So you've decided to play the flute. Terrific decision!
Now you need an instrument. If you're completely new to the flute world, this may be a hard decision, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.
First, develop a budget. Just like any major purchase, your wallet should guide you. The more money you have to spend, the higher quality instrument you can acquire.
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| Romantic 14 keys flute (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The biggest factor in determining the price is the metal your flute is made from.
Student flutes are made from plated silver, where higher end flutes are built out of solid silver.
It is also possible to "split the difference" and get a flute with a plated silver body and a solid silver head joint. This is a good option for those on a limited budget because the head joint contributes more to the tone quality of the flute.
If money is no object, you can buy flutes made from gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and even platinum.
There are a number of features that can drive up the price of a flute.
The traditional flute extends down to a low C, or middle C. With a B-foot joint, you can play the B below that C.
Is this a necessary option?
No, not at all. It's kind of a status symbol among flutists and some argue that the increased length of tubing improves the tone. This is highly subjective, however, and that low B is hardly ever played! You can do just fine without the low B-foot joint.
Another popular flute upgrade is the "open hole" flute. On this type of flute, the keys look like little donuts; that is, there are holes in the middle of the keys.
The benefit of this? Proper finger placement is one. The fingers must cover these holes in order for the notes to sound, so sloppy fingering can't be tolerated.
Improved tone quality is also a purported benefit.
For those flutists that are into "extended techniques," lots of cool effects can be obtained with open-hole keys, such as sliding the fingers off the keys for "smeary" sounds, playing half tones, or even playing Irish-style or penny-whistle style music.
Are open holes necessary? Not at all.
The lip plate on head joints can be engraved with a floral or scroll pattern. This not only makes the flute more beautiful but prevents slippage of the flute against the chin. Necessary? No. Fun? Of course! I have this option on my flute and I really love it.
So where to buy your flute?
A music store is the obvious answer. In addition to purchasing outright, stores usually have a very reasonable rental program available to students who aren't sure if they will stick with the band program. Ask the store if this is available to adults as well.
Flutes that come back from the rental program can be a good deal for purchase. The store's repairman will overhaul the flute and then it is offered at a reduced price from new.
You can also find a flute for sale in the classified ads in the newspaper or just by asking around. Stop over at a local university and you will probably find notices of flutes for sale on bulletin boards in the music department.
In these instances, have a professional look at the flute first and give you an opinion.
You can find flutes for sale on eBay, too. Be sure that you have the option of trying the flute out first and sending it back if you aren't happy with it.
There are many instrument sellers online, probably the largest is The Woodwind and Brasswind, http://www.wwbw.com. You can get a great deal from this company and they will send the instrument out to you to try first, even more than one at a time.
Take your time, decide carefully, and get lots of opinions. Your flute will become a friend to you and if you buy it right the first time, it will last a lifetime.
Kathy Ferneau has been a passionate flutist for 40 years! Her web site contains the most extensive collection of flute figurines on the Internet. Check them out! http://www.cyberflute.com/
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