Currently I play a Yamaha 381 flute and I have joined an ameture concert band. Should I upgrade to a higher level flute or is a 381 adequate for ameture playing?
If you just play for fun, then the yammie should be fine. Maybe you might want to upgrade your headjoint at some time, but it's not necessary.
What level of music are you currently playing? What are the names of some pieces and etudes you've studied? Private lessons? How long are you playing? The answers can give us a better idea of you as a player.
What level of music are you currently playing? What are the names of some pieces and etudes you've studied? Private lessons? How long are you playing? The answers can give us a better idea of you as a player.
I've only been playing for a year and 8 months. I was going to a teacher but don't anymore. I've been working out of Wagner foundation to flute playing, melodious progressive studies and various music books.
IMO your flute should be fine. Micron is exactly right though- regular maintenance is very important so it will continue to play up to its full potential.
If you feel that you need an "upgrade" - get a handmade Yamaha headjoint for it. Anything made for the 500-900 series in terms of headjoints will fit, and they only cost around $650-$700 new if you shop around(less used of course). Big improvement to the sound for not a lot of money.
winds101.com has a few for around $500 last I checked.
The EC is made for more orchestral use. It is the fastest headjoint option and has a very tight sound. This is the current one on the higher end models.
The CY cut was the default "pro" choice about a decade ago. It is not as quick as the EC. Works very well with solo type work, and is great for solo jazz and similar uses, IMO.
Note - both sound better than the stuff even Haynes was making 20-30 years ago. Technology has come a long way in the last decade or two.
Hi, I have been playing a YFL381 since 2005, very happy with it, very well made and easy to play, the sound actually improve the longer u use it. But there will come a time when u find that this instrument have reached its limit for you.In my case, I found the higher register too shrill, and overall the sound is very metallic, and I prefer a flute with a darker tone. So in March, I purchased another Yamaha, a YFL674H professional instrument, the tone is a lovely darker sound, the high note is clear,lovely and not shrill. I also bought the Grenaditte flute, it have a woody, full dark tone, lovely. This complete my flute collection. Of all the 3 flutes,I found that the 381 is still a very good value, very robustly constructed, actully built like a tank! Mine is used everyday and as good as new, not service necessary yet! The sound on the low register is good enough, just get a headjoint to get rid of that shrill high notes. Guo flutes actually make a grenaditte headjoint that fits to you flute, you may experience a dramatic difference in tone. The 381 flute is too wellmake and a shame to sell it. I am thinking of this option for my 381 flute too!
If you're going to spend $700 for a new Yamaha headjoint, check into buying a REALLY nice headjoint, used of course, for that kind of money. Williams, Drelinger, Burkart, Lopatin, etc. are the brands I'm speaking of. As long as it doesn't have gold or any of that fancy junk on it, you could get one for under $1k.
I also play in an amateur concert band made up of adult enthusiasts, university students, local music teachers etc. Fully half the flute section, including the principal, play on 200 and 300 series flutes quite happily and well.
If you are playing for fun in an amateur band your 381 is all the flute you will ever need.
But remember that professional headjoints take quite a bit of getting used to if you are going to get the best out of them - they are designed to be played by professionals.
If you have the cash lying around with nothing to do by all means treat yourself to an upgrade. Buying a new flute or headjoint can be both frustrating and a great thrill. However, the 381 (well maintained) will probably be all the flute you will ever need and will give you many years of enjoyment.
FWIW I would also be wary of getting locked into GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome - because you can spend a lot of money and end up not being satisfied with any of the many flutes and headjoints you have purchased.
One thing to add - the Yamaha handmade headjoints are nearly the same to play in terms of ease as the ones found on the entry level models and really *do* sound better. It's a painless and easy upgrade when the time comes.
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