Buying a New Flute!

FltnPicc_David · Post by **FltnPicc_David** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:22 pm

So yes - I am upgrading to perhaps either a Yamaha or a Pearl. A question about a few things:

I understand that a SOLID SILVER HDJT gives more warmth, projection and a fuller sound. BUT if the flute was ALSO made with the headjoint AND a SOLID SILVER BODY, would that affect the tone in anyway or it is just for the looks??
Oh and besides the B foot giving you an extra note (which I probly wont use at all), I heard that it makes your dynamics MUCH better and your sound is more resonant. Is this ture..??

And my dynamic range SUCKS. I really need help with playing LOUD because my notes break. How can I fix this? Is it in the embouchure??

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:28 am

It's been my experience that the cut of the headjoint is more influential than its material, though subtle differences arise with different materials as well. Often, a solid silver body only enhances resale value

, but different weights can influence tone and response a little--I definately prefer the heavy-walled Yamaha to the regular. One of my students last year bought a Muramatsu EX, which has a silver head, but a plated body. It sounds amazing!!! (Cost around $2600.)
The B foot is nearly standard in the U.S., but not in Europe. More contemporary literature is being written using the low B, and I think it's easier to just get a flute with the B than scamble to borrow one should the need arise. Four of my students recently played Gary Schocker's Nymphs quartet, and the fourth part is riddled with low Bs. It does change the instrument's response, but I wouldn't give it so much credit for enhancing dynamics (that's the player's job

). Just play a bunch of flutes with different features 'til you find the one that works best for you.
As for playing louder, do you play with much of the embouchure hole covered? This will create a clear, but very thin (and usually out-of-tune) tone which doesn't project very well. It's difficult to adjust to playing in a more-uncovered position, and your upper lip will have to work a little harder to figure it out, but the tone and intonation advantages will be significant. Check Jen Cluff's website for lots of articles about tone and technique.