Hi there,

Just joined (jan 08) and hope I can get some good advice about flutes!

It has always been my favourite instrument - at least to look at and the sound of it. Sadly, I was never able to learn as a child, but now I really want to. I have never even held one let alone play, so of course, I have absolutley no experience as to which flute is best (apart from what I've read on here today) and definatley no experience about the terminology ie, what a split e is or trill or line g etc - ????????? !!!!!

Obviously, while I'm saving up for my flute, I'm hoping to gain some answers!

I think my first question for now though is: I see that people start with a beginner flute then move up to an intermediate - can someone explain why - for financial reasons, can I not just get the intermediate ones, I guess it is just too technical, are they really that different?

Sorry if I sound completely naive - but I suppose I am!!! Got to start somewhere.

Thanks for any replies. X

from what people have said here giving others advice, as a begginer flute yamaha, and jupiter are good (theres another people say but i can't spell it at all) but find your local music shop and have a little look, i also know people who are fan of the newer trevor james student flutes but i don't know about this personally.

split e is in most student flutes it helps with e in the 3rd octave

offset g means the key you press with your 3rd finger on you left hand is slightly off set to make it easier, but that is also on most student flutes

and trill key is the the little button/ key type thigs you use to make 3rd ocatve b and bflat

Hi! doodler and welcome to the Forum!

People often start very young (though not your case or mine), the instruments are expensive and paid by parents that normally are not sure whether the child will continue playing the instrument.

Also, (as you surely know well), we are chronically short of money when raising children and feel not too much enthusiastic in putting a 2K$ instrument in a child's backpack.

But I see no reason why a decided and mature person should not go directly to intermediate models, if the budget allows. All the contrary, in my opinion.

I made the change from a relatively limited student Gemeinhardt M2 to a wonderful new Yamaha 600 and I am quite happy about the change. Also, had I changed before, probably I could have saved the time and efforts to struggle with my limited old instrument, that after a while was holding me back.

But be careful what you choose, as in intermediate models there are frequently several features that could make basic learning a little more difficult or slower, such as the B foot, open holes and in-line G, and also different materials, marketing hype, etc.

There have been long (and sometimes hot) discussions in this forum about the use and value of these features.

Sure you will receive lots of feedback in these aspects from many knowledgeable people here.

Hi and welcome.

I am taking up flute again as an adult. I am going to put in my two cents even though I am not an expert.

There is no reason why you can't just get an intermediate flute. If you buy an open hole, you can put plugs in the holes until you become comfortable.

I have an inline flute with open holes. I have noticed when my husband (he doesn't play a note) picks up my flute he has a difficult time with the G. I think that is why plateau models are becomming more popular again. Some of high end flute makers have professional flutes with plateau keys.

http://www.miyazawa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=188

http://www.sankyoflute.com/e/company/index.html


Intermediate flutes are also available with closed hole keys.

Before I bought my flute, I went to several stores in the area and tried the different flutes they have in stock.

You might try renting a flute for a couple of months to see how it goes. See if you can get a sound. If you can get a decent sound, you should try different flutes to see what you like.

I just got a Yamaha 385 used from a used musical instrument dealer. It was in top condition. A lot of the used instrument stores send out the instruments for repairs before reselling them.

I would not suggest ebay unless you buy from a dealer off of ebay who guarentees satisfaction. Most of the flutes need some repair on that site. I bought my first flute off of ebay, but I had the expectation that I would have to make repairs. I had to make only $48 in repairs. I count myself fortunate. But,I have also had prior experience with flutes.

Stay away from Chinese flutes. I would ask this forum if they have ever heard of the brand name flute that you want to buy before you purchase it. There are a lot of junk instruments on the market.

Read a lot of the forums about people trying different flutes and buying flutes. A lot of this information has been previously posted.

Good luck and welcome.

I am in a similar situation as yourself, although I already have my flute. I bought it for myself for Christmas. Probably many Christmases actually. I got a 400 series Yamaha and am satisfied with my purchase. Unfortunately, due to illness and just all around busyness, I haven't even taken it out of the case yet, and probably won't for awhile. I do have question for forum members, however. Other than a little piano I had in college 30 years ago, my musical background is all in vocal music. Mostly church and school choruses, ect. I am having to relearn to read music and such, but are there any pitfalls or things I should watch out for coming from a vocal background. How is this different from instrumental or is it?

