Need more info about buying a flute for a 6th grade student

[compiler]

A 6th grade musical teacher recommends a flute with "inline open hole preferred, off set plateau acceptable for beginners." As a parent, I prefer Yamaha. Since the flute is for the beginner and the teacher has recommended inline open hole, it seems the only choice is the Yamaha YFL-281 though I see the YFL-221 is very popular and cheap by about $150. Do you think the inline G is better than offset G and the Yamaha YFL-281 is good for the beginner or there are other better choices? Thanks.

[alex411]

inline and offset g does not make a difference in really anything. inline has just really become a trend in recent decades. if your trying to figure out for a beginner which is best i would suggest figuring out which one feels more comfortable in their hands. if you child has smaller hands i would suggest an offset g so their hand doesnt have to stretch as much. i have large hands and know after a while of playing on a offset g my fingers start to hurt because im cramping them together. inline just feels more natural most of the time to people with larger hands.

[Zevang]

There are mechanism differences between inline and offset G flutes. The offset model have a much more simpler mechanism. The inline must have the G keys inserted into the same rod as the other higher keys.
The more complex the mechanism the more difficult to do maintenance, and also more smaller parts to manage, and also more pins to hold bridges.

But, the main concern should not be if the mechanism is more or less complex. If you choose a good brand this is a minor problem. What really worries is the better positioning of the left ring finger. In my particular case, offline G flutes are worse, because I have pretty big hands and a posture that let my fingers well alined. So my option have been and will always be inline. Size of the fingers is the issue. I suggest the student experiment different options in this regard.

Also, there are no relation to closed hole and beginer or professional flutes. The two advantages that open hole presents are that you can play quarter tones and do glissandos very easily. Also, since the holes are open, you have to keep a better hand and arm position so you make sure the holes are fully closed by the tip of the fingers when needed. There are not any acoustic or sound projecting advantage, as many believe about open hole. Except from that, there is a "fashion" according to which the flute makers decided that open hole is the standard and if you want a professional flute with closed hole you'd have to specially order it.

[alex411]

i agree with the above post about how theres no sound projecting benefits from open or closed. BUT i do think learning to project is easier on a open hole. with open hole your fingers can get contact with your airstream so when your being taught to use ALL of your flute and vibrate all of it with the "power" of your air i think its easier to understand that concept on a open hole because its easier to feel it.

[pied_piper]

As both a flutist and as a former middle school band director / music teacher, I personally think that an open hole inline flute is not always a good choice for a 6th grade beginner. As Zavang indicated, some flutists with larger hands may find the inline key arrangement more comfortable, but for most 6th graders, that is not likely to be the case. At that age, an offset flute will probably be a better fit unless your child is nearly 6 feet tall. If your child is an average size 6th grader, a closed hole offset flute will likely be a better fit. An inline open hole flute will likely be a literal stretch for your child's fingers!

Save up your money over the next couple of years and if your child continues playing, you can then buy a better grade intermediate flute with open holes and sell or trade-in the closed hole flute. Or better yet, keep it for him/her to use in high school for marching band. Don't use a good flute for marching band! Even when you upgrade, the choice of inline or offset G key should be made based upon your child's size at the time of purchase.

[jmdewey60]

I have a Yamaha 281 and it is the easiest of my flutes to hit a note with.
I think that would be important for a beginner.
I took sandpaper to some sharp edges on it, and put a few foam stick-on pads to get an easier grip where I feel it was designed for people with smaller hands than mine.

A nice older flute, if you can find one, is the Pearl 501, which I am somewhat proud of, just for the prestige behind the name, and it also is a joy to play. Easily the most comfortable, and what I use the most.
I made the decision to have nothing but C-foot flutes since I do not recall ever coming across a situation that required a B-foot. (except maybe the first note of "Stairway to Heaven")