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 it got you there, it is obviously good enough.

Enjoy life.

Enjoy what you are playing.

If you feel you need something more than find it.

You can have the top of the line flute and still be a crappy player.

Well I'll never be a pro flute player as I play just for fun so I assume that I won't ever need a professional level flute.

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Or will the 381 eventually hold me back as I progress?

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.

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.

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/winds/product/others/access/flhead/index.htm
Yamaha can custom make you any headjoint on that grid, though only 3-4 are commonly seen or sold.(ie - they could make you a BG, but expect a LONG wait).

Liz over at winds101 can tell you more about them and help you out.

Thanks I'll check it out.

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!

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.

"The EC is made for more orchestral use. It is the fastest headjoint option and has a very tight sound".

Hi Pletko, I am curious about this concept of headjoint "speed". Could you explain it?

Thanks.

It's pretty much how quickly you can get a tone started and end up being stable. Now, to be honest, we're talking about very small fractions of a second.

I suggest you go to a music store - most that carry Yamahas will have a EC(standard) and a CY in stock - have their expert demo both for you - you'll hear a noticeable difference between the two that's better heard in person.

IMHO (and I might get blasted for this comment) but Yamaha headjoints shouldn't even be compared to the handmade heads like Nagahara, Powell or Williams etc... They just don't compare. If you want to upgrade your headjoint, I personally don't think a Yamaha is an upgrade. They play more like the student line heads to me. Sorry Yamaha fans

I have heard a lot about the Sanford Drelinger handmade headjoints, however they are very expensive! the basic model is now $1350 and the model he recommended for me is the Max model which is $1600! Beyond my means! maybe there are good used Drelinger that one can buy! But I will prefer a wooden Headjoint. There is a flute festival in Singapore in June 2009, maybe I will get an opportunity to try out a Grenaditte Executer Headjoint there if it is exchibited there and see if its any good!