flute for an intermediate student
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
flute for an intermediate student
I am looking to purchase a flute for my 14-year-old son, who has been studying the flute privately for two years. His teacher recommended Yamaha. We would like an open-holed flute, with a B-foot. His teacher recommended an inline G, though offset G flutes also seem to be quite popular. We are looking to purchase a used flute in excellent condition. I have been looking online and at ebay. Any suggestions appreciated. We live in New York City.
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pied_piper
- Posts: 1962
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:31 pm
- Location: Virginia
Re: flute for an intermediate student
The Fluteland FAQ has lots of good information about selecting a flute.
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859
In the past, open hole flutes with inline G have been been the most popular recommendation for step-up or professional flutes. That is primarily because years ago, nearly all the step-up and pro flutes were manufactured that way. For the last 10 years or so, offset G has started to become much more common and many players find the offset G more comfortable because it places the key closer to the fingertip. Nowadays, people with large hands (and long fingers) may find the open hole inline G more comfortable while those with small to medium sized hands may find the open hole offset G more comfortable. The bottom line is that the proper way to choose is to go to a music store. Have your son try both inline and offset then allow him to choose whichever one is more comfortable for his left hand ring finger to reach. It's sort of like buying shoes that fit...
Another useful option is called the split-E. It makes the third octave E a bit easier to play. Some brands of flutes do not offer the split-E with inline G, but nearly all brands offer the split-E with the offset G. So, that may be another factor in choosing an appropriate flute.
Check out the FAQ and if you have additional questions, I'll be glad to try and answer them.
Also, regarding buying a flute on eBay: The golden rule is buyer beware. I have purchased some decent flutes on eBay but I've also gotten some dogs. Be sure that if you buy one there that the seller allows returns and be sure to allow $100 (perhaps more) to have the flute inspected and serviced/repaired to be sure it is in good playing shape. Often, flutes on eBay are sold by non-musicians and state the flute is in perfect shape, but all that means is that they don't see anything that is obviously broken. Some flutes may look like new but may need attention from a flute repair technician. Sometimes flute pads look OK, but may be leaking regardless of appearance. The FAQ also lists a number of online flute stores that sell both new and used instruments. All of the ones listed are reputable. Most allow a one week trial (for a fee) before you buy and may credit the trial fee toward the purchase price if you decide to keep it. Check each stores policy to make the decision that's right for you.
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859
In the past, open hole flutes with inline G have been been the most popular recommendation for step-up or professional flutes. That is primarily because years ago, nearly all the step-up and pro flutes were manufactured that way. For the last 10 years or so, offset G has started to become much more common and many players find the offset G more comfortable because it places the key closer to the fingertip. Nowadays, people with large hands (and long fingers) may find the open hole inline G more comfortable while those with small to medium sized hands may find the open hole offset G more comfortable. The bottom line is that the proper way to choose is to go to a music store. Have your son try both inline and offset then allow him to choose whichever one is more comfortable for his left hand ring finger to reach. It's sort of like buying shoes that fit...
Another useful option is called the split-E. It makes the third octave E a bit easier to play. Some brands of flutes do not offer the split-E with inline G, but nearly all brands offer the split-E with the offset G. So, that may be another factor in choosing an appropriate flute.
Check out the FAQ and if you have additional questions, I'll be glad to try and answer them.
Also, regarding buying a flute on eBay: The golden rule is buyer beware. I have purchased some decent flutes on eBay but I've also gotten some dogs. Be sure that if you buy one there that the seller allows returns and be sure to allow $100 (perhaps more) to have the flute inspected and serviced/repaired to be sure it is in good playing shape. Often, flutes on eBay are sold by non-musicians and state the flute is in perfect shape, but all that means is that they don't see anything that is obviously broken. Some flutes may look like new but may need attention from a flute repair technician. Sometimes flute pads look OK, but may be leaking regardless of appearance. The FAQ also lists a number of online flute stores that sell both new and used instruments. All of the ones listed are reputable. Most allow a one week trial (for a fee) before you buy and may credit the trial fee toward the purchase price if you decide to keep it. Check each stores policy to make the decision that's right for you.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--
--anonymous--