I have a budget of $5,000 to spend on a new flute. I've tried out:
Powell Signature, Haynes Q2, Miyazawa 202 W/ all 3 headjoint options,
Muramatsu EX, Pearl Elegante, Pearl elegante coda, a 1965 powell commercial, a Lamberson, an older haynes, used pearl 880 (similar to cantabile model), a Yamaha 674 and a Sankyo 303 silver sonic.
I've sent them all back, except for the Yamaha and The Pearl Elegante Coda. (I got a great deal on the Elegante since I bought it in slightly used condition.)
Out of them all, I personally like the Sankyo, the Yamaha and the Pearl. But for the money, I sent the Sankyo back liking the Yamaha better and it was 1,000.00 less.
So here I am. With two flutes. Of the two I prefer the Yamaha. It has a beautiful, sweet, pure tone. Although, the Pearl is very fun to play and is also responsive with a somewhat lighter tone, not as deep and pure as the Yamaha. Which is good! Why have two flutes with the same exact tone? Correct?
Should I keep both? Because I enjoy both, and if I were to buy the two it would keep me under my 5k budget.
I will be selling my 2 gemmies that have been great all these years and now needing to advance to better instrument.
Thanks for your comments on what you think. Should I send the Pearl back and put 2K or so back in my pocket? I don't think I can... it is just too much fun of a flute to play!
Not One but TWO new flutes?
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Personally I like the idea of two flutes. However, having two flutes in the same range is useless.
If I were u I would try out an 8 or 9 series from pearl or an upper end yamaha.
I luv pearl flutes and it's difficult to venture,
Look for a used maesta heavy wall 0.97 and maybe If u got the money pickup the new calore headjoint with say a platinum
riser and gold lipplate. I've heard this combo sounds great if u have a powerful airstream. However, u would have to buy the coda version u have now if u wanted this head joint in the suggested configuration to stay in ur budget.
Buying two flutes in the same range just doesn't make sense.
If I were u I would try out an 8 or 9 series from pearl or an upper end yamaha.
I luv pearl flutes and it's difficult to venture,
Look for a used maesta heavy wall 0.97 and maybe If u got the money pickup the new calore headjoint with say a platinum
riser and gold lipplate. I've heard this combo sounds great if u have a powerful airstream. However, u would have to buy the coda version u have now if u wanted this head joint in the suggested configuration to stay in ur budget.
Buying two flutes in the same range just doesn't make sense.
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MissyHPhoenix
- Posts: 368
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:19 pm
- Location: Hammond, LA, USA
There is no reason to not keep both flutes if you like them both and want to keep them! I have a Pearl Elegante and a Prima Sankyo Artist, and play them both. I got a Muramatsu headjoint to use on the Elegante because the Forza headjoint doesn't have the full sound that I like. I also have a Full Circle wooden headjoint that I use on my Sankyo when I play Baroque music. So I have in essence three different flutes, each sounding unique. I think it is so much fun! Who ever invented the law that we can only have one flute each????
Missy
Why Be Normal????
Why Be Normal????
Missy, you are a flute dealer! You are eventually going to have to get a license for all of the flute gear you go through! However, I am not going to throw stonesMissyHPhoenix wrote:There is no reason to not keep both flutes if you like them both and want to keep them! I have a Pearl Elegante and a Prima Sankyo Artist, and play them both. I got a Muramatsu headjoint to use on the Elegante because the Forza headjoint doesn't have the full sound that I like. I also have a Full Circle wooden headjoint that I use on my Sankyo when I play Baroque music. So I have in essence three different flutes, each sounding unique. I think it is so much fun! Who ever invented the law that we can only have one flute each????
Beelady. There is nothing wrong with having 2 flutes. One alternative to buying 2 flutes is getting a flute you like to play on over all, then try out different headjoints. Most of the sound and playability of the flute is the headjoint anyway. Get the Yamaha, then buy a Pearl headjoint for it. Worse case, you will need to take it to a repair tech to get the headjoint fitted.
