Is Bundy a Decent Flute? Playing Again After 30 Yr Hiatus

Lowcountry Flutist · Post by **Lowcountry Flutist** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:33 pm

Hello Everyone,

I've just begun playing my 40-yr. old flute again after a 30 year hiatus. I pretty much haven't played at all since high school, so I'm now I'm having to learn fingering and note-reading all over again. My goal is to be able to play for my church. I sing in the choir and am a handbell-ringer as well, but I also really want to be able to play some of those beautiful hymns on my flute.

Since I'm just beginning again, and also since my flute needs servicing after 30 years, I'm not able to hit those low notes yet, but the middle-range notes that I have re-mastered sound rich & full. I know it will take some practicing to really get those high notes to have a sweeter and less shrill sound, but I don't know if a Bundy is capable of producing high-quality high notes. (I will be taking my flute in for an overhaul this week, so that will help a lot.)

My question: is a Bundy a good enough flute to play semi-professionally? Or if not, what type of flute should I consider looking at?

P.S. The fingering chart here is EXCELLENT!

Thank you all for any and all input.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:07 am

Bundy is a good starter flute. MANY of the students where I teach start in Bundys. However, you will most likely reach the limits of the flute at some point.

As far as playing semi-professionally, you will need to decide this for yourself. This line of work depends on the player, not the instrument.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:00 am

Lowcountry Flutist

The Bundy flute is ok. You should be able to play a full range on it. You are doing the right thing by taking it to be cleaned and adjusted. Your problem could simply be some pads and an adjustment. The only issue I have with Bundy's is the mechanism is a little stiff. The trade off is the Bundy flute is a tank!

As far as being a semi-pro, that has nothing to do with the instrument you play. I have gotten paid to playing on a $100 Purple Venus flute.(Which actually sounded decent for the type of gig it was.) Often, professional woodwind doublers will play on quality student model flutes. As long as people are willing to pay you to play, you are a professional. Now, if you ask me can you find a better flute than a Bundy, yes there is. By the time you get your money together, and you become good enough, you will know what you want, and will be able to pick a suitable brand of flute on your own.

Check this out for more information.
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411

Welcome back to music land!!!!!

Phineas

Lowcountry Flutist · Post by **Lowcountry Flutist** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:06 pm

Thank you both for your fine answers. It's been greating getting back into playing again. Seems easier to learn the second time around, maybe like riding a bicycle, you never really forget.