Hi all, I'm new here, so I'll just briefly introduce myself: I'll be 18 in two months, I've been playing flute for 9 years and harp since October 2010, and I took about 2 years of piano lessons in middle school.
Right now, I play a solid silver Yamaha C flute. Ever since I heard a bass flute on one of Claude Bolling's CDs years ago, I've wanted to play a bass or alto flute. I'll be going to college next year and the flute choir there only has 1 bass and 1 alto flute. I think it would be really great to get an alto now, so I can get acquainted with the instrument before college when I'll be one of two alto players.
My family is in a bit of a financial pinch right now, so we cannot afford something more than $2,000. We've checked Flute World, but they don't offer financing. The local music shop doesn't normally carry alto flutes, but they do offer financing, but I won't be able to try it out. Once they order it, I'll have to buy it. I'm rather small, and my flute teacher says that she used to play alto, but it was hard for her to hold because her arms were not quite long enough. I'm a bit taller than she is, but hearing that has made me wary of buying before trying. (We're now asking around to see who has an alto in the area that would let me try it out.)
So my question is - what alto flutes do you recommend/what brands have a reputation of being reliable and having good tone quality? I do not know much about flute brands and have only ever played Yamaha and Gminehardt. (spelling?) We're looking at a solid silver alto Yamaha w/ a curved head joint now. On eBay I saw a bunch of Venus flutes for $800 - a much more appealing price in our current situation but none of the flautists I've talked to have heard of Venus!
I'd really appreciate any suggestions! (And I apologize for the long-winded post!)
Buying an alto flute
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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zummerzet_lou
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2003 5:30 am
Re: Buying an alto flute
Are you sure the flute choir wants or needs 2 alto flutes?
I'm not trying to put you off, but you need to be sure before investing. I'd also be wary about buying a cheap version - I have heard of venus, and heard both good and bad reviews of these. Ideally you need to find one you can play before buying it. I've learnt on many occasions it doesn't pay to buy a cheap version because quite often you have to pay out more for a quality one so actually costs you more in the long term.
I'm not trying to put you off, but you need to be sure before investing. I'd also be wary about buying a cheap version - I have heard of venus, and heard both good and bad reviews of these. Ideally you need to find one you can play before buying it. I've learnt on many occasions it doesn't pay to buy a cheap version because quite often you have to pay out more for a quality one so actually costs you more in the long term.
Re: Buying an alto flute
A good option is the DiZhao alto flute. A friend of mine just bought it new and is very happy.
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James_Alto
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 2:07 pm
Re: Buying an alto flute
Hi Shelby,
Great to hear you're joining the alto crowd. There's quite a huge leap between the bass and the alto flute though.
Are you sure you don't want to try a bass recorder?
Well go for the alto flute! However as Lou suggests, having 2 alto flutes might be an issue, so you will have to bump the other girl off
I'm afraid for your budget, you won't get anything like the luxury you're accustomed, with your Yamaha flute. Yours must be a 611 series +? It must be worth a great trade-in, if you really wish to commit yourself to the alto flute.
If you wish to retain your C flute, then the options under $2,000 would include the excellent Dimedici series (11xx,12xx series); a black nickel plated Trevor James Performer series, or the DiZhao as Zevang suggests...and you could decide if you prefer a U bend/curved head or a straight head. I've always played straight head, and I don't notice any huge problems with curved head players, except that they're usually quite short
If you are undecided, it will cost you more for both curved and straight heads. The fingering stretch should not be an issue - the alto finger pads are very comfortable, however the lowest pinky finger - you will need to try it out to see how you fare.
As for brands and reputations ... with alto flutes, the more you pay, the better it is (usually). The Trevor James black plated nickel is unusual, in that at its price point, the tone is incredibly sweet and dark rich. You can find some youtube clips on it if you're interested. It compares very well against the Dimedici (I'd avoid Jupiter, its lower grade arm). I don't mind Yamahas - but they are incredibly costly for what you get. When I tried a Yamaha 211 series, it was heavy and well built, but the tone was less resonant in bloom than a Trevor James TX student flute, costing 1/3rd the price. The Yamaha is fine, but the prices are rather high due to the Japanese brand etc. You can find decent brands cheaper than a Yamaha. Germindhart (sp?_) technology hasn't got a great reputation in alto flutes, if they do alto flutes.