Just a thought.
Phineas
Thanks Missy and Phineas.
I would have to agree with Missy, rather than the one flute with many headjoint options.
I like the feel of the Elegante's body/mechanism which is different than the Yamaha, not good or bad, just different. The tone of the Yamaha's ec headjoint, gold lip plate and feel of the Yamaha body I prefer for classical music; the tone is sweet, rich and pure. The Elegante's forza headjoint is responsive and I can easily play any note at any range and dynamically it is wonderful, but thinner in tonal quality with a somewhat airy tone. But not bad. Just different. The Elegante is fully loaded. The Yamaha isn't.
I think if I settled on one flute and it was to go into the shop, I would always have my "other" flute. Although, I was going to use my Gemmie as a back-up flute. Hmmm... I think I'm going to keep both. I might regret it if I didn't.
I'm wondering now... Would a Calore headjoint, for example, really make a difference. Would this make my Elegante flute sound like a Maesta or a Cantabile model just by changing out the headjoint?
Thanks so much for your comments, this has helped me immensely as to my decision.
I would have to agree with Missy, rather than the one flute with many headjoint options.
I like the feel of the Elegante's body/mechanism which is different than the Yamaha, not good or bad, just different. The tone of the Yamaha's ec headjoint, gold lip plate and feel of the Yamaha body I prefer for classical music; the tone is sweet, rich and pure. The Elegante's forza headjoint is responsive and I can easily play any note at any range and dynamically it is wonderful, but thinner in tonal quality with a somewhat airy tone. But not bad. Just different. The Elegante is fully loaded. The Yamaha isn't.
I think if I settled on one flute and it was to go into the shop, I would always have my "other" flute. Although, I was going to use my Gemmie as a back-up flute. Hmmm... I think I'm going to keep both. I might regret it if I didn't.
I'm wondering now... Would a Calore headjoint, for example, really make a difference. Would this make my Elegante flute sound like a Maesta or a Cantabile model just by changing out the headjoint?
Thanks so much for your comments, this has helped me immensely as to my decision.
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
::not sure where you are developmentally as a player::
I really think that having more than one flute if you are at a level less than professional that it would be detrimental to have two flutes. Players need consistency in order to improve or maintain skill level. This is even a school of thought amongst top notch professional players. Most pro flutists have 2 flutes of equal caliber, but they only play one of them. The other one is merely a back up instrument for the times when their primary instrument is getting maintenance.
Galway has 17+ flutes, but he doesn't play them all. He prefers to play his 18k Nagahara. Consistency is crucial with musicians. That's why it is so difficult to get a new instrument. It has to be EXACTLY what you want and are looking for, or else you shouldn't get it.
You've already said that you like the sound of the Yamaha the best. You like the feel of the Pearl and the way it plays. I personally would decide to keep one of them and send the other back. I would keep the Yamaha. Most people find that they either sound good or bad on Pearl. That aspect of compatibility rarely changes (in my experience). If you don't sound your best on Pearl, you probably won't (on that headjoint cut at least).
I'm sure you could put the other $2k to something extremely worthwhile.
I really think that having more than one flute if you are at a level less than professional that it would be detrimental to have two flutes. Players need consistency in order to improve or maintain skill level. This is even a school of thought amongst top notch professional players. Most pro flutists have 2 flutes of equal caliber, but they only play one of them. The other one is merely a back up instrument for the times when their primary instrument is getting maintenance.
Galway has 17+ flutes, but he doesn't play them all. He prefers to play his 18k Nagahara. Consistency is crucial with musicians. That's why it is so difficult to get a new instrument. It has to be EXACTLY what you want and are looking for, or else you shouldn't get it.
You've already said that you like the sound of the Yamaha the best. You like the feel of the Pearl and the way it plays. I personally would decide to keep one of them and send the other back. I would keep the Yamaha. Most people find that they either sound good or bad on Pearl. That aspect of compatibility rarely changes (in my experience). If you don't sound your best on Pearl, you probably won't (on that headjoint cut at least).
