Hello, and (yet another) question about buying a flute

[jetgirl]

Hello! So I was surfing around the internet, looking at flute stuff, because I can't actually be playing right now. And I found this message board, and read it a bit, and it seems like there could be some pretty good advice here! I got a BA in Music Ed, back in 1992, taught for a couple years, then gave it up to fly airplanes. (Yeah, weird, I know) So anyway, I have spent the intervening years somewhat keeping up with my playing, but not seriously. Just at church and for my own amusement. So recently, I decided I missed it so much I'd take lessons again, and I am loving this sooo much! However, my flying schedule sort of interferes with my practice schedule, so I decided I'd like a second flute, both as a "backup" and as something I could take on my trips and practice when I have a whole day in some silly hotel room, like today! My current flute is a beautiful Lamberson silver flute, and as such is irreplaceable. I love love love it, but can't risk bringing it on trips, in case something would happen to it. So I want this second flute to be between $800 - $1300 or so, but also similar enough to my flute so as not to be detrimental to my playing (as in, I would need inline g, open holes, probably a b foot.) I am going to a shop next week which sells Azumi, DiZhao, Trevor James, Dean Yang, Pearl, and DeFord, all of which seem to have models which may suit. My teacher isn't real familiar with these, and neither am I. My plan is to go test some out, and see if the shop will let me do a trial on one or two, and let my teacher play them as well. Does anyone here have any preferences among these? Also, what is your recommendation for the best way to do a play-test in the store to narrow the choices down?

Thanks,
Kelli

[Phineas]

Hello! So I was surfing around the internet, looking at flute stuff, because I can't actually be playing right now. And I found this message board, and read it a bit, and it seems like there could be some pretty good advice here! I got a BA in Music Ed, back in 1992, taught for a couple years, then gave it up to fly airplanes. (Yeah, weird, I know) So anyway, I have spent the intervening years somewhat keeping up with my playing, but not seriously. Just at church and for my own amusement. So recently, I decided I missed it so much I'd take lessons again, and I am loving this sooo much! However, my flying schedule sort of interferes with my practice schedule, so I decided I'd like a second flute, both as a "backup" and as something I could take on my trips and practice when I have a whole day in some silly hotel room, like today! My current flute is a beautiful Lamberson silver flute, and as such is irreplaceable. I love love love it, but can't risk bringing it on trips, in case something would happen to it. So I want this second flute to be between $800 - $1300 or so, but also similar enough to my flute so as not to be detrimental to my playing (as in, I would need inline g, open holes, probably a b foot.) I am going to a shop next week which sells Azumi, DiZhao, Trevor James, Dean Yang, Pearl, and DeFord, all of which seem to have models which may suit. My teacher isn't real familiar with these, and neither am I. My plan is to go test some out, and see if the shop will let me do a trial on one or two, and let my teacher play them as well. Does anyone here have any preferences among these? Also, what is your recommendation for the best way to do a play-test in the store to narrow the choices down?

Thanks,
Kelli

Welcome to the board Kelli! I have a few hours as a pilot myself(1800+). I was going to make a career out of it as well, but was discouraged after washing out during Marine(Naval) flight training. I got all the way to advanced trainers(TA4J, and T45) Even passed the bag(Instrument training) so at least I got some jet time! I guess my body could not take it. I still have my SE, ME, IFR, and Commercial ratings. I just have not had an up to date medical in almost 15 years.

Anyhow, back to the subject. I believe that practice beats out flute dollars any day of the week. If a player only had one instrument to play on, even if were not the best instrument, they would eventually get good on it. Most people when they try out an instrument go for the one they can play on the easiest. The problem with this is limited growth. I too have been through this costly experiment. These days, this is what I look for in flutes.

1. Feel
I like a firm/springy but smooth action. I generally try some fast passages while double tonging. If the action is too hard or soft I will either fall behind or ahead in my fingering. Keep in mind that this can be adjusted. However, feeling right out of the box is a major selling point for me.

2. Flexibility(Headjoint)
I do some long tones with dynamics and vibrato. The wider the range you can play, the better! Even if you will have to practice to keep it under control. Again. most people go for the headjoint that is easier for them. Only you can decide what is right for you. If you like how the flute feels, you can always change the headjoint later. However, when the combination is right, it is a good selling point.

3. Intonation/Scale
You can play almost any good flute in tune. The easier it is to play in tune on an instrument, the better. I always take a tuner with me to try out flutes.

4. Personal sound.
I always take a recording device, or another set of ears. Which ever flute you like sound of the best on over all it a winner!

I have my favorite brands out of the list you gave. It is up to you to find yours. Try them all. Have fun. They are all reputable brands.

Phineas