My 8-year old daughter plays the violin right now but she wants to try the flute for the school band. Where can I get a flute for her size??

I have a full size flute that I played in high school (many years ago) and she can't reach all the buttons.

Thanks
DKL

Thanks Kara,

From what I can see on internet, Jupiter flutes cost $500+. Is there anything else that's less expensive? I suppose we could rent but I rather just spend 1 or 2 hundred and buy one for her to experiment.

Also, how do you know a flute is a proper size for a child?


DKL

Your welcome. Jupiter is the only makers to make smaller size flutes like that, that I know of. Anyone else know of any? You could always try getting a curved headjoint. Some makers offer that on a regular body flute.

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I don't think that you are going to find anything new for under $500 that would be any good. You could always try getting a used flute and try matching it up with a curved headjoint. You can't go wrong with anything by Jupiter or Yamaha. Those are my top favorites.

I began playing the flute when i was about 8 yrs. old. i rented a curved flute from a local music store. out of a magazine, i then bought a jupiter flute which was only $300. Try magazines at your local music store to order it.

$500 (new price) is most likely going to be the lowest price you will find on that particular model Jupiter flute even if you look through catalogs. Flute World is usually has the lowest prices and that is how much they are selling it for.

Youll know if it's the right size if your child seems to look comfortable.

also, it's pretty rare to find these puppies used. You may just want to invest in the new instrument and sell when she outgrows. Just make sure she doesnt trash it.

If it is the fact her arms aren't long enough try holding a regular flute closer towards her mouth (so the middle of the head joint is near her mouth) then if she can rech the keys she may just require a curved head joint, and you can get curvd head joints very easily from somewhere like ebay, or you can buy a curved head flute with a normal head joint as well from pretty much any music shop (that sells flutes anyway)
or here is a couple i got from a google search
http://www.studentmusicsupplies.com/asp/productdetails.asp?productID=31&gclid=CKqf4I66s5QCFRoVEAod5yLhUA
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/32668
http://www.djmmusic.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=TJ10XMK3C&eq=&Tp=
http://www.dawsons.co.uk/musicstore/s54420/1001-1007-1054/Home/Orchestral/Flutes/TJAMES/Trevor-James-TJ-10X-MKIII-Curved-Head-Flute/details.aspx

http://www.winds101.com/basic.htm

Ask about what they have in stock. A like new/near new and *properly set up* flute for $350 or so is just the ticket. I recommend offset G keys and a B foot if it's no more cost.(most players quickly want one if its offered) I like the Yamaha myself - tough and since music is required in all Japanese schools, they make them as easy to get a sound out of and play as possible.

Venus flutes are awful! I got one once to make into a flute lamp for my niece. The headjoint is the worst part on it.
I agree though with Suzie, the original poster is trying to look for a smaller flute that is lighter for her child. I would definitely NOT put a small child on a flute with a B foot.