Why some flute brands and not others?
A question today from a parent about why I recommend certain flute brands for general reference.
Dear M.
I get my information from the collective wisdom of the four different flute discussion groups that I read each day. For the last 6 years, the 1000+ flute teachers on those lists have been comparing student level, and pro-level flutes for longevity, reliability and sound quality.
Gemeinhardt flutes have come to be known as having "soft mechanism" in the past few years. This information is from professional flute repair people online.
Their company has evidently switched to a softer metal, and less precision in machining parts, which means that the keys, rods and mechanism bend too easily, and do not hold up under use.
They tend to develop key leaks, binding, and bent moving parts very quickly, and students have reportedly had to take them to the repair shop repeatedly, and become frustrated by repairs that don't "hold". They also have a slightly out-of-tune scale, as do many of my "not recommended flute brands." This is frustrating for the student, in terms of getting the flute to work fluidly, and creates more work to play in tune.
Armstrongs have a different problem; they tend to have headjoints that are stiff to blow, and not particularly suited to flute players above the beginner level. Intermediate students, working on tone and fine control over the headjoint, have found the Armstrongs too rough-sounding, and hard to control with the embouchure (lips), in order to play with finesse. I've personally found the keys and mechanism stiff and clunky; difficult to advance to fast, fluid, rapid playing.
Either flute would perhaps do for an average young beginner band flutist in their first year or two (the Armstrong probably is more sturdy than the Gemeinhardt for this use), but once the student is taking private lessons, and really "going for it" skill-wise, a better quality flute would then be sought, on the private teacher's advice.
I think it is a better financial investment for the parents to buy a single good-quality closed-hole student flute that will last for the first five years of the child's playing, rather than spend $600 on one, and then two years later, spend $1600 on another. A particularly bad idea is to buy one of the Armstrong or Gemeinhardt, or other band-flute company's "step-up" or so-called "professional" flutes.
These are the same stiff-to-blow, out-of-tune, poorly fitted, needing repair every two months flutes as the beginner flutes from those companies, but made of more expensive metals (solid silver or gold plate) and priced at over $1400. A very poor purchase; throwing good money after bad when trying to improve the student's poor quality band-flute.
As a point of interest, I had a 21 year old Dutch student last year, who was a tremendous player, who was still playing a closed-hole Yamaha 300-series after eight years, and didn't need to upgrade!!! What a great instrument for lasting that long, and playing at a high high level without trouble.
Additionally, you may want to consider that the resale value is better kept on the more desirable brands of flute, so that when and if you do upgrade to an intermediate flute, you receive closer to 2/3rds of your initial investment, rather than only a hundred dollars or so.
For this, Yamaha is probably the safest bet. Check out the prices of used Yamahas at www.usedflutes.com and other used-flute sites to see how this works.
Used Armstrongs/Gemeinhardts sell for $150-$300. Used Yamaha student flutes sell for $450-$800. Have a look below for some sample ads on the usedflutes site.
Finally, in the world of internet shopping, and buying a flute without professional assessment: Parents today sometimes buy online, or from a local music store without a professional flutist enlisted to pre-test the flute. This is unnerving to the flute teacher/performer specialist, as not all "identical" flutes are in fact of equal value. And so I've recommended the name brands that I think are more likely to send out a decent flute, even if the flutes are not individually selected from side-by-side comparison.
In general, when making an investment in an instrument, it's best to have a private flute teacher with you to help play-test 5 to 20 "identical" flutes (for example) before choosing the best one.
In my opinion there would likely be a higher number of GOOD flutes (sturdy mechanism and good headjoint) among certain brand names than others. I know this from testing lots of 5-20 brand new "identical" flutes for my own students.
The brand names that are least likely to produce one good flute in 20 are listed in my "flute brands to be avoided" list. The brand names that are likely to produce several good flutes in a lot of 20 are usually found in the brandnames that I recommend. See: Buying a Flute page
I suggest that for student satisfaction, ease of play, reliable mechanism, least repair trips, best headjoint, and good resale value, that a parent buy a Yamaha or Jupiter/DiMedici or Azumi.
