What tips for buying a used flute - antique and modern makes

[headwizer]

What should one look for when buying a used flute - both keyed and unkeyed? Grey Larsen’s flute book does not touch on this subject in any depth. I suppose with antique flutes, there’s always the spectre of restoration costs. Yet, I am sure there are used flutes of recent manufacture that can develop problems over time.

This seems like such a basic question. I searched the flute forum but did not encounter any threads specifically on this topic. If I missed it, please post the link(s).

[Lambchop]

@headwizer

What should one look for when buying a used flute - both keyed and unkeyed? Grey Larsen’s flute book does not touch on this subject in any depth. I suppose with antique flutes, there’s always the spectre of restoration costs. Yet, I am sure there are used flutes of recent manufacture that can develop problems over time.

This seems like such a basic question. I searched the flute forum but did not encounter any threads specifically on this topic. If I missed it, please post the link(s).

Ah, I would peek inside with a flashlight to rule out little bonsai gardens . . .

[Jayhawk]

Personally, I think you’re looking for all of the things you look for in a new flute (good tone, well made, in tune) as well as making sure there are no cracks in the body (be sure and look inside at the tennon areas especially), how good are the tennon wrappings or the cork there, and does the embouchure hole show any signs of damage.

Also with antique flute, you need to make sure it plays well at current pitch. Some antiques play very well at A=440, but others require the slide to be all the way in or way far out and their tuning can be comprimised (some are from a time with a completely different pitch so you’ll never get the flute to adjust without paying for a new headjoint and tuning tweak).

With keys, you need to make sure they’re sealing well. You can usually tell because notes beneath and right around the leaky key will be very weak. Also, look for cracks in the block mounts or around the metal pillar mounts.

Eric

[rama]

@headwizer

What should one look for when buying a used flute - both keyed and unkeyed? Grey Larsen’s flute book does not touch on this subject in any depth. I suppose with antique flutes, there’s always the spectre of restoration costs. Yet, I am sure there are used flutes of recent manufacture that can develop problems over time.

This seems like such a basic question. I searched the flute forum but did not encounter any threads specifically on this topic. If I missed it, please post the link(s).

do your homework, these will help:

http://firescribble.net
http://mcgee-flutes.com

[Byron]

While your studying vintage, you may want to add this site.

http://www.oldflutes.com/

It has some great information which also includes flutes that look close but are not what trad players are generally looking for.

I like vintage flutes and I can see myself dabbling in them, but I think new players should have flutes they can trust. So, for either modern or vintage, this would mean a flute that has been played and recommended by player.

Yep, a Players honest opinion is likely what I look for most when considering a used flute.

Byron