Note - that you will probably notice a lack of trill keys; a lack of a split E mechanism; no open holes; probably a standard cut embouchure for that price; and just a silver plated body, with no extra foot note below alto G. If you're not averse to modern technology, then the Guo Flutes (polymer) have a great range and you might like one of those, although they are not as traditional.
Good luck!
Great to hear you're joining the alto crowd. There's quite a huge leap between the bass and the alto flute though.
Are you sure you don't want to try a bass recorder?
Well go for the alto flute! However as Lou suggests, having 2 alto flutes might be an issue, so you will have to bump the other girl off
I'm afraid for your budget, you won't get anything like the luxury you're accustomed, with your Yamaha flute. Yours must be a 611 series +? It must be worth a great trade-in, if you really wish to commit yourself to the alto flute.
If you wish to retain your C flute, then the options under $2,000 would include the excellent Dimedici series (11xx,12xx series); a black nickel plated Trevor James Performer series, or the DiZhao as Zevang suggests...and you could decide if you prefer a U bend/curved head or a straight head. I've always played straight head, and I don't notice any huge problems with curved head players, except that they're usually quite short
If you are undecided, it will cost you more for both curved and straight heads. The fingering stretch should not be an issue - the alto finger pads are very comfortable, however the lowest pinky finger - you will need to try it out to see how you fare.
As for brands and reputations ... with alto flutes, the more you pay, the better it is (usually). The Trevor James black plated nickel is unusual, in that at its price point, the tone is incredibly sweet and dark rich. You can find some youtube clips on it if you're interested. It compares very well against the Dimedici (I'd avoid Jupiter, its lower grade arm). I don't mind Yamahas - but they are incredibly costly for what you get. When I tried a Yamaha 211 series, it was heavy and well built, but the tone was less resonant in bloom than a Trevor James TX student flute, costing 1/3rd the price. The Yamaha is fine, but the prices are rather high due to the Japanese brand etc. You can find decent brands cheaper than a Yamaha. Germindhart (sp?_) technology hasn't got a great reputation in alto flutes, if they do alto flutes.
Note - that you will probably notice a lack of trill keys; a lack of a split E mechanism; no open holes; probably a standard cut embouchure for that price; and just a silver plated body, with no extra foot note below alto G. If you're not averse to modern technology, then the Guo Flutes (polymer) have a great range and you might like one of those, although they are not as traditional.
Good luck!
Re: Buying an alto flute
Thanks for all your replies! Recently, we've decided against buying a cheapo from eBay or Amazon. So, the hunt resumes for a place that offers financing without astronomical interest...
This morning I met with the flute director at an Ivy-league school near where I live. He let me try the school's $7000 alto flute (I want to say it was a Sankyo?) He also recommended me to someone who put up a list of well-reputed, under $3000 alto flutes on her website. She recommends Di Zhao, Jupiter, diMedici, Pearl, and several others. Both she and the flute director both warned against getting a Gmeinhardt (sp?) alto as they are not very good quality.
So, everything is combining to make me lean towards a diMedici or a Pearl (both would have solid-silver heads and be silver plated; we can't afford an entirely solid-silver one), as they seem to have a good rep and the price tags aren't making me dizzy. I am planning on getting a curved head joint, since I am only about 5'7" and a straight head joint would be too long to be comfortable.
To answer some of your questions:
The college flute choir director was actually complaining a bit that they "only have 1 alto and 1 bass" and said that "this lack of b/a flute players is somewhat limiting" to the selections they can play. (She is very excited to hear that I will soon be adding to their alto ranks!)
As for the luxury of my current flute... (@James_alto: I'm not sure what the series is, I'll check) To be perfectly honest I made out like a bandit! The music shop was originally selling it for a somewhat reduced price of $2800, but they were having a spring sale and I managed to snag it for only $1600!!!! I am definitely planning to keep it as I've been enjoying performing with a local community band and playing it is something I love.
