Hi, I'm a student playing in the band in my high school, currently using a borrowed flute. Recently my dad bought me a flute on his business trip in China. Unfortunately I had not done my research back then and known about the perils about handing the job to someone with no flute experience at all, or of getting a cheap nameless $110 flute.

Apparently he had considered buying a new Yamaha flute, but opted for the cheaper one.

So... it looks nice but can't play F and a couple of the low notes.

I noticed this was different while comparing the new and borrowed flute, and found this thing on it (bottom flute) that seems to push down an extra key when playing F. Am I right in thinking this is just an unrepairable design flaw?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v634/sushiISgood/PICT0005.jpg


Right now I'm thinking of getting a Yamaha beginner flute.

actually that is completely normal. the flute you are borrowing just has a different type of mechanism. check for leaky pads and the like...or you could still just opt for a new yamaha, but what you pointed out is not a design flaw. look up pictures of other beginner models and you will see they are the same.

cheeasysteak, your father did a bad buy, unfortunetely.
Chinese flutes like you mentioned are very common out there, the cheapest in the world maybe, but the worse also.
If you intend to keep it you will sure have to send it to a good technician to try solve the problems you encountered.

Zevang

That's a Split E Mechanism, and is there to reduce venting when you finger high E, which should make it speak more easily without cracking. It's not a design flaw that your flute does not have one (None of my flutes do, and I have some relatively expensive instruments), but I strongly suspect that there are other design flaws that you can't see. While Zevang is right, and you'll need to get a tech to work on the flute if you intend to play it (which could be a difficult task to begin with), I would suggest that you buy a different instrument. Unfortunately most of those $100 flutes are complete junkers, and even if they play decently at the beginning, they will fall apart in a short time, and the repairs are either unfeasibly expensive or you won't be able to find anyone to do them anyway.

I sell used reconditioned Yamaha student flutes if you do decide to go that route. I try to keep them in stock, but they do sell fast. Here is the link if you would like to check them out.

http://fluteragious.blogspot.com/

Have you had a friend or teacher try to play the flute? Do they have the same problem?

There are two obvious problems:

(i) the lower G pad is leaking because the flute hasn't been adjusted (regulated) correctly (it could be other pads including especially F# and G#). If there are adjustment screws, a good teacher should be able to ensure that it closes properly but otherwise any competent technician should be able to sort it out quickly and cheaply. There may be other adjustments needed eg Bb - with new flutes this is too often the case regardless of manufacturer.

(ii) the lip plate or cut of the hole is different from what you are used to or doesn't suit you. Apart from practising until you can play it, there's no easy solution. Some of the older Chinese flutes (eg Parrot) had large lip plates which younger/smaller players find impossible for low register playing.

since when do witches play flute?

I knew one that did. lolololol!!!!!

Yes and it was stuck up her behind too. hahahaha!!!

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I don't use a broom, just my flute.

You might have to wipe up that Sprite with your knickers- as long as they aren't in a twist.

No Lera, I was referring to another girl, but just ask my husband and he may say I can be at certain times. lol!