I need to know what kind of flute to step my daughter up to. She has a Yamaha 265S (?) open hole. She wants one that has gold keys and mouthpiece. I want to get this for her but have no idea what kind of special key placements to look for for the things like higher E notes, low foot B(?). She has only had limited access to flutes due to finances and does not quite know what to look for either. Thanks fo any help you can give.

Hi~
I usually just lurk here but your post drew me out LOL

I also have a daughter that plays the flute and I just picked one up myself after 20 years of not playing it. I just purchased my daughter a step up flute this past February.

I suggest that you take your daughter to a music store and let her try a few out. There are so many options in flutes when it comes to brands and everyone is going to say there`s is the best. Also, everyone has an opinion as to what brands are junk.

Many of your choices will be determined in how your daughter will be using the flute...is she in college or in Middle or High School? How long do you want her to be able to play this flute ?

In some cases you will want a B foot and in others a C foot would be fine. Their are open hole and closed holes. Some people prefer an inline G and some people prefer an offset G. You may want just a solid silver head joint and you may want a solid silver body.
There are thick and thin wall head joints.

I think you can obtain information from the internet and friends as to their opinions but when it comes down to the final decision it is a very personal one as to what a person wants their flute to do for them.

Kim

Hi~
I wanted to add that you might want to reconsider the gold keys/lip plate. My daughter does have a gold engraved lip plate but we did not choose the flute for that feature.

I would do some checking because the cost of the gold lip plate/keys could make the difference in getting a better headjoint or some other features that would be much more valuable. I would not sacrifice tone or response for the sake of a pretty flute and if you buy a flute for its looks you may in fact be doing that.
Kim

Thank you for your help. The one she has is a wonderful flute but I guess the store advice is what I am going to do. So she will know what she prefers. I started all of my kids out on open hole flutes so they would be used to them. But as far as in-line G etc.. I have no idea. So I am going to take her to a music store and let her see what she likes the best. Thank you again. As far as sacrificing quality for the gold I am prepared to spend a pretty penny the next time around so she can have both. She has more than proven that she will take care of a flute and is an exceptional player. So I think she can have exactly what she wants the next time.

Why can I only see 3 of the 6 responses? How wierd.

Does she take private lessons ? If so it would be a good idea to take her teacher with her to point certain things out.

A flute is so much more than a pretty thing to look at.

Does the flute sing for you?
Does it have warm, rich, vibrant, dark tones ?
What kind of sound do you want the flute to have ?
What kind of springs do you want?
Do you want a riser on the headjoint ? What kind of cut do you want to have on the headjoint?

Good Luck,
Kim

I play on an all-gold Yamaha Limited Edition, and it is really easy to play. Don`t be afraid to spend money if you can, because the nicer the instrument the more enjoyment you will get out of it!