I've been playing the flute for overall 2 years (but had a 2 year gap between the first and second year, most of the improvement has taken place in the second year). I'm about to take grade 5 next month.
I have a secondhand jupiter, it was £240 and was at least 10 years old when I got it.
I've read that when you get to grade 5, you could think about upgrading.
I really like my flute, and can get a brilliantly rich tone out of it. I've been listening to see what the difference is between my playing and my teacher's. One point is how cleanly she goes between the different notes. Each note is crisp from the previous, whereas with mine, it can be quite slow and muffly. This means that in fast passages, it just goes into a muffly mess because it's quite slow responding. I'm not sure if this is down to my embouchure and playing, or the flute itself. Also, the top registers are quite hard to play without using a lot of hair. I move my lips forward and try to focus the air, but it's still quite hard to slur up.
What are some tell-tale signs that you need to upgrade? When I first started, my teacher said that the flute would be fine until grade 5. She hasn't mentioned it recently, should I approach her about it?
How can you tell when you need a new flute?
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bobzie-kins
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fluttiegurl
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First, older Jupiters are not known for quality. That may or may not mean yours is a poorly made flute, just some info for you. My suggestion would be to have the flute serviced before making a huge investment. A good tech should be able to tell you whether or not the flute needs to be replaced from a mechanical standpoint. The problems you are experiencing may be simple adjustment issues, or they may be that you have simply reached the end of what that flute can do for you.
Second, you should try out some flutes. In theory, if you notice a dramatic difference in your playing, it is probably a good time to step up. Play some flutes at different levels above yours. You may find that they are actually harder to play, but the results should be a better overall tone and mechanical movement. If you find the flute to have these, I suggest making the investment. After that decision is made, play LOTS of flutes at various price ranges before selecting one.
I deal with this a lot in my studio. As a general rule, I like for students who have been taking lessons for 1 1/2- 2 years to move away from their beginner flutes. After teaching for several years, I can see and hear the signs that you are asking about. The truth is, if you are asking these questions, you have probably been thinking about it and more than likely, it is to your benefit. I have never seen a case where stepping up was a bad thing.
Second, you should try out some flutes. In theory, if you notice a dramatic difference in your playing, it is probably a good time to step up. Play some flutes at different levels above yours. You may find that they are actually harder to play, but the results should be a better overall tone and mechanical movement. If you find the flute to have these, I suggest making the investment. After that decision is made, play LOTS of flutes at various price ranges before selecting one.
I deal with this a lot in my studio. As a general rule, I like for students who have been taking lessons for 1 1/2- 2 years to move away from their beginner flutes. After teaching for several years, I can see and hear the signs that you are asking about. The truth is, if you are asking these questions, you have probably been thinking about it and more than likely, it is to your benefit. I have never seen a case where stepping up was a bad thing.