Nope, not that one. That’s one of the newer versions…
My two (cents, or whatever the coin of your realm) would be to suggest going with one of the delrins mentioned (Baubet or Di Mauro) or one of Jem’s refurbished ones (your cat will like it better than the piccolo, I’m sure and Jem will make sure you’re happy with your choice.) Even if it’s a bit above your initial budget (and Jem’s are below the Sweetheart), better to get something you’ll really use than something less costly that fades into the back of the closet, leaving you frustrated.
2x glenluce
Dixon 3-piece
Sweetheart practise (maple)
Something in blackwood - can’t remember the make dammit. About £500, so much more expensive than the others.
The easiest by far was the Sweetheart. For me it played cleanly through the first two octaves. The Dixon was not as easy in the 2nd octave at all and I couldn’t play up to 2nd C reliably (dropping down to 1st C or sounding windy).
The glenluce (which I understand are ‘pakistani flutes’) were variable. One not good at all, difficult to run smoothly through the notes. The other, same design, different wood, was better than the Dixon.
The £500flute (might have been a Vignoles) I found very hard to play. Couldn’t get first octave at first, 2nd octave was easy and had a nice sound tho’. Very small embouchure.
What I’ve learnt from this is that I shouldn’t buy something without trying to play it first.
A flute that is easier to play is not necessarily a better flute. Adapting to a new flute may take anywhere from several minutes (rarely) to several months, and if you’re new to flute, it may take some years… Just saying
At your stage, i wouldn’t mind so much about your initial impression. Trust people that know more than you do and pick a flute that is considered a quality choice. You’ll eventually learn how to play that thing and decide if it’s your style of flute or not after some time…
I should add that I think I can understand the criticism of the sweetheart. While easy to play, the sound was light and shallow. No depth or strength there. A bit like Glenfiddich compared to Laphroaigh quarter cask.
On the other hand, if having a flute that’s easy for you to play will make you play more, it will be better for you. On the other other hand, if the unexciting sound of it will lead to you playing less, don’t get it.
Starting out I had a difficult flute, then found one that was easy for me to play. I improved so much faster than had I not found it. It was a small-holed flute, and the only lasting effect from playing it exclusively for a few years was a bias toward small-holed flutes.
Playing a Sweet for a few years won’t give you any bad habits, plus once you’re proficient, you’ll be able to get more accurate impressions of flutes you might want to upgrade to.
I agree with Chas. Plus, every Olwell I’ve played (granted, the sample size is only 4) has been really easy to play, and no one would advise you to avoid an Olwell.
I bought a Hammy practise flute in the end; it arrived yesterday.
In the flesh, it’s much more attractive than it seems in photographs. The end of the flute is nicely rounded. The finger holes look to be undercut and again are smooth - almost too smooth, it can be hard to feel the lowest (quite small) hole).
Head slides over about 45mm of the body, allowing a lot of movement for tuning. I tried following the online Irish school vids and had to move the head about 3-4mm to get C in tune with the teacher.
Came with a full-length soft padded case, which I didn’t expect. What great value for money!
The only thing I’m finding hard on it is getting a C natural. Covering holes 2 and 3 doesn’t sound quite right (although I don’t have anything to compare this to so it could just be my ear).
Try out these alternatives for C naturals: oxx xoo; oxx xox; oxo xxx; oxo xxo. See which is best in tune to your ear and/or a tuner. Different ones may work better in different musical contexts, both for ease of fingering (pattern changes) and for intonation.
