Is it me or the flute?

Question

Having trouble not getting the quality and tone anymore on my flute. High notes always start with a shrill and it's getting increasingly difficult to get the low notes particually D and C. Also the keys are very noisy. Is it time to get a new flute or have I lost the touch?

Flute is 15 years old Blessing model (beginners)

Answer 1

Sounds like several different problems to this old flutist.

The lower note problems indicate leaky pads. That can easily be fixed at a good repair shop (most music stores that deal in band instruments will qualify) for about $100 for a total re-pad.

The shrill attack on the high notes sounds like you have fudged up your embouchere to compensate for the leaky pads. After you repair the instrument, spend a lot of time on tone studies. (Email me if you don't know any good tone studies).

The noisy keys are yet another matter; if the pads are really destroyed then it's the metal of the key hitting the metal of the chimney of the tone-hole. But I'm tempted to think that the connecting rods and levers on this 15 year old beginner's model have some problems. It might be so simple as missing cork pads where the mechnisms contact the body, or it might be severe wear at rods, posts, or connecting levers. (Extreme wear could also create leaks when the pads are good). Blessing isn't one of the best of all brands, and yours just might be wearing out, literally; I have a soprano saxophone that I got, a real cheapie beginner's model, and after only about 12 years of moderate use it's starting to fall apart.

My thought is that you should find a knowledgable person--one who really knows flute, like maybe a flute major at a nearby university, or one of the professors--and arrange to have them accompany you and anyone else involved to a good pawn shop. Trade in your Blessing, try out as many flutes as they have in your price range (factor in the cost savings of not having work done on the Blessing--the hock shop will have people do the work for them, cheaper), and have the expert examine each instrument to ensure there are no immediate problems.

Go for an intermediate model--a step up from what you're playing now. And let your impression of your tone on the instrument influence which brand you're after (the expert will guide you to the more respected ones if needed).

Answer 2

It is difficult to know for certain, not knowing what "noise" the keys are making, but it is possible that the spacers have experienced some deterioration. If this has happened, then it is almost certain that the pads have also suffered, and possibly the keys are out of adjustment. The problems you are having getting the low notes to speak suggests very strongly that the keys are not closing completely, which is due to key adjustment and pad condition. Start by having someone look at the flute for these problems. But get a quote on the repair - it could be that you would be better off looking at a step-up instrument rather than handing out money to repair a beginner flute.

Answer 3

If you've been playing for awhile, it may be time to get a step-up model. Your current flute is in need of repair and you've probably outgrown it. See if you can trade it in at a music store for a better model. The sales person can show you what is the best for you. If you can't trade it in, then keep it. You can use it in marching band (if you do that) or sell it to another beginner at a later date.

I played my beginner model for 6 years before I got a new flute (and piccolo). I've had that flute ever since (13 years).

Answer 4

You made a very telling statement ... "the quality and tone anymore ..." If you had it at one time, it's not the flute. Now the flute might need to be serviced, as they all do from time to time, but if it used to have high clear tones and notes, then it could be you and the way you are practicing and forming your lips. Get it serviced and then work on your tone ...

Answer 5

You may need some new pads on your flute. Take it to an instrument repair shop and find out for sure.