Bass flute

[teas]

So I’ve done a lot of research and I think I’m going to purchase the Schiller elite bass flute but not many people have done reviews on it.. do you guys know anything about this certain brand/ bass flute if so please help out in the comments I don’t want to waste my money:( thanks!!

[pied_piper]

I don't know of any music teachers or professionals who are recommending Schiller instruments in general. If you are truly serious about buying a bass flute, you should visit Chris Potter's web site. Chris is the foremost authority on low flutes. She gives presentations at the National Flute Association conventions and she also provides annual recommendations about which alto and bass flutes are instruments worthy of consideration. Any manufacturer worth consideration brings their flutes to the NFA convention for people to try and that's when Chris Potter tests them and posts comments about them on her web site. I do not see the Schiller listed, so that should tell you something...

See Chris Potter's list of recommended bass flutes here:
https://chrispotterflute.com/alto-bass/recommendations/

[teas]

i know i really want the pearl bass flute but not wanting to spend that much money, i saw a used jupiter for 2.1k which i also want but again that's a lot fo money for me to spend. but carrying on to what you were saying i dont plan on playing it professionally but just in a highschool band. i've seen some people really like the schiller elite bass flute online and in terms of the whole brand i saw that their euphoniums were pretty good,, but do you think that just using it for a highschool wind ensemble would be fine? or?

[pied_piper]

There is a lot of truth in the old saying that "you get what you pay for". Many off-brand instruments will play OK when new, but some have problems holding adjustments because they are made from softer metals than known brands. I don't know if that is true for the Schiller instruments, but just be aware that if you have even a minor problem, there are quite a few flute repair shops that will only work on name-brand instruments that are well known. Even if Schiller will repair the instruments, you will likely have to pay for shipping and insurance both ways to get it to them and back. That could cost you more than $100 each way. So, factor that into your decision.

[SylvreKat]

From what I could find, the Schiller doesn't have trill keys. Probably why it doesn't show on Dr Potter's list--she won't bother with it if it has no trill keys.

They aren't just for trills, as you use the to help stabilize notes, help more problematic notes sound, all sorts of alternate fingerings. I use mine all the time jumping to a mid-range E or F, both of which don't always sound clearly (of course, this could be due to my not playing bass consistently--or any specific flute, for that matter--see arsenal listed below )

My advice, which comes from many MANY emails with Dr Potter (before I knew she was Somebody and not just a avid low flutist) is continue saving your money, while haunting every possible used flute place hoping for a good brand that includes trill keys. I got my treble from a guy in a facebook group-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/flutes4sale/ . You can post on Dr Potter's facebook group-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/458318884193142/ and see if anyone's heard of a bass for sale. Watch the want ads (where I got my good silver Gemi picc) and Craig's List and the online used flute sites and new flute sellers like WWBW (they sometimes have used, or also seconds). Even eBay, although you need to be aware there's folks who find flutes at estate sales then flip them on eBay and have zero idea of condition, so the cost of the horn might only be a starting point.

Do stay away from the cheap horns, like the no-name Chinese. As pied said, they might start out fine, but they tend to break down and typically aren't repairable.

The main thing is patience. Sometimes an incredible deal will drop into your lap like a gift from on high, when you aren't looking for it. It's how I got my bass--I happened to email Dr Potter at the right moment with yet another question, just after someone local to her happened to email that she was looking to sell her bass.

>'Kat

[SylvreKat]

So teas, what did you decide about the Schiller? Did you buy it?

And I just realized, I paid close to the same for my little peppermint stick (the treble) as for my big boy (the bass).

>'Kat