Choosing a Flute?

Question

Hi, I've just started playing the flute for school this year and I really enjoyed it. And, I can say I'm pretty good for a beginner. I use a school flute, and unlucky for me, mine is pretty sucky. So, I really want to buy a new flute. Is it really worth it to buy one or should I just stick to the school one?

It's most likely I want to buy one, so which brand should I choose? What's the difference between them??? What about the price?? Help plz!!! T.T

Answer 1

I have a Armstrong flute. I would recomend it.

Answer 2

If you're going to buy one, I would actually recommend waiting a year or so more before buying one and then going for an intermediate-level flute that will be a good flute to have throughout high school.  The problem with buying when you've only been playing for a year or so is that you tend to not want to spend over a certain amount (say, $500).  A $500 flute is great for a couple years as a beginner, but if you really pursue it and start getting pretty good, it's not going to cut it.  Then you're going to be in high school saying, "I wish I had a better flute." If you wait and determine that you're good and you're going to do other things with it than just play in band, I would recommend going a little higher-end and investing between $1000-1500 for a good intermediate, open-holed flute with a sterling silver headjoint.  If you decide after a year that you're going to play but maybe not that much, just go ahead and buy the $500 flute and use it until you're done with it.  Having a good quality instrument can really make a difference.

Answer 3

If Flute is something you DEFINITELY want to keep going with then go ahead and buy a new Flute. There is nothing more frustrating for a musician then a bad instrument! Yamaha, Jupiter, Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Emerson are all good Flute brands to buy! The tried and trusted beginner brand is Yamaha! Avoid any ones from eBay that aren't these well known brands! They usually go from about $200 ish upwards. You could also try going to a second hand shop or a local music shop! Or pay for your school  flute to have a COA (Clean, oil and adjust) Check with your flute teacher

Answer 4

I have been playing the flute for 5 years and I would best recommend buying one. I have a gemeinhardt flute and its an amazing brand. I bought mine used at a local music store and it was about $700 dollars. Its a lot of money to put into something you might not stick with so i also recommend renting to own, this way if you want to stop you can just stop paying and return the flute. Best of luck to ya!

Answer 5

If you're planning on sticking with flute you should buy one. If you have the chance you could go to a music store to try out different flutes to find out which one works best for you. No one can really tell you which flute will be best for you. It also depends on your price range. Nice beginner flutes would be Gemeinhardt, Yahama, Armstrong, Artley, Jupiter. You can get them on ebay much cheaper than buying them at a music store. Just make sure you have someone who knows a lot about flutes before making a choice on Ebay. Feel free to contact me if you want help finding one on Ebay.

Answer 6

HI T.T.   You have a great question :))   First, congrats on playing the flute... Most flute players think it is the best of all of instruments.  LOL.   Now to answer your question,  I will have to ask you one.   Are you planning to stick with the flute through Middle School and High School?   If the answer is "yes"  you will save your parents alot of money by buying instead of renting.  And if you want to save them more...  be looking for a used flute in excellent "ready-to-play" condition.  You don't have to have a brand new flute,  as flutes that are well taken care of and regularly maintained will provide years and years of service and playabilty.   I feel that staying on the school flute does not really prepare you for owning and getting used to a flute that belongs to you, alone.  As it is,  you will have to adjust your lips (embouchure) to a different flute if you get one...  the sooner you start practicing on the flute that is going to be your primary instrument,  the better for you and your sound and technique.   Let me suggest that you keep your eyes open for bargains on Yamaha (model 281 or 285)  or Gemeinhardt (model 2SP or 3) beginner flutes.  In that order.  Yamaha has a lead on Gemeinhardt as they have modernized their lip plate to offer a less resistant embouchure hole (Blow Hole) meaning that it takes less effort to produce a nice and full tone.   Gemeinhardt has been making flutes for over fifty years so they do know what they are doing...  but most flute teachers will recommend Yamaha for their nice construction as well as ease of play.   The other brands that have been mentioned are alright...  but just not in the same league and if you are looking anyway... you might as well get the best flute you can find.   I will tell you that you should not have to pay more than $350.00 for a nice used flute.  If someone is asking more...  keep looking, you will find one and perhaps you will find one cheaper.    A very good venue for used instruments is Craigslist (.org)  -  catagory, Musical Instruments, in your city.   Have your parents check it out and contact sellers with used flutes for sale.    Summer is a great time to search for used flutes as many people are trying to get them out there to kids before the fall season starts.    Wishing you the best...