Honestly, after trying an alto flute this morning, I think it will be quite some time before I try to get a bass flute. The professor was showing me the variety of voices and tone qualities one can achieve with the alto and I will be busy exploring it for years!
Again, thank you very much for your helpfulness and kind welcome! I am excited and eager to get my alto and join the ranks!
If you want, will keep you updated on my progress of getting it.
This morning I met with the flute director at an Ivy-league school near where I live. He let me try the school's $7000 alto flute (I want to say it was a Sankyo?) He also recommended me to someone who put up a list of well-reputed, under $3000 alto flutes on her website. She recommends Di Zhao, Jupiter, diMedici, Pearl, and several others. Both she and the flute director both warned against getting a Gmeinhardt (sp?) alto as they are not very good quality.
So, everything is combining to make me lean towards a diMedici or a Pearl (both would have solid-silver heads and be silver plated; we can't afford an entirely solid-silver one), as they seem to have a good rep and the price tags aren't making me dizzy. I am planning on getting a curved head joint, since I am only about 5'7" and a straight head joint would be too long to be comfortable.
To answer some of your questions:
The college flute choir director was actually complaining a bit that they "only have 1 alto and 1 bass" and said that "this lack of b/a flute players is somewhat limiting" to the selections they can play. (She is very excited to hear that I will soon be adding to their alto ranks!)
As for the luxury of my current flute... (@James_alto: I'm not sure what the series is, I'll check) To be perfectly honest I made out like a bandit! The music shop was originally selling it for a somewhat reduced price of $2800, but they were having a spring sale and I managed to snag it for only $1600!!!!
I am definitely planning to keep it as I've been enjoying performing with a local community band and playing it is something I love. Honestly, after trying an alto flute this morning, I think it will be quite some time before I try to get a bass flute. The professor was showing me the variety of voices and tone qualities one can achieve with the alto and I will be busy exploring it for years!
Again, thank you very much for your helpfulness and kind welcome! I am excited and eager to get my alto and join the ranks!
If you want, will keep you updated on my progress of getting it.-
goldenflute
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:40 am
Re: Buying an alto flute
Hi Shelby,
If it helps, I have a diMedici alto flute and absolutely love it. It has a solid silver headjoint and plated body but it has a gorgeous sound. As far as the headjoint, I am only 5' 2" and I have no problem playing a straight head. I like it because its more traditional than the curved head. So, at 5' 7" you should not rule that out in your search.
If it helps, I have a diMedici alto flute and absolutely love it. It has a solid silver headjoint and plated body but it has a gorgeous sound. As far as the headjoint, I am only 5' 2" and I have no problem playing a straight head. I like it because its more traditional than the curved head. So, at 5' 7" you should not rule that out in your search.
Re: Buying an alto flute
This is very encouraging to hear because we just found out that the music shop in our area can order a model exactly like the one you're describing! No word yet on a Pearl, so I just might end up with a diMedici like yours. I'm so glad to hear you love it!goldenflute wrote:If it helps, I have a diMedici alto flute and absolutely love it. It has a solid silver headjoint and plated body but it has a gorgeous sound.
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James_Alto
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 2:07 pm
Re: Buying an alto flute
great to see you've narrowed down the options. Yes - ebay or amazon (unless it's a trusted dealer) aren't ideal for flutes, unless you know what you're doing.
All Sankyo flutes are gorgeous. You're fortunate to try one one. I've only heard them being played. Your prices are better than ours (United Kingdom) so $7000 is probably a lot more for us.
If you're prepared to go over $2,000, then the Dimedici Series 13xx solid silver alto flute would be within your reach. Check the USA internet sites - there were some offering it for $2,500 with a $200 rebate recently.
