bundy flute

[azulpurpureo]

hi i want to buy a flute, but don't want to spend that much money, there is an offer of a bundy 2 flute here. Did not found any reviews of that instrument on the internet, but i'll keep watching, i want to know what have been the experiences you have had with them and if they are any good (comparing to yfl281, or other good student models) . Thanks.

[Gordon (NZ)]

In my experience, disappointing tone/response/volume by comparison.

[Tully]

I haven't played many lower-priced student flutes, but in that price range, I don't think you would go wrong with a Yamaha.

[Tully]

To add onto that, I would try not to get a flute with a split-e mechanism. I know some people will disagree with me, but my objection to it is pedagogical: I think a split-E is not cheating, per sé, but sort of a shortcut around a proper embouchure, and I find the sensitivity you gain in your embouchure by playing without a split-E is beneficial for playing other difficult high notes.

[Gordon (NZ)]

I would agree, but only in a purist sense.

1. Why make things difficult when they could be easier - Iodine on the wound syndrome?

2. May I suggest that of the three problematic notes (E, F#, G#) in the third octave, the E presents the most problems, especially when slurring from A. Therefore it qualifies most for correction if that is readily available. Furthermore, the A-E combination seems to occur in music more often than the equivalent involving F# or G#, therefore qualifying for more attention.

3. The Split E is not cheating, but just CORRECTING the acoustic design of E to one similar to that enjoyed by MOST of the other notes in the third octave, i.e. a SINGLE venting along the air column.

4. For an accomplished player who is doing a lot of practise, yes, third octave E is barely an issue, because the player has good breath and embouchure support, but the reality is that MOST flute players are not so accomplished and are not in such a superior state of practice.

5. As a final point, surely any reasonable flute player can detect the problems a recorded player is trying to hide on his non-split-E flute in "Three Little Maids form School", from Mikado. It is rare indeed to hear a clean rendition - almost certainly on a split E (or equivalent) flute.

Let's keep in touch with reality here!

[Tully]

Like I said, that's my opinion, and some people disagree. I have definitely had my share of difficulty with the third-octave E, but I think it has made me a stronger player in the long run. Of course, I did not consider this from the perspective of someone who wants just to double on flute, not to play it seriously as their primary instrument.

[bruce bailey]

The split E is virtually not around in the states. I use a small washer in the lower G hole that is a decent substitute. I pushed Split E keys for years, but they are just too hard to get here.

[Gordon (NZ)]

at least half even of student flutes here in NZ, and as I understand it, in other countries, have split E.

Split E can be a mechanical disaster if it is in conjunction with in-line G keys, leading to keys jamming in certain note changes.

USA has had an illogical love affair with in-line G keys.

That may account for the lack of acceptance of split-E flutes in USA.

I would say that for doublers, who cannot put so much effort into practising each instrument, a split E (or equivalent) is a DEFINITE advantage.

[Tully]

I would say that for doublers, who cannot put so much effort into practising each instrument, a split E (or equivalent) is a DEFINITE advantage.\

The more I think about it, the more I agree with you, that a split-E with an offset G would be good for doublers.