If the student is serious about the flute (studies privately) have the private teacher help choose the model. If you can afford a $1600 flute for a seriously devoted young flutist, try out the AZUMI 3000 by Altus.
The lightweight AZUMI 2000 or Jupiter 511 would be fine for a younger student. The Azumi flutes are head and shoulders above the competition at the same price level in terms of ease of play.
But no one beats Yamaha 200-400 series for a flute that can be repaired multiple times because its parts are of high quality, and don't break down in student hands.
Hope this helps,
Jen Cluff
P.S.
Here are a couple of well priced Yamahas on sale at www.usedflutes.com
I'm not connected in any way to the sellers, but they do look like good value.
Add the cost of a visit to a good quality repair person for assessment and tweaking.
Also consider offset-G as a better alternative to inline G unless the young flutist knows for a fact that inline is comfortable.
Examples:
YAMAHA YFL 385-II Silver Head Open-Hole Flute USA - Saturday, January 13, 2007
My niece no longer wishes to play the flute, and this has only been used for a one semester in a junior high school band. Great condition and well-taken care of. This flute has a low B gizmo key, inline G, open hole sterling silver head, with silver/nickel body. Beautiful rich tone. Comes with cleaning rod, cloth, and the solid Yamaha original case. Original $1250, asking for quick sell for only $650! Buyer pays shipping and email me for pictures if interested!
-------------------------
YAMAHA YFL481 S. Silver Open Hole C Flute USA - Saturday, January 13, 2007
This flute has only been used for less than 10 times in a student band. It comes with a sleek black case and wiping cloth. Full price is at $1650, now at $850. Buyer pays shipping, pictures available. The YFL-481 intermediate flute comes complete with a durable case, polishing cloth and cleaning rod. The YFL481 offers the flute student open hole (French) keys that are light to the touch while the CY cut, sterling silver head offers a premium flute sound.
---------------end ads
Thanks for the thanks, and what a good idea to bring her instructor in on the purchase. There's nothing more frustrating than discovering 6 months down the road that a brand new, shiny flute is not worth the metal it's clad with. :>)
Hopefully the instructor is a very good flute player (and not a trumpet/tuba/clarinet playing band teacher.)
If you are in any doubt, enlist the help of the best flute teacher in town for several lessons.
Not only can you take 2-4 private lessons to help choose the flute (bring the flutes to the lessons when they're out on trial), but the lessons will be worth their weight in gold for teaching basic flute care, posture, breathing, and how to know when the problem is the flute and not the player.
I frequently test my student's flutes and find that they need some small tweaking every year or so, and when the flute is playing perfectly, the student then practices for HOURS all of a sudden, because it's all so easy for them to make a beautiful sound.
Let me know what you pick!
I tested six Azumis last year and found three good ones. That's a very high rate (since not all flutes are equal even if identical.)
Best,
Jen
Good reading for students/band teachers:
Flute Care Article - How to care for your flute to avoid repairs
Flute Testing; How to test your flute for repairs. Article.
Previous posts of mine on this blog feature videos on flute assembly and flute care and cleaning videos that demonstrate how to avoid damaging a new flute. They are much viewed, it turns out, as many self-teaching amateur players were unaware of how easily a flute is damaged by not having a "how to assemble" instruction sheet with each new flute. :>)
Thanks again for asking such a good question. This really is a much needed research topic for parents.
Best, Jen Cluff
Hi Jen,
I was looking at your Buying a Flute page as my teenage daughter is in need of a new flute. You mentioned that you felt that folks should stay away from Gemeinhardt and Armstrong flutes. These are both brands that my daughter has heard are reputable. Can you give me more information as to why you feel differently?
Thank you for any advice you have to offer. M
I was looking at your Buying a Flute page as my teenage daughter is in need of a new flute. You mentioned that you felt that folks should stay away from Gemeinhardt and Armstrong flutes. These are both brands that my daughter has heard are reputable. Can you give me more information as to why you feel differently?