I like the Dimedici I tried (12xx) series. I use a Michael Allen headjoint on the Trevor James Recital II series. I'd give it the edge over the Dimedici 12xx series, but unfortunately the 13xx series was not imported into the United Kingdom so I never got to try it. The Dimedici does have a split-E mechanism if that helps - and the 13xx series is solid silver - headjoint and body for that price. That is amazingly great value for an intermediate alto flute. Check out the different heads if you can: I find the tone colour on my Michael Allen head, is more like a tapestry and richer, than the standard headjoints with the usual undercut embouchure, although one of my flute colleagues who was used to playing shorter flutes tried it, and said it was impossible for him to get tone control out of it. If you settle for an easy 'free blowing' flute, you may come to regret it in later years, when you realise its limitations. Equally, if you buy too focussed a headjoint, and find it impossible to control the tone without sounding whistling air, it can be just as frustrating. I think the Dimedici are a great balance.
Your Yamaha flute is a steal
If you're 5ft 7', you won't have a problem with a straight head joint. You'll adjust to the weight over time
All Sankyo flutes are gorgeous. You're fortunate to try one one. I've only heard them being played. Your prices are better than ours (United Kingdom) so $7000 is probably a lot more for us.
If you're prepared to go over $2,000, then the Dimedici Series 13xx solid silver alto flute would be within your reach. Check the USA internet sites - there were some offering it for $2,500 with a $200 rebate recently.
I like the Dimedici I tried (12xx) series. I use a Michael Allen headjoint on the Trevor James Recital II series. I'd give it the edge over the Dimedici 12xx series, but unfortunately the 13xx series was not imported into the United Kingdom so I never got to try it. The Dimedici does have a split-E mechanism if that helps - and the 13xx series is solid silver - headjoint and body for that price. That is amazingly great value for an intermediate alto flute. Check out the different heads if you can: I find the tone colour on my Michael Allen head, is more like a tapestry and richer, than the standard headjoints with the usual undercut embouchure, although one of my flute colleagues who was used to playing shorter flutes tried it, and said it was impossible for him to get tone control out of it. If you settle for an easy 'free blowing' flute, you may come to regret it in later years, when you realise its limitations. Equally, if you buy too focussed a headjoint, and find it impossible to control the tone without sounding whistling air, it can be just as frustrating. I think the Dimedici are a great balance.
Your Yamaha flute is a steal
If you're 5ft 7', you won't have a problem with a straight head joint. You'll adjust to the weight over time
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MissyHPhoenix
- Posts: 368
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:19 pm
- Location: Hammond, LA, USA
Re: Buying an alto flute
I don't know how much height determines whether the straight headjoint will be comfortable for you. I am 5'5" and cannot play on a straight one -- it is a joke for me! The curved headjoint makes a big difference in my case. However, my last teacher is shorter than me and plays just fine on a straight. Not sure what is going on, but maybe it is more length of arms and hands.
Everyone is different. Would be so boring if we were all the same!
Everyone is different. Would be so boring if we were all the same!
Missy
Why Be Normal????
Why Be Normal????
Re: Buying an alto flute
Hi everybody, just wanted to post an update: I had to choose between a diMedici and a Pearl, and I decided to go with a Pearl because several people (some of them are professional flutists) I know have had very good experiences with Pearl and that makes me feel quite confident that I will get a good instrument.
The flute should be here in about a week, but I will be gone away to band camp until August 7 so I told my parents they have to text me a picture of the box as soon as it lands on our front porch! I know I will have a great experience at camp, but the whole time I am gone I will be anxious to come home and play my new flute! Then late August/early September, I will be joining a flute choir at a local university and I am very excited for the new adventure.
PS: @James_alto, I recently found out that the same Sankyo I tried is now worth over $11,000!!! Also, do you know how to find out what series my Yamaha is? There's a bunch of numbers stamped into the top of the body where the head joint fits in, but I don't know what they mean.
The flute should be here in about a week, but I will be gone away to band camp until August 7 so I told my parents they have to text me a picture of the box as soon as it lands on our front porch! I know I will have a great experience at camp, but the whole time I am gone I will be anxious to come home and play my new flute! Then late August/early September, I will be joining a flute choir at a local university and I am very excited for the new adventure.