I'm sure you could put the other $2k to something extremely worthwhile.
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MissyHPhoenix
- Posts: 368
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:19 pm
- Location: Hammond, LA, USA
I've never used that particular headjoint, but I do know that a different headjoint can make a big difference. The Full Circle wooden headjoint blows me away every time I play it! You could always try the other headjoint and see how you like it.
Phineas, yea I'm pretty much collecting now!
I love each of the flutes I have, tho, so it's very much worth what I paid.
Phineas, yea I'm pretty much collecting now!
I love each of the flutes I have, tho, so it's very much worth what I paid.Missy
Why Be Normal????
Why Be Normal????
Great advice fluteguy. Thanks!fluteguy18 wrote:::not sure where you are developmentally as a player::
I really think that having more than one flute if you are at a level less than professional that it would be detrimental to have two flutes. Players need consistency in order to improve or maintain skill level. This is even a school of thought amongst top notch professional players. Most pro flutists have 2 flutes of equal caliber, but they only play one of them. The other one is merely a back up instrument for the times when their primary instrument is getting maintenance.
Galway has 17+ flutes, but he doesn't play them all. He prefers to play his 18k Nagahara. Consistency is crucial with musicians. That's why it is so difficult to get a new instrument. It has to be EXACTLY what you want and are looking for, or else you shouldn't get it.
You've already said that you like the sound of the Yamaha the best. You like the feel of the Pearl and the way it plays. I personally would decide to keep one of them and send the other back. I would keep the Yamaha. Most people find that they either sound good or bad on Pearl. That aspect of compatibility rarely changes (in my experience). If you don't sound your best on Pearl, you probably won't (on that headjoint cut at least).
I'm sure you could put the other $2k to something extremely worthwhile.
Well the only thing I have to argue with is... then why do guitarists have more than one guitar?
The thing is, I like playing both flutes very much, depending on my mood mostly. They are very different but great in their own way. I can understand not being able to play your very best unless you've been practicing/performing on the same instrument, so that it becomes part of you and you are completely used to it. But that is just it. I can play well on both of these flutes. The others I tried took a long time to get used to, et, the headjoints and the feel of the instrument. But the Elegante and the Yamaha are easy for me to pick up and play, although I know I should stick with one instrument, I guess, as my primary instrument to play my very best. But really I don't know if this is true, at least for me. We'll see... I'm playing next Saturday at a Wedding Fair with a violist, so I do need to decide which flute to play and start playing on JUST it. Yesterday I practiced on the Elegante, day before it was the Yamaha... get the picture.
But this is good advice, fluteguy, and I will think about it. But it would be a hard decision. The Yamaha is so sweet that it is almost (boring?) Is this what resistance means? Like not enough resistance? It is quite an easy flute to play and does sound great, better if your talking pure and rich tone versus the Elegante's light tone. The Elegante is more fun to play, I have to admit. I think dynamically it is easier to control.
I am a very good flutist, people have said that if I ever wanted to play professionally I could, and I now am. I would love to purchase a more expensive flute, but I just do not have the money to do so right now. I am thinking of going back to school, mastering in flute performance. I received my BM in piano performance years ago.
Know one has yet to answer my question regarding if the the Elegante would sound close to or perhaps the same as a higher end Pearl model if it had a different headjoint on it. Would it?
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
Why do guitarists have more than one guitar?
Well... quite frankly. Guitars generally only have certain types of sounds and tone color changes aren't as wide or capable of variance as wind instruments. It is because nothing about you is going into the instrument. You are just pushing and plucking strings. It is a completely external instrument. The same applies to string instruments/percussion/keyboard instruments.
This is not so with a flute or other wind instruments. To get the widest possible range of tone colors you have to be familiar with the instrument. You can't rely in instruments to do it for you. It is all INTERNAL.
