Tone quality

Flute History and Instrument Purchase

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stina
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2009 2:00 pm

Tone quality

Post by stina »

Hello everybody, I am looking for a new, all silver, flute and would like something that has a rich strong mellow tone throughout the range, ie one that is not to thin and shrill in the upper octaves. Also any thoughts about a high wave headjoint that Sankyo has? Thanks

fluteguy18
Posts: 2311
Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm

Post by fluteguy18 »

Tone is largely dependent on the individual player. The flute doesn't have the tone. You have the tone. The flute is just a tool. However, design of the instrument can help things along.

Your best bet is to just try the instruments out. I for example really wanted to get a Pearl flute when I first started looking at a handmade instrument. I am glad I tried it out first, because I don't sound very good on Pearl. A lot of my friends do, but I don't. I ended up with a Miyazawa.

Just try flutes out and get what you like. Also, make sure to have an extra set of ears handy.

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Zevang
Posts: 580
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:28 pm

Post by Zevang »

The HighWave is a pretty old design by Sankyo. The most common today is the NRS-1. Besides that, I think you should try playing first. Generally you will find out that the differences in tone and colors are a result of the headjoint design, not the flute. So even if you find a good brand it doesn't mean that this will fit your particular needs. So trying is the rule. And I don't mean you must play each one for a few seconds and done. No, no. You must take the flute home and experiment for 3 days at least, preferably with different kinds of headjoints. A serious dealer would not only allow you but advise you to do so.

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