PS: @James_alto, I recently found out that the same Sankyo I tried is now worth over $11,000!!! Also, do you know how to find out what series my Yamaha is? There's a bunch of numbers stamped into the top of the body where the head joint fits in, but I don't know what they mean.
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James_Alto
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 2:07 pm
Re: Buying an alto flute
Hi there,
I hope you love the new Pearl flute!
There are professional flutists who play with all kinds of brands - including Pearl. It's a shame flute stores aren't always as helpful in stocking up lots for newcomers to try. Oh well - the Pearl should keep you satisfied for many years to come.
I'm sure you're aware of its greater weight - I'd recommend you get a Hercules flute/clarinet stand for it so that you never have to leave it on its keys, or risk damage laying it anywhere. Silver polishing cloth also keeps it like new.
Re the Yamaha - on the head joint, there will be the words 'Yamaha' with a set of numbers. You can compare the numbers against the Yamaha flute website, or any shop listings for Yamaha flutes, to work out the current cost of a new version. It's engraved and isn't the easiest to read, but it is there.
Enjoy band camp and tell your parents to protect that box from little gremlins!
I hope you love the new Pearl flute!
There are professional flutists who play with all kinds of brands - including Pearl. It's a shame flute stores aren't always as helpful in stocking up lots for newcomers to try. Oh well - the Pearl should keep you satisfied for many years to come.
I'm sure you're aware of its greater weight - I'd recommend you get a Hercules flute/clarinet stand for it so that you never have to leave it on its keys, or risk damage laying it anywhere. Silver polishing cloth also keeps it like new.
Re the Yamaha - on the head joint, there will be the words 'Yamaha' with a set of numbers. You can compare the numbers against the Yamaha flute website, or any shop listings for Yamaha flutes, to work out the current cost of a new version. It's engraved and isn't the easiest to read, but it is there.
Enjoy band camp and tell your parents to protect that box from little gremlins!
Re: Buying an alto flute
I'm so excited! Of course, my dad feels the need to tease me about my new flute: "Oh, yeah, when it comes I'm gonna try it out and make sure it works nicely for you. When you come back from band camp I'll be a regular pro!" And he can't tell a bassoon from a log! But I know he's kidding. Mostly. I hope...
Anyway, thanks a bunch! I think my Yamaha is a 496 or something. I'll double-check tomorrow.
Thanks for the heads-up on the flute stand. I've never really thought about one, but if I ever double and play both flutes at one event, it would come in handy. I've already got a silver polishing cloth and I use it often. I like to keep my flutes extra-shiny and looking new!
Anyway, thanks a bunch! I think my Yamaha is a 496 or something. I'll double-check tomorrow.
Thanks for the heads-up on the flute stand. I've never really thought about one, but if I ever double and play both flutes at one event, it would come in handy. I've already got a silver polishing cloth and I use it often. I like to keep my flutes extra-shiny and looking new!
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James_Alto
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 2:07 pm
Re: Buying an alto flute
Lol - I bet he could tell the difference from sound though! The bassoon sounds like a quacking duck and the flute ... is much more elegant.
The Yamaha 400 series flutes are very decent - the only difference in the series is really about offset G; E mechs, open holes solid heads, risers and body with options for inline holes or offset etc etc. I prefer open hole flutes, but they are more expensive.
The Hercules flute/clarinet stands are the best I've seen on the market. They are so stable and it's really hard to knock over a flute accidentally on one. They also collapse brilliantly for travelling.
The Yamaha 400 series flutes are very decent - the only difference in the series is really about offset G; E mechs, open holes solid heads, risers and body with options for inline holes or offset etc etc. I prefer open hole flutes, but they are more expensive.
The Hercules flute/clarinet stands are the best I've seen on the market. They are so stable and it's really hard to knock over a flute accidentally on one. They also collapse brilliantly for travelling.
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Vincentcnbres
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 3:17 am
- Contact:
Re: Buying an alto flute
A good option is the DiZhao alto flute. A friend of mine just bought it new and is very happy.
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Amandaibags
Re: Buying an alto flute
A good option is the DiZhao alto flute. A friend of mine just bought it new and is very happy.