a new one. My teacher agrees that a new flute would be beneficial. I've been doing research on flutes since September and I am almost ready to order some to try. But there is one problem, I have to narrow it down to a list of 3 to try. These are the ones I was thinking of..

In what way does this show up ?

I'm not trying to be smart here, just trying to understand where such limitations are apparent, leading to upgrading of the instrument.

There are lots of different ways that this can become apparent. If the response is too slow, dynamics hard to differentiate between, tone colors difficult to change or nonexistent or tone generally poor, intonation a nightmare, or dislike for the feel of the flute itself can all be indicators (though not the only ones). Feel of the mechanism, or musical requirements that outstrip the instrument (such as fourth octave playing, which some flutes just aren't capable of) are also important signs that one's flute is not working as well for them as it should be.

[fluttiegurl]

I have found that when many of my students start to show signs of needing an upgrade (or second or third) they will complain that playing makes them tired as if they have to work way to hard to accomplish what they are going for. This is often due to over compensating for sluggish keys, leaks, and other things that can sometimes be eliminated by a good overhaul. The true test comes when I have them play a new version of their own flute. If the same problems happen,or they cannot produce the sound that they are looking for, it is very evident that they need a new flute. If not, I suggest a complete overhaul unless the student is enering college in the next 2 years or is simply in the position financially to buy a new one (which rarely happens here).

[piccolobander]

I have found that when many of my students start to show signs of needing an upgrade (or second or third) they will complain that playing makes them tired as if they have to work way to hard to accomplish what they are going for. This is often due to over compensating for sluggish keys, leaks, and other things that can sometimes be eliminated by a good overhaul. The true test comes when I have them play a new version of their own flute. If the same problems happen,or they cannot produce the sound that they are looking for, it is very evident that they need a new flute. If not, I suggest a complete overhaul unless the student is enering college in the next 2 years or is simply in the position financially to buy a new one (which rarely happens here).

Yes! That happens to me. I am always exhausted after I practice and after my lessons. I never thought that could be from the flute though, I just thought I was working hard. Also, I have been playing my friends flute for the musical this year. It is the same model, or maybe even one model lower, but I noticed it is so much easier to play than mine! Playing her flute is like like taking a vacation because I can produce low notes, play dynamics, and I have a much nicer tone with half the work it takes on my flute. My flute probably is in need of an overhaul, but I don't see the point in spending that money right now, because I'm still going to buy a new flute anyway.

[c_otter]

In regard to solid silver keys, from JB Weissman's site ( http://www.jbwflutes.com/parentsGuide.asp ):
"The sterling silver body and keys make the flute more durable--dents and scratches can be more easily removed. Also, an all-silver flute from one of the top professional flute companies will always retain a high percentage of its original purchase price."

IMO, the biggest advantage to solid silver keys is if you tend to wear down the plating quickly. The other advantage to solid silver keys is that there is the potential for custom keywork by someone appropriately skilled (not cheap). The question: is it worth the $2000 for you?