Thank you for any advice you have to offer. M
Dear M.
I get my information from the collective wisdom of the four different flute discussion groups that I read each day. For the last 6 years, the 1000+ flute teachers on those lists have been comparing student level, and pro-level flutes for longevity, reliability and sound quality.
Gemeinhardt flutes have come to be known as having "soft mechanism" in the past few years. This information is from professional flute repair people online.
Their company has evidently switched to a softer metal, and less precision in machining parts, which means that the keys, rods and mechanism bend too easily, and do not hold up under use.
They tend to develop key leaks, binding, and bent moving parts very quickly, and students have reportedly had to take them to the repair shop repeatedly, and become frustrated by repairs that don't "hold". They also have a slightly out-of-tune scale, as do many of my "not recommended flute brands." This is frustrating for the student, in terms of getting the flute to work fluidly, and creates more work to play in tune.
Armstrongs have a different problem; they tend to have headjoints that are stiff to blow, and not particularly suited to flute players above the beginner level. Intermediate students, working on tone and fine control over the headjoint, have found the Armstrongs too rough-sounding, and hard to control with the embouchure (lips), in order to play with finesse. I've personally found the keys and mechanism stiff and clunky; difficult to advance to fast, fluid, rapid playing.
Either flute would perhaps do for an average young beginner band flutist in their first year or two (the Armstrong probably is more sturdy than the Gemeinhardt for this use), but once the student is taking private lessons, and really "going for it" skill-wise, a better quality flute would then be sought, on the private teacher's advice.
I think it is a better financial investment for the parents to buy a single good-quality closed-hole student flute that will last for the first five years of the child's playing, rather than spend $600 on one, and then two years later, spend $1600 on another. A particularly bad idea is to buy one of the Armstrong or Gemeinhardt, or other band-flute company's "step-up" or so-called "professional" flutes.
These are the same stiff-to-blow, out-of-tune, poorly fitted, needing repair every two months flutes as the beginner flutes from those companies, but made of more expensive metals (solid silver or gold plate) and priced at over $1400. A very poor purchase; throwing good money after bad when trying to improve the student's poor quality band-flute.
As a point of interest, I had a 21 year old Dutch student last year, who was a tremendous player, who was still playing a closed-hole Yamaha 300-series after eight years, and didn't need to upgrade!!! What a great instrument for lasting that long, and playing at a high high level without trouble.
Additionally, you may want to consider that the resale value is better kept on the more desirable brands of flute, so that when and if you do upgrade to an intermediate flute, you receive closer to 2/3rds of your initial investment, rather than only a hundred dollars or so.
For this, Yamaha is probably the safest bet. Check out the prices of used Yamahas at www.usedflutes.com and other used-flute sites to see how this works.
Used Armstrongs/Gemeinhardts sell for $150-$300. Used Yamaha student flutes sell for $450-$800. Have a look below for some sample ads on the usedflutes site.
Finally, in the world of internet shopping, and buying a flute without professional assessment: Parents today sometimes buy online, or from a local music store without a professional flutist enlisted to pre-test the flute. This is unnerving to the flute teacher/performer specialist, as not all "identical" flutes are in fact of equal value. And so I've recommended the name brands that I think are more likely to send out a decent flute, even if the flutes are not individually selected from side-by-side comparison.
In general, when making an investment in an instrument, it's best to have a private flute teacher with you to help play-test 5 to 20 "identical" flutes (for example) before choosing the best one.
In my opinion there would likely be a higher number of GOOD flutes (sturdy mechanism and good headjoint) among certain brand names than others. I know this from testing lots of 5-20 brand new "identical" flutes for my own students.
The brand names that are least likely to produce one good flute in 20 are listed in my "flute brands to be avoided" list. The brand names that are likely to produce several good flutes in a lot of 20 are usually found in the brandnames that I recommend. See: Buying a Flute page
I suggest that for student satisfaction, ease of play, reliable mechanism, least repair trips, best headjoint, and good resale value, that a parent buy a Yamaha or Jupiter/DiMedici or Azumi.
