Purchasing an Alto Flute

MissyHPhoenix · Post by **MissyHPhoenix** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:20 am

I am going to have FluteWorld send me three different Alto flutes to try -- a new Pearl that has a silver straight headjoint, a new DiZhao that has a plated straight headjoint, and a used DiMedici with a silver headjoint. I've never played an alto before so thought it would be most beneficial to try several ones before deciding.

My question is -- does it make a difference on the alto whether the headjoint is all silver or plated? I've also read on other posts here that the curved headjoints can be more difficult to play because of air volume issues. Can anybody give me any insights into these two things?

Also (can't stop thinking of questions) -- I couldn't help noticing that the Pearl alto flute is quite a bit lower priced than I would have expected. Is this because it is a new line and hasn't caught on as much yet, or is it just not as good as, say, the DiMedici? The used one is just a couple hundred less than a new Pearl. I'm trying the DiZhao (is that spelled right?) because of some good recommendations I've read in other threads here about their soprano flutes.

Thanks as usual for any help.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:49 am

Hey Missy

With all of the cash you are dishing out on flutes, do not forget my at Xmas!

Anyhow

Jbutky is here on the board now. He would be a good person to ask about why the Pearl Alto Flute is cheaper than the others. He is the US rep for Pearl. He may also be able to give you some insite about your other questions as well. Send him a message.

Phineas

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 12:01 pm

I had initially bought an Emerson Alto with a silver body, plated keys, and a straight headjoint. It didn't take long for me to discover that it was just too tiring to play for more than 10 minutes (I'm 5'4" so my arms are not the longest). I then bought a curved headjoint which allowed me to play for longer periods of time.

There is a difference in the tone between the two headjoints with the better one (I think) coming from the solid silver straight one. The curved one has a solid silver straight section, but the curved section is plated.

Overall, it's an okay flute for what I use it for (mainly sightreading at the
flute fests that I hold at my home).

My girlfriend has a Pearl Alto with a curved headjoint. I've played it and think it is more responsive than my Emerson Alto. However, when she plays my Alto with the straight headjoint, she thinks it produces a better tone than hers ... go figure ... I don't know.

MissyHPhoenix · Post by **MissyHPhoenix** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 9:04 am

Hey Phineas, long time no see! Yea, I'm lucky right now -- had a unlooked-for little bit of money come to me and going to get an alto while I can! I'm having to sit on my hands to keep from getting another soprano flute, tho. I'd LOVE to have a Prima Sankyo!!! THanks for the reminder about JButky -- I'll send an inquiry.

Cflutist -- do you have trouble getting tired because the alto is so long and/or because it is heavier? Do you have any problem with the width of the tubing? FLuteWorld does have an option, at least on the Pearl and I think with the other one, to buy the flute with both of the headjoints. Perhaps I should try that to see which is better for me. My arms aren't particuarly short, but not long either. I am just a bit apprehensive about the curved headjoint being more difficult to play. I am very biased toward Pearl since I have an Elegante soprano that I love, but want to try the others too.

Thanks for the input!

JButky · Post by **JButky** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 10:59 am

A word about curved vs straight alto heads...

The sole advantage of a curved headjoint is for physical comfort. A curve in the headjoint can do weird things to the aircolumn and there are a lot of people who have a preference towards the one one plays over the other. I myself prefer the tone and response of straight heads.

Pearl designed their alto to be affordable while still including all the usual features that Pearl is known for. Our Altos are entry level, hence the price. If you are looking for comparisons with the DiMedici, then our alto is equivalent to our quantz series and the Jupiter DiMedici would be equivalent to our Dolce/Elegante series. However we don't make those altos in that level..yet. The Alto we developed is an entry level. You can get it in different materials, but it is all the same design.

We've have considered building a higher quality alto since some of our artists have requested a semi to pro level instrument. (still under consideration)

The quality for the Price of our alto is quite good. We had the resources in our factory to make these affordable so it was designed with that in mind.

Pearl introduced the alto and the then the bass to be affordable because it's not an everyday instrument for most people. Flute choirs don't have huge budgets, so part of the challenge in developing products was geared towards making a good product that people could afford. So that's where the altos ended up. They are nice playing affordable instruments of good quality.

That's what most people wanted, so that's what we decided to make!

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:38 pm

Cflutist -- do you have trouble getting tired because the alto is so long and/or because it is heavier?

For me, it is because the Alto is so long with the straight headjoint, that I have to really stretch my arms out there, which is tiring.

It's nice to have both headjoints for flexibility. I use the curved one when we play 3 hour sightreading sessions, but I used the straight one when I performed Amazing Grace at my Stepdad's memorial service.

And, they do have cases to carry both headjoints with the rest of the flute.

MissyHPhoenix · Post by **MissyHPhoenix** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 7:11 pm

Thanks to both of you! That was exactly the info that I was looking for!

MissyHPhoenix · Post by **MissyHPhoenix** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:18 am

I finally decided on my alto flute! I tried a Brio, Dean Yang, Pearl, and DiMedici, and the DiMedici was FAR and away the best one for me! The other ones I had to struggle to play, and the DiMedici felt like it just plugged into my mouth and played itself! I got it in all silver with a curved headjoint -- the straight headjoint was way too long for me to hold. Altogether, I am very happy with my new flute!

Thanks for all the help!

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:32 am

Congrats on your new Alto.

FYI, Trevor Wye does publish The Alto Flute Practice Book with historical notes, useful technical information, comprehensive repertoire list, and the standard orchestral extracts.

MissyHPhoenix · Post by **MissyHPhoenix** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:53 pm

Yes, I got that! I also have three duets with alto parts. If you know of anymore music for altos, pls let me know.

vernuskloyz · Post by **vernuskloyz** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 7:04 pm

Im using a Dimedici alto flute with a solid silver curved head joint. Im quite happy with it. The Dimedici has a beautiful quality of sound and I find it to be especially impressive with its fullness and clarity in the high range.

MissyHPhoenix · Post by **MissyHPhoenix** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 3:14 pm

I agree! The DiMedici has such a nice, rich tone, and so easy to play. I'm glad you like yours as much as I do.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:22 pm

MissyHPhoenix wrote:Yes, I got that! I also have three duets with alto parts. If you know of anymore music for altos, pls let me know.

Just go to Flute World and look for Trios, Quartets, etc scored for Alto.
There are lots of them out there.

Mediator7@aol.com · Post by **Mediator7@aol.com** » Wed Dec 01, 2010 1:26 pm

Removed. - You only need to post your request once. If you do not get a fast enough response, you can always contact other members through PM

Phineas

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