I'm looking to purchase my first alto flute.
Does anyone have any experience with the DC Pro brand?
Would love to hear any expertise on these flutes.
Thanks
DC Pro Alto Flutes
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
I was highly disappointed in the quality of these flutes. The sound was ok, but the flute itself seemed . . . well . . . cheap. The construction did not impress me. If you are truly interested in learning alto, you are much better off to save your money and buy a quality flute. This is no different than your concert flute.
Some lower priced brands to consider: Jupiter - these entry level altos are pretty good, though I have experienced some intonation issues; Pearl; Sonare & Trevor James - may be a little higher. I have tried all of these (recently), and see no serious problems with any of them.
I think I see where your research has been so far, and I would just like to warn you that ebay is not a very good source for finding a quality alto (or any flute) unless you really know what you are doing. Many of us have touched on that issue here. Look around the web at fluteworld (definately a great place to start) and other flute specialty stores. Be prepared to spend at least $1200 on a quality alto flute. Otherwise, you will most likely end up with an instrument that will have problems and no one will fix. On occasion, you may be able to find a decent used alto for less, but stick to mainstream brands (Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Emerson, etc.). Keep in mind that even though you may not plan to play the alto a great deal, you want an instrument that will be in good condition to play every time you pick it up. Also remember that those big pads rip fairly easily, and that when you buy a poor quality alto, you will most likely have problems like this right away. (Advice from my tech to me)
I too love the alto and what it offers to the world of music. Good luck!
Some lower priced brands to consider: Jupiter - these entry level altos are pretty good, though I have experienced some intonation issues; Pearl; Sonare & Trevor James - may be a little higher. I have tried all of these (recently), and see no serious problems with any of them.
I think I see where your research has been so far, and I would just like to warn you that ebay is not a very good source for finding a quality alto (or any flute) unless you really know what you are doing. Many of us have touched on that issue here. Look around the web at fluteworld (definately a great place to start) and other flute specialty stores. Be prepared to spend at least $1200 on a quality alto flute. Otherwise, you will most likely end up with an instrument that will have problems and no one will fix. On occasion, you may be able to find a decent used alto for less, but stick to mainstream brands (Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Emerson, etc.). Keep in mind that even though you may not plan to play the alto a great deal, you want an instrument that will be in good condition to play every time you pick it up. Also remember that those big pads rip fairly easily, and that when you buy a poor quality alto, you will most likely have problems like this right away. (Advice from my tech to me)
I too love the alto and what it offers to the world of music. Good luck!
actually, I found those on the web site for a music store listing used instruments for sale. The price on those averages about the same as for an Armstrong Heritage for example, so since the price was comparable, I wondered if the quality might be comparable as well.
I'm fully aware of the pitfalls of ebay. I'm aware of the abaundance of junk being offered there. Although, I do have to say, that if one is careful, there are often gems to be found there as well. I recently bought a REALLY nice Gemeinhardt wooden piccolo off of ebay - it was in great shape and I didn't pay too much.
Anyway, thanks for your input on the DC Pros. Good to know.
I'm fully aware of the pitfalls of ebay. I'm aware of the abaundance of junk being offered there. Although, I do have to say, that if one is careful, there are often gems to be found there as well. I recently bought a REALLY nice Gemeinhardt wooden piccolo off of ebay - it was in great shape and I didn't pay too much.
Anyway, thanks for your input on the DC Pros. Good to know.
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
Glad I could help out some. Sorry if I offended you. I just wanted to make sure that others do not make the same huge mistakes that students of mine have. I too have purchased some great instruments off of ebay. Unfortunately, too many people do not know what to look for and what questions to ask. Online shopping anywhere can be either a great experience or a nightmare. I have had both. Sounds like you know what you are doing. Good luck!
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dasteufelhund
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:29 am
Re: DC Pro Alto Flutes
Are you still looking to buy an alto?
I have an alto that I would need to sell to pay off my piccolo, so let me know if you are still looking. Basically, the big names are Powell, Haynes, Jupiter, Dimedici, Pearl, or any of the major flute makers all make altos. I have a Dimedici, and it was a prototype of today's Murumatu alto flute.
I have an alto that I would need to sell to pay off my piccolo, so let me know if you are still looking. Basically, the big names are Powell, Haynes, Jupiter, Dimedici, Pearl, or any of the major flute makers all make altos. I have a Dimedici, and it was a prototype of today's Murumatu alto flute.
trilly wrote:I'm looking to purchase my first alto flute.
Does anyone have any experience with the DC Pro brand?
Would love to hear any expertise on these flutes.
Thanks
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salspanier
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:02 pm
alto flute
Do you still have the alto flute for sale? if so please email me at sal_music@teacher.com