 The Doublers BBoard
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Author: maximus852
Date: 2007-05-06 19:54
Hello;
Need some advice. I have a few flutes on trial, and I'm trying to pick one out with the help of the flutist in my quintet. We got it down to two that are both good, but can't decide which is better. As a doubler, do you think I should get:
1. The flute that has good tone, and also the ability for many color changes.
or
2. The flute that has a good yet slightly thinner sound, but is easier to play meaning I can pick it up and the tone will always be there. Also, there is no room for color changes.
We are both torn. They both sound good, but I can't even produce these different color changes on the first flute as I need more lessons. However I will be studying flute in my masters, so in theory I'll learn to play better. Another issue is that I plan on playing more Oboe, Clarinet and Sax, so with flute being my fourth instrument it might be better to get the flute that will always produce an acceptable tone no matter what.
What do you think?
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Author: Erik713
Date: 2007-05-06 22:50
That's an interesting comparison. My gut instinct is to write that you should find a flute that has good tone, color changes to your liking, AND easy to play.
If you can't find such a flute in your price-range, and as you'll be only using it for doubling and not your primary instrument, I'd be inclined to suggest a flute that will always have good tone. I've found in my (short) doubling career that having instruments that produce great tone right away is the way to go.
For instance -- saxophone is my main instrument. I've spent almost 19 years playing. I majored on it in college. I can make a sound to my liking on a hard to play instrument or on an easy to play instrument. I also play clarinet, flute, and oboe/EH, but I don't have 20 years to learn how to make great sounds on those instruments. So, I choose good quality, easy to play instruments and it's to my benefit. I can play professionally and not have to worry about my sound sounding like I've only been at it for four or less years (which I have been).
I hope that was clear. I tend to over-word things sometimes!
Erik
~~~~~~~
~Woodwind doubler - sop./alto/tenor saxes, clarinet, oboe, English horn, flute/picc.
~Woodwind Teacher
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Author: Loralie
Date: 2007-05-07 12:24
Flute is my first instrument, and when I went shopping for my first one, it was an intermediate open holed Yamaha with a silver head and a nickle-plated body. It wasn't too expensive and it produced a pretty good tone. I don't know which flutes you've tried but Yamahas are pretty reliable-the one I have served me well for 8 years before I got a more professional level one
On the other hand, if you are using a flute for doubling purposes only, I'd choose the one that always gives you a good sound.
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Author: johnnymo0829
Date: 2007-05-07 17:07
I'd say go with the one that is easier to play. With practice your tone will be in your own hands, but ease of play is huge. Make sure that you can go the horn cold and get it to play.
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