Best Student Flute

Irish Flute
1

Hello,

This is my first post to this forum. I’m a sax player looking to double on flute. I would like to know what is the best student flute or what’s the best flute for the money. Keep in mind I just bought a Selmer Mark VI tenor so money is scarce. In the saxophone world vintage horns can be had at less than new student horn prices. These vintage horns are far superior to new student models. Is it the same in the flute world?

Thanks,
BobD

2

Here’s a link to a recent discussion on the topic:

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=4909&forum=2&12

The major manufacturers are mentioned there. My inclination would be to go with a newer flute, rather than a vintage. Pay attention to the headjoint. A better-made headjoint will make a cheap flute sound great. Don’t bother with open-hole flutes, unless you want to put in a lot of work on finger placement. Play it before you buy!! Flute.com may help you in your research.
My student flute was an Artley (apparently I got a decent one). I play a Yamaha 581 now, which I like very much.

good luck!

3

My experience of low-end Artley flutes has been that when adjusted and padded properly, they play pretty well.

The main problem with some of these flutes is that the mechanism won’t hold an adjustment for any length of time, requiring frequent trips to a repair shop, or for the flutist to learn how to regulate the adjustments.

I started on an Artley, and it was learning to keep the flute adjusted to where it would play that initially spurred my interest in learning to work on flutes.

Best wishes,

–James
http://www.flutesite.com

4

Hello-
If you are talking about a concert flute, I might suggest Yamaha, Pearl, or Gemeinhart. I’ve even played a pretty good Emerson.

Any of these will have good intonation, and will challenge you for a good while in terms of sound.

The only “non-brand” recommendation I would make is that you get the best possible flute you can afford. You will be more inclined to practice, and it will serve you longer.

Best of luck,

Mark Sackett

5

I know what you are talkin about when it comes to switching over from oen type of music to another. I have played clarinet for 5 years and started playing Irish in the past 5 months or so. I learned how to play the low D and then I got a Dixon student flute. I haven’t had it but about a week (insert pun here) but I have had some experience with a classical flute and have found that some advice about developing my emboucher AGAIN will help. I hope that you find the right flute for you. And that sax, o buddy, that must be gold!! Good luck!