If the student is serious about the flute (studies privately) have the private teacher help choose the model. If you can afford a $1600 flute for a seriously devoted young flutist, try out the AZUMI 3000 by Altus.
The lightweight AZUMI 2000 or Jupiter 511 would be fine for a younger student. The Azumi flutes are head and shoulders above the competition at the same price level in terms of ease of play.
But no one beats Yamaha 200-400 series for a flute that can be repaired multiple times because its parts are of high quality, and don't break down in student hands.
Hope this helps,
Jen Cluff
P.S.
Here are a couple of well priced Yamahas on sale at www.usedflutes.com
I'm not connected in any way to the sellers, but they do look like good value.
Add the cost of a visit to a good quality repair person for assessment and tweaking.
Also consider offset-G as a better alternative to inline G unless the young flutist knows for a fact that inline is comfortable.
Examples:
YAMAHA YFL 385-II Silver Head Open-Hole Flute USA - Saturday, January 13, 2007
My niece no longer wishes to play the flute, and this has only been used for a one semester in a junior high school band. Great condition and well-taken care of. This flute has a low B gizmo key, inline G, open hole sterling silver head, with silver/nickel body. Beautiful rich tone. Comes with cleaning rod, cloth, and the solid Yamaha original case. Original $1250, asking for quick sell for only $650! Buyer pays shipping and email me for pictures if interested!
-------------------------
YAMAHA YFL481 S. Silver Open Hole C Flute USA - Saturday, January 13, 2007
This flute has only been used for less than 10 times in a student band. It comes with a sleek black case and wiping cloth. Full price is at $1650, now at $850. Buyer pays shipping, pictures available. The YFL-481 intermediate flute comes complete with a durable case, polishing cloth and cleaning rod. The YFL481 offers the flute student open hole (French) keys that are light to the touch while the CY cut, sterling silver head offers a premium flute sound.
---------------end ads
Hi Jen,
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. It is very informative and much appreciated. We are going to bring her instructor into the buying process, so I'm sure we'll end up with a fine instrument.
Again, thank you very much for taking the time to send us such a thorough response. I'm off to check out the Azumi!! Thank you. M.
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. It is very informative and much appreciated. We are going to bring her instructor into the buying process, so I'm sure we'll end up with a fine instrument.
Again, thank you very much for taking the time to send us such a thorough response. I'm off to check out the Azumi!! Thank you. M.
Thanks for the thanks, and what a good idea to bring her instructor in on the purchase. There's nothing more frustrating than discovering 6 months down the road that a brand new, shiny flute is not worth the metal it's clad with. :>)
Hopefully the instructor is a very good flute player (and not a trumpet/tuba/clarinet playing band teacher.)
If you are in any doubt, enlist the help of the best flute teacher in town for several lessons.
Not only can you take 2-4 private lessons to help choose the flute (bring the flutes to the lessons when they're out on trial), but the lessons will be worth their weight in gold for teaching basic flute care, posture, breathing, and how to know when the problem is the flute and not the player.
I frequently test my student's flutes and find that they need some small tweaking every year or so, and when the flute is playing perfectly, the student then practices for HOURS all of a sudden, because it's all so easy for them to make a beautiful sound.
Let me know what you pick!
I tested six Azumis last year and found three good ones. That's a very high rate (since not all flutes are equal even if identical.)
Best,
Jen
Good reading for students/band teachers:
Flute Care Article - How to care for your flute to avoid repairs
Flute Testing; How to test your flute for repairs. Article.
Previous posts of mine on this blog feature videos on flute assembly and flute care and cleaning videos that demonstrate how to avoid damaging a new flute. They are much viewed, it turns out, as many self-teaching amateur players were unaware of how easily a flute is damaged by not having a "how to assemble" instruction sheet with each new flute. :>)
Thanks again for asking such a good question. This really is a much needed research topic for parents.