I could perhaps understand having 2 metal headjoints and one wooden headjoint for one flute to assist with color changes. But not different flutes. Not only are you dealing with differences of headjoint, you have to change your finger technique, articulation control, breath control... everything!
If you are so strapped for cash, then you should only buy one flute anyway. And if you want a more expensive flute... then why buy two flutes for around $2k each rather than one flute for $4k? There is a HUGE difference in the way the two levels/categories of instrument would play. Furthermore, if you wanted to play professionally, you really would need to be extremely familiar with one instrument rather than moderately comfortable on two.
Well... quite frankly. Guitars generally only have certain types of sounds and tone color changes aren't as wide or capable of variance as wind instruments. It is because nothing about you is going into the instrument. You are just pushing and plucking strings. It is a completely external instrument. The same applies to string instruments/percussion/keyboard instruments.
This is not so with a flute or other wind instruments. To get the widest possible range of tone colors you have to be familiar with the instrument. You can't rely in instruments to do it for you. It is all INTERNAL.
I could perhaps understand having 2 metal headjoints and one wooden headjoint for one flute to assist with color changes. But not different flutes. Not only are you dealing with differences of headjoint, you have to change your finger technique, articulation control, breath control... everything!
If you are so strapped for cash, then you should only buy one flute anyway. And if you want a more expensive flute... then why buy two flutes for around $2k each rather than one flute for $4k? There is a HUGE difference in the way the two levels/categories of instrument would play. Furthermore, if you wanted to play professionally, you really would need to be extremely familiar with one instrument rather than moderately comfortable on two.
Thats what i was trying to say,fluteguy18 wrote:There is a HUGE difference in the way the two levels/categories of instrument would play.
The only exception to this is the Pearl Elegante Coda model, this flute plays amazing. I have a much more expensive flute from the same company, but always end up playing the elegante. I am going to try out the new Pearl Calore headjoint silver-pristine with a platinum riser and 14K lip plate.
Good luck, but i highly suggest against two flutes in the lower end category.
My ultimate suggestions is the elegante with the above mentioned headjoint, this would be killer and would carry u for a long time as a player.
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
Although I agree with what you are saying about guitars, I respectfully disagree about multiple flutes....to a point.fluteguy18 wrote:Why do guitarists have more than one guitar?
Well... quite frankly. Guitars generally only have certain types of sounds and tone color changes aren't as wide or capable of variance as wind instruments. It is because nothing about you is going into the instrument. You are just pushing and plucking strings. It is a completely external instrument. The same applies to string instruments/percussion/keyboard instruments.
This is not so with a flute or other wind instruments. To get the widest possible range of tone colors you have to be familiar with the instrument. You can't rely in instruments to do it for you. It is all INTERNAL.
The sound of a guitar is strictly related to how and what it is made of. Woodwinds are different. However, it all depends on your goals and the application. If you are only going to play one style of music, in only certain settings, then sure you would not need more than one flute. I can also agree with you that if you buy 2 quality flutes, there is not much use for that either. However, if you are like me, playing classical one night, doing a jazz gig in a bar the next, this would be a good reason to have more than one flute. There aint no way I am taking my Miyazawa to a bar gig! Even with insurance on it. What if you have to play outside in the weather?
I will say this. If I were to spend 5k, I would maybe consider buying a flute with an extra headjoint and a piccolo.
Phineas
Interesting comments, thanks!
In reply to a few thoughts regarding more than one flute, like Phineas, I play all genres of music. Also, it is just fun to have a different flute to play, hearing a different tone and a different feel, makes it not so boring... there is a reason why I majored in piano, not to knock flutists and playing the flute!! Maybe it's an ADHD thing!
And I personally think it is like having two guitars. Depending on what sound you want to accomplish or what you feel like playing, just the versatality, makes it all the more interesting. You can get a different sound, just like the guitar, on a wind instrument as well, imho!
