Haynes Padded

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Buying your first Flute / Entry level Flute

Buying your first flute

The Entry Level Flute

Entry level flutes range from $99.99 for an E-Bay special to $1900.00 for a quality name brand instrument that will accommodate the needs of the student until their technique and the demands of their music require an upgrade or “step up” instrument.

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong 104, Artley, Blessing, Buffet Crampon, Dean, Emerson, Gemeinhardt 2sp, Jupiter 301s, Pearl, Selmer, Trevor J. James, and Yamaha 221.

Features of the Entry Level Flute

Body tube

Entry-level flutes are made from nickel silver and are often silver plated, although a few are nickel plated. Most beginning players will benefit from the less slippery silver plated models; often sweaty hands make for a slippery flute.

Ribbed construction is recommended, as post and key mechanisms are fastened to the rib [a strip of metal attached to the tube] and not directly on the body tube itself. This construction assists with the alignment and strength of the flute’s mechanics.

Toneholes

Rolled and drawn toneholes are standard on all but a few student models. This manufacture set up allows many flutes to be produced in a quick and efficient manner.

Keys

Most entry level and inexpensive flutes have plateau or closed keys because they're easier to play. Open-hole flutes feature a small hole in the center of the touch keys.

Some teachers prefer students to start on an open-hole flute (French model) as the open holes “force” proper finger posture. This style of key is used by the majority of serious students and professional players.

Off set keys offer small and novice hands more comfort with less of a stretch to reach the “G” key.

Regulation of the key mechanism on entry/student/intermediate model flutes is accomplished through the use of adjustment screws. Some screws are visible from the front view and others are set behind the keys.

Footjoint

There are two basic models, a “C” foot, and a low “B” foot. The C footjoint has a range to low C while the B footjoint’s playing range extends a half-step lower to low B. The majority of student flutes have a “C” foot.

Headjoint

A quality headjoint is critical to the sound of the flute. Fortunately, most brand name manufacturers offer good head joints on their beginner models.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the flute is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your flute. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.

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About the Author

Continuing Education - Student for Life

In 2004-2006, I attended and completed the practical portion of a highly specialized program focusing on brass and woodwind repair at Keyano College. The Music Instrument Repair Program (M.I.R.) is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Program offers students a comprehensive foundation of repair theory coupled with practical application followed up with industry feedback and guidance.

During my time at Keyano, I developed a deep interest in flute repair. In 2007, this interest took me to Straubinger Flutes in Indianapolis, Indiana where I received specialized training and certification for the installation and servicing of Straubinger pads.

Part of a Larger Organization

N.A.P.B.I.R.T. (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians), of which I have been a member since 2004, is an international professional association comprised of musical instrument repair technicians from all over the world. A network of colleagues, mentors and friends, the Association encourages the continuing growth of the industry’s knowledge base through its newsletter, yearly conferences, and workshops.