Best, Jen Cluff
posted by Jen Cluff at 12:01 PM
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Comments (16)
Wonderful post! Fortunately, I've been blessed with two wonderful flutes so far; a Yamaha 221 to begin on, and an Azumi 3000RBO to continue with. It really does pay off. Long ago when I was in school band for a year or so, I remember trying other student's flutes (Armstrong and Gemeinhardt mostly!), and thinking how difficult they were to play. At the time I just thought it was because I was used to playing mine - which I'm sure contributed to it - but I know now that was not simply the case. Thanks for the great reminder! :)
Dear Readers,
Here's a brief conversation from another commenter:
================
G. wrote:
Yesterday's newsletter was especially interesting. I had been under the impression that my Yamaha was inferior to the Armstrongs and Gemeinhardts the other flute players in the band have.
------------------
Jen replies:
What gave you the impression that the Yamaha was inferior?
Is it in perfect working order?
Has anyone who plays professionally tested it for pad leaks or mechanical problems?
Or was it just "word of mouth"?
Jen
-------------------
G: writes: I bought a new Yamaha in 2001 when I was living in California and hadn't played for 30+ years. I took 4 lessons from one of those teachers who just wants to play duets and he made disparaging remarks about the Yamaha flutes. He gave me the impression they were a cheap copy of some other brand, which I can't remember now. If you recall, I soon gave up on ever being able to play again and sold it. Then moved back to Indiana, found out about the Old Dam Community Band here, and bought a used Yamaha which was the very same model as the new one I had sold. The other four flute players in the band all have either Armstrongs or Gemeinhardts.
--------------------
Jen replies:
Your band instructor in CA was misinformed.
Yamahas are copies of professional flutes from the '60s, and have been upgrading their design continually since then. They are excellent standard flutes.
Lately there have been some copies of Yamaha made in Indonesia, I hear, that are horrible. But they say "Made in Indonesia" on them, and the factory has since stopped making them. (I hear this from a flute prof. in Scandinavia, and he is to be believed.)
But in all that time, since the '70s, Gemeinhardt and Armstrong have NOT made the improvements to flute making that Yamaha has made.
You've done well to take flute up again.
I'm sure you'll find a teacher, and/or a duet partner, or small folk group.
Seek them out. You'll have respite from the cares of the world when you're immersed in music. MUSIC jiggles our chromozomes back into place, as my friend once said; and she was so RIGHT!!!
Good luck and have fun! Jen
------------------
Dear Jen, Two years ago I was in need of a new flute, and for financial reasons ended up not buying my favorite flute but what I though was "the best value" flute, a Yamaha 600 series. I kept retutning to the store to try the models that I preferred.
Last month I finally realized that my flute had different qualities than my preffered flutes and that I actually own a fine instrument that will not hold me back for a very long time. I really love my flute now!
Thanks Ava for your input.
I played Gemeinhardt in University, and upon graduation, my parents bought me a Sankyo Silver Sonic. I played it for years, and only now (at the age of 46!) do I realize that the Nagahara headjoint on the Altus 1107 body is FAR FAR FAR more agile and colourful and in tune than the Sankyo. I sold the Sankyo to pay for the Altus, and for awhile, I wished to have the Sankyo back---it was so reliable. But now, with the Altus recently totally made leak-free by an expert technician (it came with a few leaks, and I played the heck out of it for two solid years---in all, it had to go in for leak checks THREE TIMES!) I can now play all the truly difficult stuff I never could fully get control of before.
I think it's the same when Galway changed to Nagahara from Muramatsu.
Finally he had a flute that did everything he wanted it to do.
But you have to go completely through one good flute to get to another.
I no longer miss the Sankyo.
Thanks for your input everybody!
And note; one of the teachers on Flutenet just said that they found a good Armstrong, so go figure.
Anything is possible. :>)
Jen
Interesting post. I have been playing my Gemeinhardt M3 open hole flute for over 30 years (I have never had a problem with this one) and recently purchased a 3shb model. I do not understand why Gemeinhardt flutes are
not recommended. Please reply.
Hi Patricia,
Well, you may just have come across one of the best Gemeinhardts that they made 30 years ago.
