Flute question?

Question

I play the flute and have been looking into getting an open key flute to replace my first flute. I love the old thing, but it's a terrible instrument to play, and I was trained on open key. I've been playing a closed key flute for a few months now (my mom got it from a pawn shop) and love it, but can anyone suggest a good flute brand to buy? I need something that can survive marching season and produce a great sound, but isn't terribly expensive. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Marching band can really damage your flute. Rain can ruin the pads and it will end up dented and scratched. Would you consider keeping your old flute for marching band and saving your new flute for concerts and solo playing?

If this isn't possible, consider what I did in high school. I used a school alto saxophone for marching band. It was easy to learn--the fingerings are almost exactly the same. In addition, the alto saxophone contributes a lot more sound to the marching band.

As far as the brand of flute to purchase, brand alone should not be your guide. Flutes can vary greatly within the same brand. If you stick with the well-known manufacturers, including Armstrong, Artley, and Yamaha, you will probably be okay, but if the instrument is used, make sure it has a good overall from a competent repairman first.

If you are considering purchasing a flute from a source other than a music store, enlist the aid of a flutist to try the flute out for you first. Ask a teacher who plays the flute or an older student in your school who is a good flutist. Or, ask a repairman to take a look at it first before you buy the flute.

Answer 2

I am a flute major and was in the marching band for 6 years. NEVER use the open hole, new flute in marching band. The air, the rain, the snow and the wind is hell for the pads. Meaning alot of repairs will be needed. Use the flute from the pawn shop for the field. Also in marching band I would recommend a closed hole because 1) weather "friendly" - not as much of the pad to be effected. 2) lighter than an open hole. 3) can put all focus on staying in step and making it to your spot and not on weather or not your finger is completely covering the whole.
As for having on in the concert band setting, I recommend the yahama and armstrong. I have been playing an armstrong since i was entering the 9th grade and I am now entering my 3rd year of college.. the thing won't die. It's only been to shop about 4 times in that duration. We have 12 flute majors and all but 1, plays armstrong and yamaha. Personally I feel the tone of the armstrong, with out set G, gold mouth piece, gizmo key has excellent singing power aka tonality. much better than the yamaha, they seem to be slightly airy sounding. good luck in the search

Answer 3

Yamaha flutes are the best.Out of all the brands of flutes I've had[I've been playing since I was 5 I'm 17 now] Yamaha was the best.Everything else had horrible tones.Gemeinhardt's are okay.
They aren't the best...But it's better than nothing.

Answer 4

I had an on open hole Artley flute. In fact, I still do. One word of advice, if you plan on playing for a long time, go ahead and purchase one with the b foot.

Answer 5

Yeah.... i play the sax. and have been playing it for 1 year and some monthes. My BFF playes the flute too. and her flute brand it yamaha.

Answer 6

Get a Gemeinhardt. The tone quality cannot be beat (Galway plays one), and they're not terribly expensive. I wouldn't have any other kind.

Answer 7

I just bought a gemeinhardt 2 sp student flute. Now I'm looking for books on how to play. Is the notes and fingering keys all the same as a full size flute

Answer 8

Artley is pretty good, and so is Yamaha.

Answer 9

I played the Clairenet but mine was a "Yamaha" it was like the best brand when I was in Jr.High I dunno about now.

Answer 10

yamaha




theres different kinds and prices