For Christmas this year, I want an open hole flute but before I approach my parents about it, I was wondering if anyone had any good brands that are not incredibly costly. The budget might be within 600-700 bucks since this is all I really want this year. Any ideas? Thanks!

First of all, why do you want an open hole flute?

have you considered a used one for that price?

^^^^^

A like new but technically used flute often is half or a third the cost of a new one(played very infrequently, display model, whatever...).

You can get a fantastic range of $1500 or so flutes for that price, used. I'm partial to http://www.winds101.com/, but there are many other fine online stores that you can go to. Of course, try out a few locally first.

Being mostly advanced student models/intermediate lines at tat price used, the variation is usually small enough to not be a problem. ie - a Yamaha 500 is pretty much a Yamaha 500 no matter where you buy it.(good choice, IMO, btw - quite easy to play).

I'm a fan of offset myself, despite owning an older inline flute(I just plug the G hole). Easier to play. B foot is nice as well, since it gives you more options where to make a break/transition, especially between the first and second octave.

I don't understand either, please explain, I play a cfoot and get from octave to octave without problem

Open hole flutes have a higher re-sale value than their Plateau counterparts.

In fact, with my discussion with Miyazawa, Plateau flutes are now "special" order, in that there is little call for them.

You MIGHT be able to find an open hole flute in the price range that you're looking for --- but be careful: again, open hole flutes hold their value, and the downside is that they're also more expensive to repair.

As far as the "B" foot joint --- while the C foot joint adds better balance to the flute --- the "B" foot joint is preferable because the extra length of tubing, plus the fact that there is the "B" key below the "C", helps in "projecting" the "C".

This information comes from Miyazawa, Muramatsu, Powell; as well as from flute teachers and artists. Whether or not (any of the above) is true, it is my finding that, quite simply, the "C", with a "B" foot-joint, is more easily facilitated and helps bring out the "C" better than on a "C" joint.

Hope this helps. Will be glad to send you the info from Miyazawa, Muramatsu, Nagahara, Powell, etc., upon request.

Regards, Jim Millen

Okay, let me clear some things up for those that were asking questions. 1-I want one just because...well because I think they look really nice and make a nicer tone. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you also need one for college concert bands? 2-I have considered used and I was including that option when I posted the original thing. Used or new is fine but I'm looking for good brands. I'm a music theory person, not a brand expert. =) Thanks!! =D

Dear Flutechick 101:

IF you're talking about playing in a band, then I think that there is no point in spending the extra money for a French model (open hole) flute.

A French flute comes into play with symphony (particularly Principal flute) positions, or as a recital or recording artist.

If you are not at that level yet, and are looking for a good brand of flute to buy, I would always recommend Yamaha.

IF you're looking for a flute for band --- then the first thing that comes to mind is the Yamaha 200 series flutes, which (NEW) are less than $500.

You can always upgrade and progress to a "higher" series Yamaha as your experience and progression in playing goes to a higher level (as well as your budget).

Some members of the forum have suggested "Trevor James" flutes --- sorry, but I haven't tried one. I DID find a favorable experience with Emerson hand-made flutes. I bought one (a French model, low B foot-joint, Gold embouchure plate for less than $1,000). A great bargain, and wonderful flute.

If that exceeds your budget, then go with Yamaha. BUT --- make sure you try "each" Yamaha, side-by-side -- as they differ. AND, you're looking for THAT flute which meets YOUR needs, individual style of playing and "voice".

Best of luck to you.

Regards, Jim Millen

The open holes will not provide any difference in tone, and no, you don't need one for college bands. Open holes are good only for extended effects, some notes into the fourth octave, and pitch shading....All very advanced techniques that most players will never have ANY need to perform. Openholes are essntially useless to most flutists. If you're going to be buying purely for looks, and otherwise don't have any particular reason for wanting one, I would save the money and put it towards lessons/sheetmusic/repairs/other things that can actually make a difference. No reason to buy a new flute if you're happy with it aside from wanting open holes. As for brands, in that price range, you may be able to find a very basic model with French keys, but a better headjoint would be a better way to spend that money if you want any real improvement over the flute you're currently playing. There are much better ways to spend that money than on a body that with features that won't serve much (if any) purpose.

I'm getting a new open hole flute for Christmas too... On fluteworld.com they have a jupiter model (i think it is 511RBES but im not sure) it is $599 it has an offset g, and the b foot...

I'm getting a new open hole flute for Christmas too... On fluteworld.com they have a jupiter model (i think it is 511RBES but im not sure) it is $599 it has an offset g, and the b foot...