Yes, they did make very good intermediate level flutes back then.
Then the company's quality control became less and less reliable over time; at least according to the flute technicians I've been reading on the internet.
The last good flutes made by Gemeinhardt were apparently 30 years ago.
And in speaking of best flutes for the type of flute work you do, there are, of course, a few things to consider:
1. The new scales on the flutes made now (Cooper, Bennett, etc.) are very different in physical design than the flute scales from 30 years ago. This is also why many professional flutists are selling their once-beloved and expensive, professional Haynes and Powell flutes from that era. The newer flutes play better in tune with less manipulation of the embouchure.
2. The pitch standard has changed; many international artists have to play at A440 one day in the U.S. and at A445 in Germany the next. A 30 yr. old Gemeinhardt is very unlikely to be as malleable as an A442 flute. Any flute tuned too flat to make these changes and stay in tune with itself, makes it difficult for today's flutist to study using European recordings, or to travel to Europe for classes and performances and play up to the new higher pitches.
3. In my opinion, the playing standard has tripled since 30 yrs. ago. In 1975 for example, there were only one or two outstanding recording flutists and quite a few orchestra jobs. If you listen to the orchestral flutists from the '60s and '70s, you'll find that many would NOW be considered below par in terms of tone, tuning and fluency.
Now, in 2007 there are dozens of outstanding flutists. Flutists today are performing professionally at much higher levels. And each year hundreds of excellent flute students graduated all over the world, all competing for very few solo opportunities and the shrinking number of orchestral jobs. Any young talented 18 yr. old flutist may be unable to truly compete with the Ibert Concerto or Rodrigo's Concerto playing a Gemeinhardt.
And if you make a side by side comparison of a Gemein. with an Azumi (for example) or to an Altus, Miyazawa, Muramatsu, or change to more carefully cut headjoints, you'll soon see the difference.
On a student Gemeinhardt the keys just don't move fast enough and the headjoint just doesn't play as well.
Ask yourself: On the Gemeinhardt, can you play the typical Prokofiev excerpts such as "Classical Symphony" or "Peter and the Wolf" in tune at the metronome markings suggested? Probably not as fast and as in tune, and accurately as on a $1700 Azumi with its Bennett scale and super fast keys, or a $3000 Miyazawa or Altus.
I think that these kinds of brand name and price-bracket flute decisions all depend on what standard of playing you're doing with the flute.
If you're just playing with a local group of musicians, you may not notice that the technological improvements going on in flute manufacturing have made playing at a higher standard very much easier.
Hope this helps explain.
Best, Jen :>)
Has anyone ever heard of the flute brand 'Sterling'?
A google search for "Sterling" brings up too many hits for "sterling silver flute" (as in the kind of silver.)
Are you sure this is a brand name? If so, can you send a link to my jen@jennifercluff.com email account, so I can have a look? Usually brands that have that kind of name are cheap, bendable flutes that don't play correctly. Consult a flute teacher for reputable brands in your price range, locally.
Best, Jen
Jen,
I am looking for a curved head joint flute for my daughter. She just began learning how to play the flute and has my old Gemeinhardt that I played through high school. I can purchase the head joint that fits this, but thought buying another beginner flute might be nice so that we can do duets along with having an extra flute for my other daughter who wants to learn. I found the following one on eBay. Can you give me your opinion on this flute? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110140573014&ssPageName=STRK:MEBOFF:IT&ih=001
Thank you.
Dear Kim,
I have never heard about "Sterling brand flutes", but I did take a look at the Ebay photos and price. For under $300, with two headjoints, curved and straight, this price is far too low. It seems unlikely that it would be a truly good, sturdy, long-lasting flute (the key work may be soft metal; you won't know until your child uses it for a month or more, and then you take it to a repair shop and find out what the repair person has to say about it's fix-ability.) The price is far too low to tell whether this flute will stand the test of time.
If you order it and find it to be in good working order after one to six months, write back and let me know. Alternately, check with a big repair shop that sees many student flutes (phone around) and find out whether any reputable repair people have seen the longevity on these flutes.
