I've been trying to figure out the difference between an expensive flute vs. a less expensive one.
I do realize that this is a loaded question with possibly many answers. Yes, I understand that "try before you buy" is the best way to answer this question. But, I'm trying to get other people's opinion and what their experiences were.
To begin with: I'm an amateur flutist and will not play professionally...EVER!... Okay?.. I play for my own enjoyment only.
I guess this is the best way I can put this question here.... Are you going to tell me that a cheaper flute can't be played beautifully by an amateur? .... and I don't mean that if James Galway played on my $300 flute he'd make it really sing!..
I don't mean that. I'll put it a different way: Can't good flutes UNDER $500 sound good enough to play with an average jazz band?
My reason for this odd letter is that in a few months I"ll be buying a new flute. I do realize that I've got to play each flute to see if I like how it sounds. I hope to get some feedback on this dilemma. Thanks....grumpy31
It is the player that makes the flute, not the flute. With a good embouchure, you can manipulate a junker flute to sound incredible. A beginner flutist will sound the same on a gold flute as they would on a cheap Bundy.
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To answer your question.. yes a cheaper flute can be played beautifully by an amateur.
Why are amateur players only supposed to respond to this thread? It is the professionals that you are going to get your most accurate opinion from as in most cases they have the most experience. Besides, I prefer not to catogorize myself like that. I don't play like Galway, I play for fun, but I still get paid for what I do. I didn't go to college for it. So what does that make me then?
It really is about the skill of the player rather than the quality of the flute, assuming a good quality student flute which is well maintained. Practice and lessons with a good teacher are way more cost-effective than a more expensive flute.
Don't confuse what you need with what you would like. What you need is a reputable student flute in good condition. Mine is a Yamaha 221 and it's a great flute - sounds better in my hands than other flutes worth twice as much and more.
If you have the spare cash and you want to treat yourself by all means buy a more expensive flute. I also did that and bought a Yamaha 674 at 4 times the cost of the 221. The 674 is a nice flute, but it is not 4 times better than the 221, and I certainly don't play 4 times better on the 674 - far far from it.
I am an amateur - I play for fun and relaxation and spend most of my time in a hospital (working, not as a patient!).
BTW James Galway does indeed sound great on a student flute, apparently.
"It is the player that makes the flute, not the flute. With a good embouchure, you can manipulate a junker flute to sound incredible. A beginner flutist will sound the same on a gold flute as they would on a cheap Bundy."
I couldn't agree more with the above statement and others.
Go for Yamaha 200 series. That is equivalent to buying a Corolla to drive around. Great either new or second hand, and unlikely to present major expenses.
However get into the cheaper range of brands and you are at risk of running into the equivalent of the sort of vehicle which is actually not marketed at all, because you may have to spend thousands on it ex-factory to get it roadworthy and reliable.
Why does this matter? Because a flute will play well only if it is well adjusted. For many of the cheapest, worst-made flutes, it is simply not cost effective to ever get them well adjusted.
For the sort of playing you are doing..... Do you need a Merc to do the shopping etc? No! But you do need a vehicle that works well enough to have a warrant to be on the road.
Yamaha 200 series fits the bill outstandingly, with fewest hidden risks for the buyer.
A reply just like yours is exactly what I was hoping for. So, when I'll be buying a new flute this January, the Yamaha 200 will be the one that I'll try out first. From what I've only read about the Yamaha flutes is that they are more expensive than other flutes but are also manufactured to almost perfection. So, I'd guess that a new Yamaha flute will not have to be repaired as quick as some other flutes.
They are a bit pricey new (usually around $800), but you can find a nice one in great condition in the $300 range. As long as you go with a reputable place, you won't get burned and will get a nice flute, practically in new condition and properly set up.
If you buy a new flute, what do you have in two weeks? A used flute....
I'm not realy an amature, but I'm not that great on the beloved instrument ether. I know that yes indeed that cheaper flutes can sound like better ones. When you think about it, your brain and lips are the instrument, everything else is amplification. (it sounded better when my band director said it...)So, master how to make wonderfull sounding notes on the one you have now, and people will be amazed.
I made a recording a few years ago using all Jupiter students flutes, if any more of you order my CD, I will throw it in, you might be surprised how good many of those flutes sound...
Patrick, that sounds really interesting and fun! I really like Jupiter flutes a lot. Jupiter and Yamaha are the flutes that I try to stick with when selling student models. You can't go wrong with either brand.
"So, I'd guess that a new Yamaha flute will not have to be repaired as quick as some other flutes."
True.
They need a bit of adjusting in the first 18 months (pads closing at the 'back' before they close at the 'front').
But after that, long term reliable until the pads get sufficiently compressed to be losing some of their resilience. This means that the pads are less able to accommodate the slight non-levelness of the tone holes that is standard with most flutes unless you pay megabucks.
At this point I think it is good economy for the future, to get the levelness of the tone holes at least substantially improved. There are relatively quick, cheap ways, and time consuming, high-precision ways. Then the pads have a longer trouble-free life.
But yes, Yamaha 200 series are very well made - touch wood!
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"They need a bit of adjusting in the first 18 months"
I should add: As all student flutes do.
I did take your suggestion about the Yamaha 200 series and went to a large music store and tried out the Yamaha 221.
I immediately heard the difference with low C as compare to my Armstrong 102's low C. With my Armstrong, I always had trouble hitting the low C, but with the Yamaha 221, it was easily played and I was tempted to buy it today!..
The selling price was $550 and when I asked about the warrantee, the salesman told me it was for one year. I had thought that I read on some internet site that the warantee was five years, but I could be mistaken on that.
I suspect if I bought a used Yamaha 221 that it would be much cheaper, but where could I find one, and from a reputable dealer? Is buying a used Yamaha a good way to go? And, are repairs on the 221 expensive?
I just checked with The Flute Center in New York City and their used Yamaha's are very expensive. And I noticed that there were no used 221 Yamahas listed at all, only the expensive ones.
If there's a reputable place where I could buy a used Yamaha 221, I'd love to know.
Thanks, grumpy31..
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