Weimar Band Flute... huh?

JTF · Post by **JTF** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:45 am

I saw a great deal on a Weimar flute, and the seller had a very good reputation. There were tons of pictures of the flute, and it looks great, but there's only one problem. I've never heard of Weimar flutes before. And neither has my band instructor. Or my flute-playing piano teacher. Is Weimar worth buying (for like ~$80)? Does anyone know about it?

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 9:18 pm

I wound never buy a flute that I have never heard of or played. Pictures can not tell that much about a flute, and can tell nothing about how it will sound or hold up. The biggest problem that I have found with the cheap, mostly internet based no-name flutes is that they start out fine, but over time literally fall apart. At that point, not one will even try to fix it, and the warranty is not as it seems. Be cautious!

Claiken · Post by **Claiken** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:59 pm

im kinda biased toward yamaha... it comes from my music teachers

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:21 pm

I always fine it funny how students and teachers often play the same brand of flute. It makes a great deal of sense though. Teachers teach from experience. If a flute has worked for you, you are obviously going to recommend it to your students. My students, however, do not all play the same flute. As a matter of fact, no two of them have the exact same model, though I do have some on the same brands. I am lucky to live within driving distance of a flute specialist. When my students are in need of new flutes, I personally take them to try out several and find the right one for them (that they can afford). I have a lot of fun doing it because I get to play all of the flutes

Just a random thought

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:36 pm

Just had another random thought . . . this one quite funny

I had a student who purchased a vintage Haynes headjoint last year. The first day she played it in band, her band director noticed that it was different because it dodn't have a gold lip plate like her Gemeinhardt headjoint (oooo). Anyway, he looked at it and told her that it was in horrible shape, he had never heard of that brand, and she was not to bring it to band class. Needless to say, he was a brass guy and did not have a CLUE! I called him and explained that it was a handmade headjoint and that the reason why it did not look so great was because it was old. After she actually had a chance to play on it for him, he agreed that it was "ok" for band class.

Another student, same director, bought a new Pearl after playing a Gemeinhardt for over a year. She got the same "I've never heard of this brand" speach. Her parents took care of that one

Well, I thought it was funny. . . I really don't try to bash band directors every chance I get, but all of this came to mind whan I was thinking about flute teachers. Taking lessons from someone who plays the flute professionally, or even someone who is simply a great player is a privilidge. Trust the advice your private teacher gives you. He/she has been there and is only going to give you the best advice that he/she has to offer. On the other hand, don't be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge comes from questions.

For those of you who can't afford lessons or simply can't find a teacher in your area, I have found this site to be a priceless resource of information. Don't give up, keep asking questions (even if they seem stupid to you), and keep practicing! You CAN be a great musician! Don't let anyone convince you otherwise!

JTF · Post by **JTF** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:22 pm

Thanks for your input! I decided to purchase (or try to) a not-very-expensive Pearl. If that doesn't work out, I'm going to compare some Armstrong flutes to Yamahas. One of my band instructor's best friends is a Yamaha-sponsered performer, tho not on flute. I wonder if I can get a deal thru him...? lol

Thanks again,
Jethro Tull Fan