okay so, I just recently upgraded from a gemeinhardt 22sp to a Yamaha 381h which I'm currently renting-to-own, unfortunately this is really the best I can do right now financially, and considering that I'm in my last year of high school, I really needed something better than the gemmie. I actually tried an EC headjoint on the 381h, and it sounded very nice.
Okay so, now my question is, should I later on upgrade the instrument entirely or just get a nice headjoint for the 381h, and stick with it throughout college?
Today I tried a friend's Powell headjoint on my 381h and was blown away at the difference, I honestly felt like I had a completely different flute. So, I've been contemplating buying a cheap hybrid flute(the ones with handcut headjoints and so-so bodies) for the headjoint. It seems that it's cheaper that way hahaha. What are some other good options?
I'm also wondering if the body of my Yamaha will hold me through at least the first few years of college, because quite frankly I'm comfortable with the mechanism. When I think about, I have to wonder, how much better can it get? I mean it can only go as fast as your fingers can go. I actually tried a higher-end Yamaha, a 674 I believe, and mechanism-wise I really didn't feel there was any drastic differences between it and the 381h. Maybe I just need to experience playing a high quality hand-made flute to really understand how significant the difference is. That being said what exactly makes one mechanism better than an other aside from personal preferences? And also, what in the flute's body affects the sound that makes it better than another body?
some questions
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DivaricationOfMind
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fluttiegurl
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Depending on your goals, what school you are looking to attend and what your plans are there, you have a lot of options.
Yes, there are drastic differences when it comes to handmade instruments. First, quality put into the mechanics does make a difference in how the flute plays. To better understand this, try out some flutes. Also, consider trying outside of the Yamaha line as well. I am not saying Yamahas are not good flutes, I believe they are, but we often get stuck on one brand without realizing that there are hundreds, and Yamaha is a bit pricey compared to others.
As for upgrading your headjoint, that is always an option. If you are looking for a headjoint, just bite the bullet and go for a good one. Buying a hybrid just for the headjoint is not always the best option since these headjoints are generally constructed to attract younger players and you will probably want something a little more personal by that time (taylored to your playing), and you can find a headjoint at a better price if you look. For a good new handmade headjoint, expect to spend $1000 or more. Used ones are always an option and can be found much cheaper, but be sure to try MANY before buying one. Places like Cincinnati Fluteworks and Flute World will allow you to try several out before buying.
If you are considering going into performance, your Yamaha probably will need to be replaced at some point. That is something I would suggest waiting until college and talking over with your teacher there as long as your flute is working for you now. Many university professors have different opinions and unfortunately, that can in some cases effect how your relationship with that teacher progresses. I have seen it happen. Let him/her help you with this process.
It is good that you are thingking ahead (I wish more of my students would). Just don't get too wrapped up in what you think you want now. As you progress, your playing will change. College is a good time to go for the upgrades from here as long as you are satisfied with your flute and how it plays for you.
Yes, there are drastic differences when it comes to handmade instruments. First, quality put into the mechanics does make a difference in how the flute plays. To better understand this, try out some flutes. Also, consider trying outside of the Yamaha line as well. I am not saying Yamahas are not good flutes, I believe they are, but we often get stuck on one brand without realizing that there are hundreds, and Yamaha is a bit pricey compared to others.
As for upgrading your headjoint, that is always an option. If you are looking for a headjoint, just bite the bullet and go for a good one. Buying a hybrid just for the headjoint is not always the best option since these headjoints are generally constructed to attract younger players and you will probably want something a little more personal by that time (taylored to your playing), and you can find a headjoint at a better price if you look. For a good new handmade headjoint, expect to spend $1000 or more. Used ones are always an option and can be found much cheaper, but be sure to try MANY before buying one. Places like Cincinnati Fluteworks and Flute World will allow you to try several out before buying.
If you are considering going into performance, your Yamaha probably will need to be replaced at some point. That is something I would suggest waiting until college and talking over with your teacher there as long as your flute is working for you now. Many university professors have different opinions and unfortunately, that can in some cases effect how your relationship with that teacher progresses. I have seen it happen. Let him/her help you with this process.
It is good that you are thingking ahead (I wish more of my students would). Just don't get too wrapped up in what you think you want now. As you progress, your playing will change. College is a good time to go for the upgrades from here as long as you are satisfied with your flute and how it plays for you.