Can't help without having seen one myself. Best, Jen
Dear Jen
I have really enjoyed all the comments you have made about various elements of flute industry so to speak.
I own Muramatsu EX (may not be familiar ;with it since it is pricy but considered to be student model)which only has c foot. I am not professional but have been playing for more than 25 years on and off and this was an upgrade from my first and now 25 year old student grade muramatsu. I experienced althouth, in much smaller scale than you did when you went from one to nagahara, the beauty of the ease of playing and the braoder ability to express with my tone. It expanded my flute life immensely.
My brother and I took private flute lessons over 25 years ago and our teacher helped us with our first flute purchase. Shd and I recently met and discussed flute. I realized that she takes her time to assist every single one of her student's flute purchase. Just wanted to share my experience. She selected one for us, then assisted our head joint upgrade a year or so later.
I really enjoyed your input on recent Yamaha improvements. I will share this info with someone who is looking at an old Yamaha on ebay. It is, I believe potentially dangerous to trust the brand name without the knowlege of the age of the instrument.
Hi Jen!
Thanks for a great website. I am in the market for a new flute. Miyazawa Boston Classic and Powell aurumite 14k (with gold inside/silver outside)sounded both great. Which one would have a better resale value? You didn't mentioned about Powell flute in your recommendation flutes. Is there a reason? Looking forward to your comments.
I would ask a flute dealer which has better resale value. Personally, I would think the Miyazawa Classic would be a better purchase for resale value.
I've never tried a Powell flute that I found to give me the ease-of-play and the sound I like. So I don't personally recommend instruments that I don't find to be useful to ME. That is just one person's opinion, however. I'm sure that Powell lovers would say the opposite.
Good luck. Jen
Dear Jen,
I have a new flute student who is 7 years old with no experience in music, and who does not yet have a flute. It is very clear that she needs to get a curved headjoint as she is very small. I have heard differing opinions regarding the Jupiter curved headjoints vs. those that Yamaha makes. Do you have any opinion on what to recommend? Also, the local music stores do not carry these young student models, and I am not sure where to direct her as to getting one. I am also relatively new to teaching flute, and have not had to work with student models before so I am not familiar with the quality of student models. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Dear Charlie,
You'll have to playtest the Yamaha curved headjoint against the Jupiter. I haven't tested them and would be interested in hearing which sounds better, and which version is better balanced in the hands. Apparently it's a bit of a trick finguring out how to align the headjoint so that the j-shaped flute doesn't roll in the hands.
What I think is a far better idea is starting a small child on penny-whistle. For $20 to $40 you can buy a quality penny-whistle. The more expensive ones have moveable/tunable heads. If the child plays this instrument it's less investment, and the knowledge is easily transferrable. Yamaha Fifes are also around $25 and The Fife Book by Goodwin is the BEST for use of this simple, plastic, tiny little instrument. Highly recommended. Also, if the parents and child absolutely insist on a curved head flute, the Jupiter Prodigy model at $1000 approx. is the one that I've heard the most positive teacher-feedback about in the three flute discussion groups I belong to. That would be resellable to the next small student in time, when/if this current student trades up to a full sized instrument. That might help assuage the sizeable investment necessary. But if you try the Yamaha curved-straigh junior flute packqage, write again and send feedback about it. Thanks. Jen
P.S. WHERE to buy curved head flutes for small children?
In the U.S: www.fluteworld.com and www.flute4u.com both will give advice and service.
In the U.K.: www.justflutes.com or www.allflutesplus.
It's better to work through a flute specialty dealer or shop because you can get advice and have the instrument fully serviced before it is sent out. Companies like Woodwind/Brasswind online will not necessarily fully service new instruments, but can have a good return policy if there is a defect.
Check out http://www.jennifercluff.com/childflut.htm and http://www.jennifercluff.com/buying.htm for more links and ideas.
I'd personally go for penny whistle or fife for such a young student. Then teach easy tunes by ear for awhile. Best, Jen