Looking for a Flute...
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pandagirl11
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:49 pm
Looking for a Flute...
Hmm...I just bought a Gemeinhardt 72SP model about 4 weeks ago and I'm about to start private lessons soon. I know I have to upgrade my flute soon but my parents want me to pay for at least half of the next flute I get so I'm doing some searching around now. Are there any brands out there that stock solid silver flutes other than Gemeinhardt? I looked at their 3SB model and it's pretty nice but then again, I've heard so many bad things about the intermediate flutes so I want to try a different brand. Pearl doesn't seem to have solid silver flutes...what brands do? I have about a C$1500 limit. =)
Hi. Panda!
How long have you been playing? You may want to wait until you can talk with your new teacher about which flute to buy. True, the intermediate market is not terribly worthwhile, but there are some decent flutes to be found. I'm not sure the exchange rate at this time--is C$1500 about $1000-$1200 US? It's going to be hard to find a solid silver flute in this price range that also has a pretty good headjoint and a fast, reliable mechanism. It seems at this price point the ONLY upgrade we're paying for is the move from silver-plate to solid silver--just the metal, but not any significant design improvements over our basic student flutes. The headjoint is the most important part of your flute, so if it's silver and well-cut, it doesn't so much matter whether your flute's body is solid silver. A couple of my students are struggling with this right now. They play well, have lots of potential, need to move up from their student instruments, and don't want to buy a marginally-better flute they'll need to replace in two years, either because they're outplaying the newer flute or because of mechanical issues. I suggested they wait just a bit, 6-8 months, for their playing to mature to the point that they can REALLY hear and feel a big difference between their current flutes and better models. What to buy at that point, hmm...
I work in a music store that, at this time, carries Yamaha, Armstrong, Emerson, and Gemeinhardt (yeah, we know, we've only got two left, and we'll blow them out cheap! We're a small chain, and the Big Boss, in another location, seems to think somebody really likes those tthings lol). More a band store than a flute store, but we manage to get some good stuff sometimes...I AM trying to get us some other brands. There are tons of flutes out there now, and buying one is extremely personal. Anyway, aside from Gemeinhardt, the upper models of these brands are not bad, but they'll eventually limit us. The Yamaha 480 series is a pretty good starting point for intermediate flutes. It may be hard to find a new one in your price range, but a gently-used 400-, 500-, or 600-series might be available someplace for this price, and these flutes perform pretty well. Armstrong has suffered some upheaval since its (Conn's) merger with Selmer. The 80B was it's standard intermediate workhorse, but has been eliminated in favor of the new 800B. Reasonably good scale and tone, reliable mmechanism. A choice of headjoints is available, so this helps, but the headjoint it comes with is not my favorite. I've played only one higher-end Emerson (they're just not that popular here), and it's a beautiful-looking, nicely-crafted instrument. The mechanism feels good, but the tone is extremely light. Pretty for chamber music, maybe, but not meaty enough for band or orchestra. I'm not sure if this is a trend throughout their range. Emerson DeFord retired and sold his shop, so I guess there won't be more of these. Gemeinhardt at higher price points than beginner, pass on these. Not the best tone, and serious mechanical issues if students are practicing a lot of hours.
Among other brands, gosh, there are so many now! Muramatsu is wonderful, but the only flute in their line close to your price range is the EX model (new, about $2500, used $??). This flute plays, under almost all circumstances, much better than the previously discussed brands, even when/if they are solid silver. The EX is silver head, silver-plated body. Hey, James Galway admits to playing one of these... Miyazawa is another choice, not sure of exact model #/prices. Some people are liking the Powell Sonare, but this is a silver Powell headjoint on a Pacific-Rim body, and I've heard lots of complaints about the reliability of the mechanism. The general concensus is "If you want a Powell headjoint, buy a Powell headjoint.".
Trevor James makes some nice flutes, too. I don't have much experience with Jupiter, but some people like some of the models. Just hop online and do some research, and be sure to try LOTS before you buy. 