Welcome too!

I see that we are quickly raising the average of age at this site. I wonder, is this good or bad?

I do both (flute and vocal, right now mainly choir activity). I cannot sat they are much the same, but a few important things are common and help each other.

The most important in my opinion is breathing. Your experience in vocal should help to breath correctly when playing the flute.

Of course the ability to read G clef is most useful and mandatory for a C flute and probably yoiu have it already (unless you are a male bass and read only F clef).

If you did piano as a child (and remember) you could easily recover the reading of the G clef.

If you cannot read the music I am afraid it would be very difficult to advance; you could learn everything and play "by ear", but this is much easier to do when singing than with an instrument. This is a big difference, IMO.

So the small (I hope) effort to practise reading will be worth the effort.

No problems then for flute playing and continue singing, as far as I know.

The only problem is that we cannot do both at the same time! Well, Jethro Tull and my teacher can do it, partially...


<Added>

OOPS I cannot sat = I cannot say

You're right about the breathing. It will be a great help since it comes almost naturally. Actually my allergist recommended some type of breathing exercise since I have asthma and this certainly fills the bill. I don't anticipate any problems learning to reread music, I always sang in treble clef, not base, and had the benefit of a first class choral teacher in high school. Best teacher I ever had! Next few weeks is just going to be devoted to lots of reading all the books I bought, lots of study and exercise. Good to be here.

OK, just that the reading ability is for playing the flute and I feel pity for that beautiful flute sleeping there in a dark unopened case!

May I suggest something? Open the case, assemble the flute (we can help if you do not know how, but it's very easy) and try to get some sound out of it. Just that first step...

Pretty much what the others said...

A few things, though.
Metal is meaningless, really. the body is a metal tube that serves to amplify and enable you to produce notes. It could honestly be made out of aluminum or plastic and sound the same. Provided it was made to the same specs, of course.

So a good intermediate model with a plated body is a good choice. You want a decent headjoint of course, and the lower end "pro" models most makers offer are exactly this - an intermediate model with a better headjoint. Like the Yamaha 500 for example. It's still intermediate level despite their marketing, a common problem with many brands.

These can often be found used in mint condition for a very good price. A *lot* of players buy into the idea that they need a whole new $5000+ flute and practically give away their old one to the store when they get the new one. 90% of the time they could have done just as well with a better headjoint. Oh well, their lack of information is your gain.

I suggest the following:
- closed hole, offset G. Keep the costs down.
- plated body but semi-pro/intermediate level features and construction.
- handmade/solid silver headjoint if it's offered. Not because solid silver is better but that most makers won't MAKE a plated handmade headjoint.
- used if money is tight - just buy from a reputable shop or online retailer(ask here for examples if used is an option). Ebay, craigslist, etc - don't even type the words in a browser. This is for experts at a minimum - and many of use have gotten burned enough to just not try anymore.

I still do Ebay from time to time, but only locally and I must see it in person before bidding. I used to repair instruments about a decade ago, so I know what to look for. 90% of the time it's still junk, even knowing all the tricks and what to look for. Just an honest warning about how bad online private party sales and auctions tend to be.

A site like wwbw.com, fluteworld, or winds101 are much better options for a first time buyer if you can't find something locally at a store.

Hi there everyone,

Thankyou so much for all your comments - you've certainly given me lots to think about!

As is usual, I've ended up with more questions now! Fortunatley I am not in a rush to get a flute as I'm getting a resounding "take your time to get it right" going through my head!

UPDATE:

I have been to the two music shops near me - one had a valentino boehm system flute for sale - new at £140. If anyone has used one of these, feedback would be great - thanks!

The other didn't have any to show, but they did say they rent them out at £30 deposit plus £10 p/month, which I thought was very good. Apparently they just give you one, no choice in brand as such, which takes away the dilema of choosing one, and if unsuitable I can just keep changing types until I'm happy, then I can go on to purchase later.

This seems like a good option for me, and in the meantime I can be learning other aspects of flute playing! So maybe I'll be playing well before my Christmas deadline.

I will ask however, if I can start with a closed hole intermediate with a split e and offset g (is that right?)

One thing I've learnt: there is sooo much more to a flute than I could have possibly realized - but that means all the more of a challenge and in no way has put me off!

Thanks guys, no doubt will be asking more questions.