Intermediate Flute

[kemplr]

Hi,

I am currently playing a 17 year old Emerson student flute. I would like to upgrade. My budget is around $2,500 to $3,000. My teacher recommends getting a solid silver Emerson with open holes, b foot and gold plated lip. Just wondering on other models or do you think Emerson is a good intermediate flute?

Cheers, Lorraine

[Aessina]

I recently upgraded to a Yamaha 481H (I got it for $1200 USD) and absolutely love it. Specs are in my signature. It has an amazing lower range, but takes some minor embouchure changes to get into the higher range. The R1, 2, and 3 keys (excuse my flute slander, I have no idea what those keys are) are SLIGHTLY too resistant for my taste, but other than that, it's fine.

I also had the choice of an Armstrong 800B ($800 USD) with very pretty engraving on the [gold-plated] mouthpiece, [gold-plated] crown, and around the Armstrong logo on the [solid sterling silver] head joint. The remainder of the flute is solid silver, with an inline G key and B foot joint. It fares better with happy, perky, bright French music.

Both flutes are french [open-holed] models. Good luck choosing a new flute!

[kemplr]

Thanks for your answer. I've heard that yamahas are always good flutes.
I have been doing some research on the net and everything I have come across says not get an Emerson for an intermediate flute. Anybody know why?

[Aessina]

I'm not sure, as I've never owned an Emerson flute. Emerson is a division of Selmer, and they tend to have good quality control in general. I did some research, and most websites said they were on the heavy side, and the headjoints can be badly cut.

[Mark]

I would look into a Pearl or Armstrong for a step up flute..
but you should see what is out there that you can test drive
to see what responds best for you.

[o7nesss]

I have a Yamaha 471H (i think they call it something different now) and for the past 8 years and it has been amazing - no troubles what so ever until now because it needs a repad (mainly because i've only taken for a service only once)! It's taken me through my years of high school, and my 1 1/2 years of university studying a music degree (I had a 2 year break between high school - but i still played my flute weekly).

Now, I'm hoping to get a Muramatsu or Powell as a higher level flute and using my yamaha as a backup.
I highly recommend yamahas for an intermediate flute - its super responsive and a great play!

BUT if you were to get that emerson - be careful with purchasing gold plated lip. Gold plated lips do nothing to the sound, its all on looks and personally - i think gold plated lip plates as a waste of money. Different story if its a gold riser though as risers can change the sound of the flute.

Hope you find the right flute!

[msalamon]

I find Yamahas to be overly bright sounding in general. I think that Muramatsu, Powell, Haynes are better sounding by miles

[Zevang]

You might consider the Muramatsu EX. For US$ 3550 you can get one. It has all silver headjoint and plated body and mechs. I own one as my backup flute and this is really a great instrument! It's actually more like a second flute, rather than a backup...

[Superpirst]

If you're willing to spend 3,000 on a flute. Get the muramatsu EX. This flute is one of the best for it's price range and imo, one of the best brands out there.

I just sold my yamaha 481H for $1000 but i had this for 3-5 years already. I just got a muramatsu and it is amazing.

If you'll willing to continue flute and not give up, get the muramatsu. It is the better investment too.