How long have you been playing? You may want to wait until you can talk with your new teacher about which flute to buy. True, the intermediate market is not terribly worthwhile, but there are some decent flutes to be found. I'm not sure the exchange rate at this time--is C$1500 about $1000-$1200 US? It's going to be hard to find a solid silver flute in this price range that also has a pretty good headjoint and a fast, reliable mechanism. It seems at this price point the ONLY upgrade we're paying for is the move from silver-plate to solid silver--just the metal, but not any significant design improvements over our basic student flutes. The headjoint is the most important part of your flute, so if it's silver and well-cut, it doesn't so much matter whether your flute's body is solid silver. A couple of my students are struggling with this right now. They play well, have lots of potential, need to move up from their student instruments, and don't want to buy a marginally-better flute they'll need to replace in two years, either because they're outplaying the newer flute or because of mechanical issues. I suggested they wait just a bit, 6-8 months, for their playing to mature to the point that they can REALLY hear and feel a big difference between their current flutes and better models. What to buy at that point, hmm...
I work in a music store that, at this time, carries Yamaha, Armstrong, Emerson, and Gemeinhardt (yeah, we know, we've only got two left, and we'll blow them out cheap! We're a small chain, and the Big Boss, in another location, seems to think somebody really likes those tthings lol). More a band store than a flute store, but we manage to get some good stuff sometimes...I AM trying to get us some other brands. There are tons of flutes out there now, and buying one is extremely personal. Anyway, aside from Gemeinhardt, the upper models of these brands are not bad, but they'll eventually limit us. The Yamaha 480 series is a pretty good starting point for intermediate flutes. It may be hard to find a new one in your price range, but a gently-used 400-, 500-, or 600-series might be available someplace for this price, and these flutes perform pretty well. Armstrong has suffered some upheaval since its (Conn's) merger with Selmer. The 80B was it's standard intermediate workhorse, but has been eliminated in favor of the new 800B. Reasonably good scale and tone, reliable mmechanism. A choice of headjoints is available, so this helps, but the headjoint it comes with is not my favorite. I've played only one higher-end Emerson (they're just not that popular here), and it's a beautiful-looking, nicely-crafted instrument. The mechanism feels good, but the tone is extremely light. Pretty for chamber music, maybe, but not meaty enough for band or orchestra. I'm not sure if this is a trend throughout their range. Emerson DeFord retired and sold his shop, so I guess there won't be more of these. Gemeinhardt at higher price points than beginner, pass on these. Not the best tone, and serious mechanical issues if students are practicing a lot of hours.
Among other brands, gosh, there are so many now! Muramatsu is wonderful, but the only flute in their line close to your price range is the EX model (new, about $2500, used $??). This flute plays, under almost all circumstances, much better than the previously discussed brands, even when/if they are solid silver. The EX is silver head, silver-plated body. Hey, James Galway admits to playing one of these... Miyazawa is another choice, not sure of exact model #/prices. Some people are liking the Powell Sonare, but this is a silver Powell headjoint on a Pacific-Rim body, and I've heard lots of complaints about the reliability of the mechanism. The general concensus is "If you want a Powell headjoint, buy a Powell headjoint.".
Trevor James makes some nice flutes, too. I don't have much experience with Jupiter, but some people like some of the models. Just hop online and do some research, and be sure to try LOTS before you buy. I've tried gemeinhardt 3sb, but I didn't like that particular flute because all flutes are different even of the same model. But I have tried one that I like and its awesome.
I have a solid silver pearl 765 rbe
it's great, but the silver is soft so it's not for the abusive flutists out there (much like myself)
I also have tried the armstrong 80b which is great and it comes in solid silver.
Lastly I tried and Emerson but I don't know the model number so check out that brand too
home this helps,
Kendall
P.S.-solid silver everything isnt always necessary
I have a solid silver pearl 765 rbe
it's great, but the silver is soft so it's not for the abusive flutists out there (much like myself)
I also have tried the armstrong 80b which is great and it comes in solid silver.
