Hi there,

found this forum by chance and signed up hoping to find others who use an alto flute.

I have a C soprano flute which is fine, except for the higher octaves which I can only describe as earpiercing when I play it.

I used to play the treble recorder in school concerts and would like to get into the alto flute - its octave range is more suited to my personal taste.

Does any one here use an alto flute?

Did you learn/practice/play on a C soprano for a number of years, before moving onto an alto flute, or just go straight for an alto flute?

Can you add any notes or advice for what to look for, when buying an alto flute?

I'm saving up to get one - either a Trevor James or a Pearl, unless there are other manufacturers whom I've overlooked. These two make alto flutes within my (foreseeable) budget.


Thanks

I have dean yang its amazing it has a straight headjoint . I f you have a problem with the straight headjoint because of small hands or short arms I would suggest the curved headjoint option . I prefer the straight because it just sounds better with better intonation

Doug

The Alto was a little hard in the beginning and it requires a looser embouchure and when I play it use a circular breathing technique so i can play longer tones in practices to build up my endurance. It is a lot heavier than the Soprano flute . I also play the Bass flute which is my favorite one

Thanks - that's interesting to hear.

I don't know the Dean Yang. How does it compare to the DC pro series flutes?

Any other brands I should be on the look out for?

The bass flute seems too specialist. I'm need a wind sail to get enough air into that thing! As it is - I can stretch enough for a straight head, and I'm not keen on the extra weight of a curved head, nor re-learning new fingerings..

"...not keen on the extra weight of a curved head, nor re-learning new fingerings.."

a curved head does not weigh anymore than a straight head, nor has different fingerings/

have an Emerson Alto Flute (solid silver headjoint/body, plated keys) with a straight and curved headjoint. It's an okay flute that I play it maybe once a year when I hold "Flute Fests" at the house (we sightread flute choir music). My friends each have a Pearl (silver plated) and a Muramatsu (all solid silver) Alto. I like both of their Altos more than mine. Her Pearl is lighter to hold than his Muramatsu or my Emerson.

I find playing the Alto tiring in both holding the extra weight, and the more air that is needed due to the looser/relaxed embouchure.

I do like the lowest register, especially when I played Amazing Grace at my Stepdad's Memorial Service.

I play a DiMedici Alto flute and I love it. DiMedici's are made by the Jupiter Corporation. Before buying my alto, my research by the experts revealed that Jupiters and Pearls give you the best performance for the least cost, unless of course money is no object and you are looking for a real professional model.

I'd suggest a silver headjoint for a better tone, but a silver plated body will keep your costs down. It also lessens the weight of the instrument. In the beginning, you will notice the added weight and length, but once you become more accustomed to it, it is less of an issue. You will also notice the need for a great amount of air and a more relaxed embouchure. Again, with time and practice, these become second nature and non-issues.

I am not a big or tall person but have no problem playing with a straight headjoint. I also have heard that a straight head has better intonation.

Good luck in your search. And enjoy it when you finally purchase one!

Yes, a straight headjoint does have better intonation and a better tone in my opinion.

Being that I'm 5'4" with relatively short arms, I just can't play a straight headjoint for an extended period of time. So I switch to the curved headjoint when I get tired. I would perform with the straight headjoint though.

Thanks everyone.

What do you think of this one?

Any experience or knowledge about it?

http://www.dcproflutes.com/SILVERPLATEDALTOFluteLIPENGRAVED.htm

It's within my budget and hopefully will get me back into the experience of transposing for the key of G.

The intonation of the curved head is something which requires alternate fingering, otherwise its pitch goes off due to the curved head in the higher octave - at least so I'm told by flutists anyway.

I don't have a problem with arm span or height for playing the alto flute.... just budget really.

Would I be making a mistake and going for an alto flute, than say a bass flute though?

"It's within my budget and hopefully will get me back into the experience of transposing for the key of G."

