Any Advanced Flute Players?

[Katdb]

Hey Everyone,

I thought I'd see if any of my friends here on the Dis are advanced/professional flute players. I recently joined an ensemble, and the director said that I have talent, but that my old flute is holding me back (it's a student model that I've had for almost 10 years now).

She suggested a solid silver flute with open holes and a low Bb. I was wondering if anyone out there has some suggestions on good flute brands. So far I've stuck with Yamaha for my flute and piccolo, but I am definitely open to suggestions (thus why I'm here!!!)

Thanks so much for your time and any help that you can send my way!

*Katdb

 

[Tinijocaro]

I'm a professional violinist, but in college, I remember the name Gemeinhardt coming up as a fine flute- dh (high school band director and professional percussionist agrees).

www.gemeinhardt.com

Jackie

 

[NCDisneyMom]

I have the same type of flute that has been recommended to you, which I play in a NON-professional, community orchestra. And, mine is a Gemeinhardt. It was purchased almost 15 years ago, and at the time that was one of the better brands. There may be more available now, however I haven't been looking. Our section leader, who is an AWESOME flautist, has the exact same flute that I do...I just wish I could make mine sound as good as hers.

 

[Marseeya]

I don't play anymore, but I originally went to college for flute and my teacher helped me pick out an Emerson, which would have gotten me through many years had I stuck with it. It's a beauty and still plays like a dream... even if I don't.

 

[saucymb]

I purchased an Armstrong in 1994. I don't really know if it is "professional" grade, but it had everything you are looking for. I finished up high school with it and used it in college. My flute teacher recommended it.

 

[aprilgail2]

I don't know the brand but I know my goddaughter just got a new one last year, she had her student one for a long time but once she got into high school she needed a much better one and it was around $2,000. I am sure its not the best there is but it sounds pretty darn good.

 

[Galahad]

I'm a professional violinist, but in college, I remember the name Gemeinhardt coming up as a fine flute- dh (high school band director and professional percussionist agrees).

www.gemeinhardt.com

Jackie

I am an semi-professional woodwind player (meaning it's not my main job, but it is my favorite job ) and I play a Gemeinhardt flute. I highly recommend them too.

 

[helenabear]

I guess I will go against the grain... I had a Geminhardt flute and truthfully they are very over rated and far too expensive for what you get.

Miyazawa is a brand that I know is highly recommended by many.

 

[sharbear]

I have a DD who plays the flute. She plays a Pearl and is very happy with it. My suggestion is to try to find a flute workshop somewhere in your area. Try the National Flute Association website www.nfaonline.org Also ask the director of your ensemble if there are any workshops in your area. If it's not too far away and you can wait, the National Flute Association Annual Convention is in Pittsburgh this Aug.

The best way to find a new flute is to try out more than one. Every flute play differently and every flute player has different needs for their flute. Another place to try is Flute World www.fluteworld.com They are located in the Detroit area.

The director of your flute ensemble should be able to give you good advise about how to purchase a new flute and which brand to buy. If she can't, she should be able to direct you to someone who can.

Good luck, you will be amazed how much better you sound with a good flute.

 

[Briarmom]

There are so many great brands out there. Haynes is fabulous if you can afford it. Miyazawa is a good one. I know that Jupiter's flutes were getting better and better...sorry I haven't had my morning coffee yet, but I will think about it. I had a Gemeinhardt piccolo and didn't really think it was all that great. I think their quality was fabulous many years ago, but it has been going down hill.
Oh, and it's a low B key, not Bb.
Good luck! I wish I was still playing. I loved it so much.

 

[amid chaos]

We bought a Pearl. We used a company out of N Carolina I believe (JL Smith). They would send us 2 flutes at a time, we would keep them for a week and send them back for two more until we found the one that felt right.

http://www.flutesmith.com/flute-trial-program.asp

 

[Galahad]

Jupiters are getting better, but they are definintely not a professional grade instrument. Nor are they intended to be.

 

[Briarmom]

Jupiters are getting better, but they are definintely not a professional grade instrument. Nor are they intended to be.

No, but I wasn't sure if she wanted pro or not...isn't there something in the middle of pro and student? Just wanted to give some options. Heck, if I had the money, I'd have a Haynes for sure.

 

[Katdb]

Thanks everyone for all your wonderful suggestions!

I guess I still have a lot of thinking to do before I decide which one to get

*Kaighley

 

[Sparx]

I'm a clarinet player, but my band director (well former, not in that band anymore) was a flute player. If I remember correctly, he played a Gemeinhardt. He was very happy with it too.

 

[Galahad]

No, but I wasn't sure if she wanted pro or not...isn't there something in the middle of pro and student? Just wanted to give some options. Heck, if I had the money, I'd have a Haynes for sure.

Pearl might be a good choice for the "middle". A good value. Another source (other than the excellent source posted previously) is www.wwbw.com. Very good prices. All brands of instruments. They will send you multiple instruments to test, etc.