Lastly I tried and Emerson but I don't know the model number so check out that brand too
home this helps,
Kendall
P.S.-solid silver everything isnt always necessary
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pandagirl11
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:49 pm
Are flutes made by Pearl any good? I was reading around on the board here and I saw that some people tend to say that the mechanism is a bit bigger than that of other flutes. What do you think? I looked up the Yamaha 481H model and it says it has an Inline G. Would that come with an Offset G as well? -.-" Me and my tiny hands...I can barely reach one octave on the piano and I'm doing my DipABRSM/ARCT soon. Meh. Oh well...just wondering, 'cause I don't think I'd do very well with an Inline G since my fingers are so short. =P
I have a pearl flute that I love. It has a very clear tone and is great on octaves. It has an offline G and is really easy to adjust to
its pearl 765-rbe
It has an E mechannism and is solid silver.
Just becareful because pearls have soft metal and can be damaged quite easily.
hope this helps,
its pearl 765-rbe
It has an E mechannism and is solid silver.
Just becareful because pearls have soft metal and can be damaged quite easily.
hope this helps,
Kendall
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pandagirl11
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:49 pm
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pandagirl11
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:49 pm
Hmm...I think I'm going to get either the Yamaha YFL-461H model or the Trevor James CARBOE (Cantabile) Model. =) Thanks to everyone for all of the advice! One more thing...
My teacher mentionned that when I begin my grade 10 (RCM - I'm currently in grade 2 after one lesson =D), I have to learn piccolo as well. What do you think about Emerson piccolos? I'm assuming that since Gemeinhardt flutes aren't that great that their piccolos wouldn't be so great either? Or are their piccolos actually worth buying?
My teacher mentionned that when I begin my grade 10 (RCM - I'm currently in grade 2 after one lesson =D), I have to learn piccolo as well. What do you think about Emerson piccolos? I'm assuming that since Gemeinhardt flutes aren't that great that their piccolos wouldn't be so great either? Or are their piccolos actually worth buying?
Hi again
Those Gemeinhardt piccs don't play so well in tune...I haven't tried Emersons recently, so I won't comment. One of my students just bought a Yamaha YPC-81 (wooden, about $2300 here) and loves it. It sounds really nice, and wasn't as expensive as some comparable-playing piccolos. The scale seems to be good (easier to play in tune). How much time between grades 2 and 10?
Those Gemeinhardt piccs don't play so well in tune...I haven't tried Emersons recently, so I won't comment. One of my students just bought a Yamaha YPC-81 (wooden, about $2300 here) and loves it. It sounds really nice, and wasn't as expensive as some comparable-playing piccolos. The scale seems to be good (easier to play in tune). How much time between grades 2 and 10?
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pandagirl11
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:49 pm
OK, get practicing lol! Silver vs. wood depends on your playing needs. The materials and different bore shapes (conical vs. cylindrical) of metal and wood piccolos create distinctive tones and response characteristics for each. Silver is usually much brighter-sounding and much more likely to be perceived by piccolo-hating curmudgeons 
as "shrill" (I hate to use the word). These are sometimes better for marching band or large symphonic band playing. Wood usually sounds more mellow and blends more attractively (?) with other winds. Wooden piccolos are most often the prefered tonal choice for wind ensemble, concert band, orchestra, chamber music, and soloistic playing. Start saving your $$$, I guess. They're fun to play; I'll be presenting a lecture-recital in a couple weeks that includes the Broughton piccolo concerto. My cats sure don't like this piece! 
as "shrill" (I hate to use the word). These are sometimes better for marching band or large symphonic band playing. Wood usually sounds more mellow and blends more attractively (?) with other winds. Wooden piccolos are most often the prefered tonal choice for wind ensemble, concert band, orchestra, chamber music, and soloistic playing. Start saving your $$$, I guess. They're fun to play; I'll be presenting a lecture-recital in a couple weeks that includes the Broughton piccolo concerto. My cats sure don't like this piece! -
pandagirl11
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:49 pm