As far as having two flutes in the same price range. Well, they are so different with one another that I don't think that matters a bit. I've read on this forum that price doesn't matter. True? It is what you like and feels and sounds best that does. I did try (see my first post) a couple of flutes at around the 5K range, (the Haynes was over 5K), that just were not impressive to me at the least. The Yamaha, to me, sounded more like how a 5K flute should sound. The Elegante is so much different than the Yamaha and also better than the 5K flutes that I tried.
The other reason too, to keep both flutes, is I got a great deal on the Elegante and really, the Yamaha as well. If I should ever teach flute, I could always lend (rent out) or sell one of them, or trade up in the future.
Thanks all. Your comments have been very enlightening and thought provoking! This is great forum and appreciate all the contributions made! I've learned a great deal and are continuing to learn from all of you!
Best, Melissa
In reply to a few thoughts regarding more than one flute, like Phineas, I play all genres of music. Also, it is just fun to have a different flute to play, hearing a different tone and a different feel, makes it not so boring... there is a reason why I majored in piano, not to knock flutists and playing the flute!! Maybe it's an ADHD thing!
And I personally think it is like having two guitars. Depending on what sound you want to accomplish or what you feel like playing, just the versatality, makes it all the more interesting. You can get a different sound, just like the guitar, on a wind instrument as well, imho!
As far as having two flutes in the same price range. Well, they are so different with one another that I don't think that matters a bit. I've read on this forum that price doesn't matter. True? It is what you like and feels and sounds best that does. I did try (see my first post) a couple of flutes at around the 5K range, (the Haynes was over 5K), that just were not impressive to me at the least. The Yamaha, to me, sounded more like how a 5K flute should sound. The Elegante is so much different than the Yamaha and also better than the 5K flutes that I tried.
The other reason too, to keep both flutes, is I got a great deal on the Elegante and really, the Yamaha as well. If I should ever teach flute, I could always lend (rent out) or sell one of them, or trade up in the future.
Thanks all. Your comments have been very enlightening and thought provoking! This is great forum and appreciate all the contributions made! I've learned a great deal and are continuing to learn from all of you!
Best, Melissa
I know I am a little late to this thread...but here is my 2cents anyways.
I played on a Sankyo Silver Sonic for 10 years and just bought a Powell. Changing mechanism was a big process (not to mention I went from inline to offset and got a C# trill key). It took several weeks/months of intense technical practice to adapt. I am a fan of the idea of one flute, several heads for that reason exactly. To be really precise and 'know' your flute, you have to stick with that mechanism.
I also agree, if looking between two $2500 flutes or one $5000, I would go with the $5000 or even a $4K with a new head. Reasoning, for $2500 you most likely aren't in the hand made range. When you jump up to $5000, you can get 'some' flutes in that range that are handmade. I settled for my Sankyo years ago to also buy a wooden piccolo. I should have looked more. I love my Sankyo, but an extra $2000 would have put me into a whole different breed of flutes.
There are some educated folks on this forum, I would really think about their advice. Most of us have played for many a years. We have made several silly decisions and try to pass on knowledge to others. Again, just my 2 cents.
I played on a Sankyo Silver Sonic for 10 years and just bought a Powell. Changing mechanism was a big process (not to mention I went from inline to offset and got a C# trill key). It took several weeks/months of intense technical practice to adapt. I am a fan of the idea of one flute, several heads for that reason exactly. To be really precise and 'know' your flute, you have to stick with that mechanism.
I also agree, if looking between two $2500 flutes or one $5000, I would go with the $5000 or even a $4K with a new head. Reasoning, for $2500 you most likely aren't in the hand made range. When you jump up to $5000, you can get 'some' flutes in that range that are handmade. I settled for my Sankyo years ago to also buy a wooden piccolo. I should have looked more. I love my Sankyo, but an extra $2000 would have put me into a whole different breed of flutes.
There are some educated folks on this forum, I would really think about their advice. Most of us have played for many a years. We have made several silly decisions and try to pass on knowledge to others. Again, just my 2 cents.