Yamaha 461-H vs. 674-H: is it a big enough step up?

[andy957]

I have a Yamaha 461-H and am progressing already to the point that I would like to move to a professional line within my budget. I'm looking for a flute that will not require an upgrade within the next 2 years or so. Is the 674-H in any of your opinions enough of an upgrade in terms of quality of sound, manufacturing, response, etc. that it would be worth it? It's within my budget and although I was hoping maybe to get a Haynes or Powell, I can't afford them right now.

Any and all thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Phineas]

Andy

IMHO, if you upgrade to a YFL674, you could play on that flute for the rest of your life, let alone 2 years. The EC head joint that comes on a 674 is very playable, yet flexible. Not the best, but definitely something you could live with for a while.

HOWEVER, in the same price range, you have a lot of choices. I would suggest trying more brands and models out before you get the Yamaha. You may find something you like better. As a former Yamaha owner(Several times over!), it is definitely a possibility.

Good hunting!

Phineas

[andy957]

IMHO, if you upgrade to a YFL674, you could play on that flute for the rest of your life, let alone 2 years. The EC head joint that comes on a 674 is very playable, yet flexible. Not the best, but definitely something you could live with for a while.

HOWEVER, in the same price range, you have a lot of choices. I would suggest trying more brands and models out before you get the Yamaha. You may find something you like better. As a former Yamaha owner(Several times over!), it is definitely a possibility.

Good hunting!

Phineas

Thanks Phineas, I had a feeling I'd hear from you!

[fluteguy18]

The 600 series is a good line of instruments. In fact, everything from the 500 series up is quite good. It obviously won't be the best instrument in the world, but depending on your goals it could last you a lifetime. That doesn't mean it wouldn't need major work over the course of a lifetime, nor does it mean you won't want a different flute over that span of time, but it is a quality instrument.

When I was shopping in the $2-4.5K range of instruments a couple of years back, the 600 series was among my favorites. But I ultimately ended up with a Miyazawa. Now that I'm starting to browse in the $8k+ range, I will probably take a look at the 800 series in addition to Powell, Nagahara, Brannen and Miyazawa.

[andy957]

Thanks, fluteguy. I have ordered the 674-H and hope to have it by the end of the week. I like many things about the Yamaha, and am used to my 461H so I think it's a good idea. When the time comes to look for an $8K instrument like you are doing, then at that point I'll think about what to do next, but for now I think the 674 will be a good choice.

Thanks very much for your input.

[SaxyShanny]

I have the 674 H with the 'K' HJ and just love it! Before this flute I had the 684 and am so much happier now b/c the 674 has the offset G and split E.



Good luck with your new flute!

[andy957]

b/c the 674 has the offset G and split E.

Yes the offset G is important for me as well, it's just more comfortable for me.

Thanks for your help.

[andy957]

Anyway as it turns out the dealer said Yamaha (in Canada at least) is not selling the 674H any longer, just the 674HCT, meaning the same model only with the C# trill key.

Curious about others' experiences with that key and what specific trills does it facilitate? It looks like it might get in the way of the B-flat trill key, but as I don't have the flute yet (next week) I am only judging by pictures.

Thanks, guys (and gals)!

[Arianna]

I just opted to get the C# trill on my Powell when I upgraded last summer. I love it (and hate when I have to use my old Sankyo that doesn't have one). It helps with many different trills. Best one, the high G-A which is a PAIN without it. Here are two sites I looked at when deciding if I wanted it:
http://www.larrykrantz.com/csharp.htm
http://www.miyazawa.com/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=63
The only major downfall I found is that it is a little heavier. My whole flute weighs a noticeable amount more because of a variety of things I changed between flutes. However, after I adjusted, I love it! I don't think the C# trill added much of this weight, it is just a very different flute then I played on before. I don't think I would want to live without it again!

Oh, I did bump it several times on accident when going for the Bb lever, at first. But, you get used to it. It didn't take long to adjust to being a little more precise when I go for the Bb lever...rather then just throwing my finger over the before

[andy957]

I just opted to get the C# trill on my Powell when I upgraded last summer. I love it (and hate when I have to use my old Sankyo that doesn't have one). It helps with many different trills. Best one, the high G-A which is a PAIN without it. Here are two sites I looked at when deciding if I wanted it:
http://www.larrykrantz.com/csharp.htm
http://www.miyazawa.com/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=63
The only major downfall I found is that it is a little heavier. My whole flute weighs a noticeable amount more because of a variety of things I changed between flutes. However, after I adjusted, I love it! I don't think the C# trill added much of this weight, it is just a very different flute then I played on before. I don't think I would want to live without it again!

Arianna, that's great information. I had tried to find exactly what is described in the krantz and miyazawa links you so helpfully provided above, but couldn't.

Thanks so much.

Andy

[fluteguy18]

I honestly think that the C# trill key is a vital addition to the mechanism. If it were left up to me, I would make it a standard part of the key system. Because of it, SO MANY alternate fingerings, trills and tremolos are possible. I have one on my Miyazawa, and when looking at a new flute, the C# trill key is a big deal breaker. I'm okay with getting an e facilitator ring/donut instead of the split e mechanism, but I will not buy a flute without a C# trill key.

[cflutist]

I had a C# Trill added to my Haynes back in 1998 and love it as well. I also just ordered a new Brannen flute with a C# Trill too.

According to an email I received from Brannen:

The approximate weight of the C# Trill option would add .700ozt to the total weight of the flute ... we're talking 7/10 of a troy ounce.

[andy957]

Thank you, fluteguy and cflutist, I'm really glad to hear your positive feedback as well. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the new beast!

[c_otter]

The C# trill is worth it just for the ease of doing the G3 to A3 trill. Every thing else is bonus.

[cflutist]

Makes playing Mozart #2 a breeze too