I have no experience with this brand so I really can't comment on it. But just remember, you only get what you pay for. The better known flute makers have years (decades)of research and development behind their name. I suppose I would really try to get my hands on several different flutes and compare not only the tone, but the quality of the instrument.

"The intonation of the curved head is something which requires alternate fingering, otherwise its pitch goes off due to the curved head in the higher octave - at least so I'm told by flutists anyway."

This is true, alternate fingerings often times help achieve a better pitch for certain notes. But even C flutes have alternate fingerings to both facilitate difficult passages or to be used at the flutist's discretion.

"I don't have a problem with arm span or height for playing the alto flute.... just budget really."

I am 5'2" and have no problem with my straight head alto. Its just a matter of getting used to a new instrument. Budget is a reality for most of us. But I would advise you not to jump into any purchase before thoroughly researching it. You would hate to spend good money on an instrument that is not really what you want for the long haul.

"Would I be making a mistake and going for an alto flute, than say a bass flute though?"

Why would purchasing an alto be a mistake? I suppose you need to ask yourself what am I really looking for and why? Just to play for enjoyment? Something different to work on? To add new possibilities to an ensemble? Sounds like you need a little more thought before going any further.

Thanks for your words of advice. I'd love to go flute shopping but my only music stores in town - neither have any alto flutes. I've only heard it played in music, and never seen one in real life. If you live somewhere rural and never get to a city, this is what life is like

I don't know....I think $800 is a lot of money for a learner instrument. I don't ever want to play in an orchestra or band. I suppose ..purchasing an expensive alto flute would be a mistake ... if I discovered I really wanted to play the bass flute lol. I like the sweet sound of the flute, and being able to play music, or transcribe pop songs which I hear, for solo flute. One day I'll go travelling around Europe with my flute and go busking

The DC Pro Series seems to have some very expensive niche flutes. Shame about the lack of reviews. At that price though, the only alto flute I can afford is either a used one or a chinese import type. They seem to have a professional service and give a no quibble 7 day refund.

I'll email them and see what they say.


Thanks for sharing your experience.

"I've only heard it played in music, and never seen one in real life. If you live somewhere rural and never get to a city, this is what life is like"

Me too ... I live on a farm and had only heard and seen one played on the internet but fell in love with the sound. I did lots of research over the phone and online. Wound up going with Flute World where I was able to try before buying. The Flute Center of NY will do the same, as I'm sure some others. but these two stores had the best variety of pre-owned models. By the time my research was complete, I pretty much knew what I wanted - price-wise as well. It took some time, but it was well worth it in the end. I'm very happy with my DiMedici.

Jupiter, and Jupiter/DeMedici, make a very good and affordable alto, I have a good Jupiter alto here and I use it for ensemble playing a lot, have used it for theater/recording jobs as well

My dean Yang is great very underrated

Well I finally tried an alto flute on loan.

I'm not sure I'm impressed with the tone of it. I find that my first octave C concert flute is much sweeter and resonant. Maybe this is my numptie stab at the embouchure for alto flute.

I can't get the low C on the alto flute - my fingers can just about reach! That G lever is so tricky. Any tips on embouchure for the lower octave?

It certainly is more exhausting holding up an alto flute for the same periods as a C concert flute. I can see why many alto flautists practice on a C concert flute still. I have a few more days left with my learner alto flute before I give it back. I'm hoping that it's because it's an unbranded school one that it's the reason why I'm not getting beautiful sounds from it. In reality, I think it's me though. I do take on board what you said about having to fight with several alto flutes just to get a sound.

In 6 months time, when I get up to Grade 4 theory, I'm seriously thinking of learning the alto flute. What do you think about the Jupiter Dimedici Alto Flute 1321 series? They have similar ones - a 12xx series which is silver plated, but the 13xx series is sterling silver. I don't think I want to buy some cheap or nasty flute which would make me frustrated while I'm learning on my own.