Heavy walled flutes

[kflutist]

So being a flutist runs in my family and I've been playing on some of the older instruments that are in the family and I've found that I like the heavier instruments. I've read about an option of having a heavier wall on the flute and I like this idea. Does anyone have such a flute or know what various brands have a heavier wall construction and general price range? Also what various differences would this mean when trying to play?

[flutepicc06]

I have one (actually two, one silver and one gold), and I can tell you that heavier walls are not for everyone. What may be causing the weight in the older instruments is different (heavier) materials used in greater quantity throughout the keywork, rather than a heavier wall (anyone with a set of calipers can measure how thick the wall of a flute is). Normally 0.016 is used (in the US) for silver flutes. Thinwall flutes are usually 0.014, and heavy wall are 0.018. Gold and platinum tubes are usually thinner, and Japanese standard walls are usually 0.015, and heavy walls 0.017. Most makes of flute offer the option of heavy walled tubing if you're willing to go high enough in their range. Price will depend on the company you're buying from, and just how much of the tubing is heavy walled. For example, it is possible to buy a heavy walled head joint for a standard wall body, and vice versa. You'll need to research any brands you're considering to determine what cost would be added for different wall thicknesses. Personally I tend to dislike heavy walled instruments, as many seem to have a dead sound, lacking in the ring I'm looking for, but some players adore heavy walls. They do add more weight, but some argue some resistance and darkness as well (though I am not inclined to believe this, as I have played some very bright heavy wall flutes, and some very dark standard wall flutes). They may or may not respond more slowly than thinner counterparts, depending on the individual instrument and the player, though how much this is related to wall thickness and how much to design is impossible to show at the moment. The best way to form your own opinions is to play some heavy walled flutes and see what you think of them. If you're flute shopping, I would be far more concerned with how prospective purchases play for you, rather than how thick their walls are. If you find one that you love, but it's thin walled, don't shy away from it just because it doesn't match your list of specs.

[MrTurveydrop]

kflutist - I play a Trevor James Masters' Series II. It is a heavy walled offset, and it plays beautifully with a lush, liquid, dark sound. Being heavy walled, it is quite resistant, but it can really sing!

[john101]

Muramatsu DS heavy wall (.017). Absolutely beautiful sound, very dynamic and responsive.