Intermediate/Professional Flutes?

Question

Hey,

About 2 years ago, I bought a step-up flute, a Jupiter 711 RSBE. That flute has a solid sterling silver headjoint, body and foot, open holes and a B-foot extension. At first I loved the flute, but now, I'm having my doubts. In the last few months, I've had 3 problems with the mechanics of the flute or something. First it was the A that wasn't playable. I got it serviced, then weeks later it was the B flat and B. Again I got it serviced, but now, only 2 months later, I'm having trouble playing F and F sharp. The thing is... I found my old Yamaha much more reliable, and I'm thinking of buying a sorta step-up Yamaha.

The only problem with this is that I can't find a decent Yamaha for a good price. I was also thinking Pearl, but I don't know. Any suggestions? It needs to have at least a solid sterling silver head and body and open holes. I don't need the B foot extension.

Answer 1

The fact that you've had your flute for two years and are now needed a bunch of fix-ups is to be expected.  The trend with all instruments, flute included, is that the high-end instruments are not as sturdy as the low-end ones.  Student flutes or low intermediate flutes are made very sturdy, but are not of the best quality because the makers know they will get banged around and probably used for several years until they need a better flute to get better quality.  With intermediate and advanced flutes, you should be sending them to get serviced at least every two years if not once a year.  That would prevent you from having to send it to the repairman several times for individual problems, because they are to be expected.

I am not all that familiar with which makers are good because I didn't do as much research as I should have when buying my last flute.  Basically, it boils down to how much you want to pay.  I bought a Sonare and I think the series was 6000, but I would have to check on that.  It gets the job done - the head joint is a Powell and so it is really good.  The body is good enough, but I have had people recommend not buying Sonare's.  You would do well to join the James Galway Yahoo group - there are a lot of experienced flutists there that could help you.  The link for that group is below.  

Answer 2

Hello Flute Fan,

Sorry you are having problems with your flute.  The only Jupiter flute that I have had experience with is the Jupiter DiMedici 1011 and that is an exceptional instrument.   I do have a suggestion if you want to try it.   Jupiter brand instruments are not that easy to work on and your repair tech might not be completely experienced in working on them.   This might be why it keeps having problems, especially if it worked perfectly for a couple of years.   If it were my flute,  I would phone the Jupiter plant in the US, explain the problems, and see if you could send it directly there for repairs.   Jupiter technicians would be the best guys to disassemble the flute and repair it correctly and to your satisfaction.   They will be able to find the problem immediately.

But... if you have your heart set on a Yamaha...  you have good taste.   They are fine instruments... good playing, easy blowing, nice mechanism... all around a very good and dependable flute.  Problem is,  the price is through the roof right now... and probably is going higher.  Perhaps you can be looking for a 481 (with the features you are wanting) in good used condition.  you will save literally hundreds of dollars by buying used and if it needs a little tweeking... you still come out ahead.

I have sent you a link to eBay for the 481s that are listed on auction today... but if you don't see one you like there today... just wait... others will be listed every day of the week.  If you will accept playing a flute with the C footjoint... you will save even MORE money,, because most people want the Bfoot...  Why?  Dont' KNow...  how many pieces of music have you played that used that note?  It is crazy how much more money people are paying just to have a Bfoot, even when the key is never used.

You can also check on CraigsList.org in or near your city.. but it might be harder (though) not impossible to find a 481 there.  But why not look???

You asked about the Pearl...  no, don't go there.   It is the same problem with the Jupiter.  Pearl flutes have a different mechanism than most other flutes and it makes them more complicated to work on or repair.  They are good flutes... don't get me wrong... but they just need a specialized repair tech to do a good job on repairs and I believe that is the problem you are having now.

Hope this was helpful and thank you for reading.

Flute teacher from Texas