flute for returning player

[Beerrules420]

Hello,

So I would like to buy my girlfriend a flute for christmas, but i'm not sure where to start. She played nearly her whole life until she lost all her instruments in a family dispute. Then she was sidetracked by college and her career and subsequently hasn't owned or played a flute in years. I have a budget of about 500$ and I have no idea where to begin looking or what to look for. Any help would be appreciated. thanks so much.

- C

[pied_piper]

The Fluteland FAQ has lots of good information about buying a flute. Check it out:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859

[Beerrules420]

that didn't much help me I'm more concerned with what style flute i should be buying? Is there a huge difference between the french (open hole) and plateau (closed hole)?? if i get one and she has typically played the other is it that big of a deal? is it like getting a left handed guitar for a right handed person?

[Beerrules420]

and i understand the simplicity of just linking me to an article about buying a flute but the internet is rife with those and that is why i came here to a message board so i could talk to a person about it plz help!! would really appreciate it!

[pied_piper]

that didn't much help me I'm more concerned with what style flute i should be buying? Is there a huge difference between the french (open hole) and plateau (closed hole)?? if i get one and she has typically played the other is it that big of a deal? is it like getting a left handed guitar for a right handed person?

and i understand the simplicity of just linking me to an article about buying a flute but the internet is rife with those and that is why i came here to a message board so i could talk to a person about it plz help!! would really appreciate it!

We don't send people to the FAQ just to slough-them-off. Your first message simply said I want to buy a flute and I have $500 to spend. The answer to your open hole/closed hole question and many other similar questions are in the FAQ - see the section titled "Open or closed hole?". This FAQ was prepared and contributed to by many of the best flute experts who frequent the Fluteland Message Board. It provides unbiased, honest information for people such as yourself. We often send people there first to help them understand flute features better so you can frame additional questions which may not be addressed by the FAQ or which may be specific to you.

We'll be glad to help, but you need to provide more information. Frankly, the choice of open hole or closed hole depends on both the player's preferences and experience level, but you did not provide any insights about your girlfriend's experience level so that we can help guide you. The choice is not like a left-handed guitar. Most beginners start on closed hole because they are easier to learn on initially. Often, as flutists progress in their ability, many choose to move to an open hole flute. How many years did she play? Did she play through grade school, high school, or college? If she has never played on an open hole flute, there may be an adjustment period learning to cover the holes completely. However, that can be made easier by buying a set of open hole flute plugs (usually < $10). These are inserted into the holes and can be removed one at a time to ease the transition to open holes.

We often get similar questions regarding gifting a flute. HOWEVER, please realize that a flute (or any musical instrument) is a very personal item. It's similar to buying someone else a pair of shoes - each person is unique and needs what fits them and is comfortable. Buying a flute for someone else is always a bit of a risk because some players only want a certain brand or certain features (like Split-E or Low B foot). Often the best choice is a gift card and then take the person shopping to allow her to pick out a flute that she is comfortable with. If you choose to buy a flute for her, be sure the vendor has a liberal return/exchange policy.

[Phineas]

Beerrules420 wrote:
and i understand the simplicity of just linking me to an article about buying a flute but the internet is rife with those and that is why i came here to a message board so i could talk to a person about it plz help!! would really appreciate it!

that didn't much help me I'm more concerned with what style flute i should be buying? Is there a huge difference between the french (open hole) and plateau (closed hole)?? if i get one and she has typically played the other is it that big of a deal? is it like getting a left handed guitar for a right handed person?

You have to understand why the FAQ exists. When I first came to the board, this type of question would be asked several times a week. Often rehashing the same answers from the some people. This caused the content of the board to be monotonous. Some of the group masters came together and generated this post for reference. Often, most specific answers that are not covered are addressed personally by one of us. Noone EVER gets brushed off.

As pied_piper says, buying an instrument for someone that is not a beginner is going to be difficult unless you can get them to tell you what instrument they like. A good flute player can play on almost any GOOD/PLAYABLE quality instrument. Generally as any player progresses, their preferences change.

I have a professional model Closed Hole. Often, players link their ego to the type of flute they own. For most players, open or closed hole does not matter. For $500.00 US, you will probably be more able to find a better quality closed hole flute unless you buy something used.

[Fotofavoloso]

My advice would be buy a new flute, not used. Buy it, if possible, from a local brick and mortar store where your girlfriend can actually try it first. As has been already stated there are many considerations that go into purchasing a flute. At your price range you'd be looking at mostly student/beginners models, which depending on your girlfriends experience and competency level may not serve her well.

Remember you get what you pay for, especially with flutes.

Feel free to PM me to discuss particulars, if you are so inclined.

Ciao,
Mark