 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Wolfwitch
Date: 2004-11-16 01:10
My parents have just offered to replace my old, difficult DeFord student flute with a better-sounding intermediate flute. Since I'm going to be the one playing it and since they have no idea about flutes in general, they want my input. I'm a bit unsure. I've heard a lot of good things about the Sonare flutes, but I don't know the price range, (in canadian dollars). What do you guys think would be the best thing for someone not considering a career in music, but who wants a good-sounding flute.
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Author: Flute 1
Date: 2004-11-16 03:22
I own a professional Pearl Flute.. but my intermediate flute was a Emerson.. it was too resistant.. you can try Yamaha or Gemeinhardt.. if you wish
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Author: Amanda
Date: 2004-11-16 13:35
I just tried the Sonare flutes and they are FANTASTIC! I think the prices are all under $2000 USD, with the 5000 model under $1000. I wish those had been around when I was in high school.
Otherwise, Yamaha and Gemeinhardt are both reputable brands, as well as Pearl. I recommend Yamaha myself.
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Author: Flute472
Date: 2004-11-17 12:45
I have Yamaha Pro 500-series and it's really great. One thing I like about Yamaha is that is has a wide variety of headjoint choices. You should really consider Yamaha.
Other Japanese models like Muramatsu, Miyazawa or Sankyo are quite good too.
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Author: Kay Diviney
Date: 2004-11-17 13:41
Just one tip on Sonares: the Canadian prices range from about $2000 to something like $3500, depending on materials and options. But a big part of improving an intermediate flute--or any flute--is the headjoint. Have you heard of Wimberley headjoints, made near Halifax? I know of several professional or semi-professional players who have put Wimberley head joints on their top-line flutes (Brannon, Powell, Haynes etc.); I have found that they make a tremendous difference on my old Armstrong Heritage. They cost about $1350 Canadian (in silver).
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Author: Wolfwitch
Date: 2004-11-18 02:47
I've heard that the body of the Sonare flutes might not be the best quality despite their gorgeous sound and headjoint. Anyone know if that's true or not? If it is, I might go with the Yamaha.
I hadn't heard of the wimberley headjoint, but I'm reluctant to try them out. I think a lot of the problems from my DeFord stem from the body, in fact. I have yet to test this theory, but I will... Anyway, I have to get a completely new flute. I want to start with pleateaux ouverts ((Open hole? I don't know the english term)), and mine is plateaux fermés. It would be inconveniant to buy a thousand dollar headjoint as well as a thousand dollar flute.
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Author: Merlena
Date: 2004-11-18 21:03
Open hole is correct. Plateaux fermés would be closed holes in English. But yeah. Trevor James makes some great intermediate flutes (I'm assuming they sell them in Canada as well?). If that's a bit out of your price range, Gemeinhardt and Yamaha are safe bets.
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Author: ~Heather ~
Date: 2004-11-18 23:25
I like the Yamaha Allegro Flutes. (I like the solid silver one w/ gold mouth plate and B key!)
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Author: Artemis
Date: 2004-11-28 13:01
Hello
I've played a 2SP Gemeinhardt for around 10 years now and personaly I think it sounds wonderful, very close to a solid silver flute. They are very good at attaing the higher ranges and do not get 'buzzed' out of tune in Orchestral situations, as some Student models I have come across tend to. I have no idea how old mine is but it certainly wasn't new when I bought it 10 years ago. Gemeinhardt Have a full rich tone, smooth action and can help a student progress quickly as they have very little resistance.
Regards
Art.
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