What are good open hole flute brands????

Question

i'm getting a new flute b/c it is time for me to upgrade...but i don't know what kind! help me!!!!

Answer 1

The most talked about open hole flute brands are Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Jupiter, Armstrong & Pearl.

Gemeinhardt and Armstrong flutes are the cheapest to find, then Jupiter, Pearl and Yamaha.

Gemeinhardt's most commonly used open hole flute would be the 3SHB as it's a step up from the normal open hole flute (w/ B foot) as it has a silver headjoint.

Yamaha's most popular open hole flute would be the 285 (currently the 281) with the 265 (currently the 261) running up close! The Yamaha 285 is an open hole flute (all 200 series are silverplated throughout) with inline G and C foot whereas the 265 model has an offset G and C foot. The 285 model normally sells for $250-350 and the 265 sells for $300-400+.

I'm currently selling a Yamaha 261 in great condition for $350 including shipping (w/ free option of gold plated lip plate).

Jupiter's open hole flutes are a little more difficult to find (aside from the new models) but new they're a few hundred $ I believe.

Armstrong flutes are very well made (especially the newer ones from the late 90s and up until now, etc.) with the most popular models being the 103 (silver plated, open hole), 303 (silver headjoint, silverplated body, footjoint and keys) and the 80 (silver headjoint and body, plated keys). Armstrong's 103 model sells anywhere from $150+, the 303 model sells for about $200+ and the 80 sells for about $300+.

Yamaha flutes are a bit on the pricey side (and more expensive than Pearl!). Pearl's model 501 (silverplated model) with open hole keys normally can be purchased used (in need of work) for less than $200 or in working order for about $300.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I am a professional flutist, certified teacher, and competition judge in NY.  There are people who play the flute, or USED to play the flute who will give you advice based on only THEIR experience, or old info.  You can tell I have gone thru this before, can't you?  I need to stay ON TOP of this professionally, every day of my life.

First of all, you can search for my previous answers. I have spent a LOT of time on this same topic on these forums. OR you can Google for Jen Cluff (NOT me!) who has TONS of great info on her site.

The best flute for under $2000 for you would be the Azumi.  You can also consider some Pearls, Yamaha, Trevor James, Jupiter /DeMedici and some of the other makes that have the HEAD made by a Big Name, and the body made (outsourced) the their specs - like Brio, etc.

Look around on www.fluteworld.com and Jeff Smith and Carolyn Nussbaum's sites, also Phil Unger in NYC.

Under NO circumstances should you consider a new Gemeinhardt!  There will be tons of people who fondly defend the old one THEY learned on - but the company has been bought and sold numerous times - and is NOT what it once was.  Gone also are Artley and Armstrong - not in the running anymore.

Good luck - do not decide in haste.  You can try several at home by putting them on your credit card, and you get a week or two to try them before they charge you for not returning them.  

Answer 3

I've had 2 flutes(been playing 4.5 years) and after 2 years, my teacher said that I should upgrade. My student flute was a Gemeinhardt and my upgrade is a Gemeinhardt.

      

I love my Gemeinhardt. It plays so well and after owning it for 1.5 years, the pads aren't even close to needing to be replaced(and I play about an hour a day) My cousin had a Selmer flute and I played it...it was horrible. Go for a Gemeinhardt flute. You will not regret getting it.

Answer 4

get buffet they are the best brand

Answer 5

Hi Sara,

I think the first thing you should do is decide how much money you have to spend on an upgrade because intermediate and advanced models are pretty expensive.  We are taking between $1100.00 and $2500.00.  They are really out of site.

I think many times when people like yourself ask about upgrading their flute,  many responders will be suggesting certain models and places to buy them that are really not affordable for parents who are struggling with the bad economy.   If your parents can afford $2000.00 for a flute, you are lucky... but if they can't,  you have to look for alternatives that they will be willing to buy and you might decide to get a more affordable used flute and save hundreds of $$$$.

You cannot go wrong with a Yamaha flute.   I would recommend the models in the 300 series or the 400 series.   The Yamaha 381 has a sterling silver headjoint / silver plated body and foot / open holes / B footjoint / and high C facilitator.   New price should run you just about $1100.00 / Used in good condition about $600.00, maybe less.  The Yamaha 481 has the same features as the 381, except it is sterling silver head / body and footjoint with silver plated keys / mechanism / and lip plate.   New price for this instrument is about $1650.00 / Used about $850.00 or close.  I am quoting current new prices from Woodwind and Brasswind but you can check with your local music store to compare prices.

Other good upgrade namebrand flutes are the Pearl Quantz and Jupiter DiMedici series,  but if I were buying for my own daughter, I would stick with the Yamaha.  And if you are really serious about going further with your flute playing.. but you are on a budget... those are the only brands of flute I would suggest as they have the best reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.  Avoid those flutes that are sourced out to be assembled in china / korea / malasia factories and then sent back to the US for a headjoint.  The heads are fine,  but the qualiy and craftsmanship of the mechanism are sub par.   Haynes, Powells, and Trevor James intermediate brands are among such flutes.

Now,  if you have thousands of $$$$ to spend,  look at the Muramatsu and Miyazawa low end professional flutes.  One of my friends, Miles Zentner is  a Muramatsu distributor and sells the low end sterling silver handmade flute for $3500.00 ... a great flute for a great price.

But if you are like the majority and need a price break...  check on eBay for better deals and more affordable flutes.   I have sent you a link to Pearl, Jupiter and Yamaha.  If you don't see something there today... wait for a few hours and more will be listed.  I only advise that you ask questions of the seller and read his feedbacks to see that he has many many happy customers.   Also ask about his return policy.  I have bought many really nice flutes on eBay and have saved hundreds of $$$.  

Hope this was helpful and Good Luck finding your upgrade!!!!

Instructor of Flute Studies.

Answer 6

When I upgraded, I had to try out so many brands. EAch person sounds different on each flute, so try to get your teacher to order flutes to try.

Since you are just starting open hole flutes, don't get a flute with too many extra gizmos since you're a beginner. The most expensive aren't necessarily the right ones for you either. I had a Muramatsu EX model. It's VERY good. The tone is fantastic for me, and it feels really comfortable.

I also debated on the Yamaha, but the tone didn't fit well with me.

Answer 7

Gemeinhardt is by far the best flute there is, open holed or otherwise.  I have one with a sterling silver head piece that I absolutely love.  I have used it since high school and beyond and it's the best flute I've ever played and heard played.  Don't let anyone tell you that Yamaha is a good brand for open-holed, because it's not.  German made is the only way to go.  I have model # 3SHB.  It's served me well for many years.  I was not aware gemeinhardt had been sold.  I love my flute and wouldn't trade it for the world.  Sorry!