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DivaricationOfMind
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I see, actually before I purchased the Yamaha, I went to another music store and tried a good handful of different brands, I tried, Jupiter, DiMedici, Sonare, Emerson, Trevor James and Pearl, these were all about beginner to intermediate level though, and even though I liked the Sonare's tone, I like the Yamaha mechanism a lot better, and would rather just get a better headjoint. I also didn't really have much of a choice, considering that financially renting is all I can do right now, and the Yamaha 381h was the best I could get. :/ I think for now I'm going to upgrade the headjoint, I'll definitely try a lot of them, any suggestions?
College wise I'd like to major in flute performance, and after attending a community college for about 2 years to raise my gpa, I want to attend a music school, I'm not completely sure which one yet, I need to do some more research.
thank you for your response! It was very helpful
College wise I'd like to major in flute performance, and after attending a community college for about 2 years to raise my gpa, I want to attend a music school, I'm not completely sure which one yet, I need to do some more research.
thank you for your response! It was very helpful
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fluttiegurl
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Glad I could help A piece of advice about Community College, if you are at a school which does not offer a music department (most C College do not) be sure to find a good teacher to study with or stick with your current teacher if you have one. Taking a few years off from playing consistantly will most certainly hurt your chances of getting into a music school or a performance major. A good local teacher should be able to help prepare you as well as keep you in top playing condition. Performance majors are very competitive and some programs are not easy to get into. As a general rule, you are better off to enter a performance major as soon as you graduate high school due to the competition to get in, age, etc. If you are worried about GPA requirements, talk to admission as soon as you have selected a school to see what options are available. I have also learned that many schools will offer performance grants to graduating hs seniors before offering them to transfer students. I have a student who fell into this catagory and even though she stayed at the top of the studio where she studied, she was never offered the chance for a performance grant and had to take out loans for everything. Be sure to do your research before making a decission.
Headjoints to try (some that I have tried and liked):
David Williams (I have one and LOVE it) - he is also a great guy!
Powell
Brannen
Tom Green (my second fav when I bought my Haynes flute)
Some I have heard great things about but may not have worked for me:
Drelinger
Miyazawa
Dana Sheridan
Jack Moore
Burkart
. . . . and the list goes on and on. Well, you get the picture. Many great flute manufacturers started as headjoint makers, and all flute makers sell headjoints seperately (or at least you can find them).
If you liked the Powell, that is a good place to start looking. Fluteworld carries a nice line of them. I have a student who bought a Powell head last year for her Pearl flute and loves it. I think she got it for under $800 used. It should last her through college.
Periodically check out Fluteworld's list of used headjoints. They will let you try them before buying, which is VERY important.
A piece of advice about Community College, if you are at a school which does not offer a music department (most C College do not) be sure to find a good teacher to study with or stick with your current teacher if you have one. Taking a few years off from playing consistantly will most certainly hurt your chances of getting into a music school or a performance major. A good local teacher should be able to help prepare you as well as keep you in top playing condition. Performance majors are very competitive and some programs are not easy to get into. As a general rule, you are better off to enter a performance major as soon as you graduate high school due to the competition to get in, age, etc. If you are worried about GPA requirements, talk to admission as soon as you have selected a school to see what options are available. I have also learned that many schools will offer performance grants to graduating hs seniors before offering them to transfer students. I have a student who fell into this catagory and even though she stayed at the top of the studio where she studied, she was never offered the chance for a performance grant and had to take out loans for everything. Be sure to do your research before making a decission.Headjoints to try (some that I have tried and liked):
David Williams (I have one and LOVE it) - he is also a great guy!
Powell
Brannen
Tom Green (my second fav when I bought my Haynes flute)
Some I have heard great things about but may not have worked for me:
Drelinger
Miyazawa
Dana Sheridan
Jack Moore
Burkart
. . . . and the list goes on and on. Well, you get the picture. Many great flute manufacturers started as headjoint makers, and all flute makers sell headjoints seperately (or at least you can find them).
If you liked the Powell, that is a good place to start looking. Fluteworld carries a nice line of them. I have a student who bought a Powell head last year for her Pearl flute and loves it. I think she got it for under $800 used. It should last her through college.
Periodically check out Fluteworld's list of used headjoints. They will let you try them before buying, which is VERY important.
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DivaricationOfMind
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fluttiegurl
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FltnPicc_David
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If you can, consider going to the annual Florida Flute Fair next year! February 1-3 2008 at the Hilton in Altamonte Springs [near Orlando] The exhibition room has tons of headjoint makers there and the representatives working there will be glad to fit the headjoint into your flute and let you try them. You can also take the headjoint up to your oom adn try it if you leave your credit card with them. Though, I don't find this method of trying things out effective, it might work for you! And anyways, it's a lot of fun participating in all of the classes, showcases, concerts, etc. Jim Walker and John Bailey are the featured flutists coming to the next fair!
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DivaricationOfMind
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