Flute upgrade

[Ali]

I want to get a better flute but my finances are tight right now. Presently I have a 30 year old King with silver head and silver plated body with openholes and a C foot and inline G. After reading all the threads from here and trying the offset G and closed hole, I think I prefer the latter. My question is what would be the best sound for the price (if that's possible to predict). Eventually I would like to get a great head joint but that seems very pricey. Any suggestions?

[Dr G]

A used but recent Yamaha 581 is one way to go. Another is to get a good body and save money for a great headjoint. I got lucky and found a used Lehner for less than a used intermediate Yamaha but that won't happen again in this lifetime.

Look around for the woodwind forums and flute chat groups. Many orchestras around the country have websites as well. Look through those to find deals on high quality used instruments. My flute came from a highly skilled flute player/teacher and this was from her collection. Far easier to find a good used flute from a flute player than from a sax forum. :)

[Ali]

Appreciate the advice. I guess what I'm trying to get at is what is a reasonable upgrade vs more of wishful thinking. For example, does solid silver improve the tone, is the manufacturing process more important, eg, some companies' flutes just sound better, or should I just stay put and get a really good head joint for what I have now.

Also you mentioned other flute forums. Of those I checked, they don't seem to have many postings. The flutes that are for sale also seem to be $2000 and up.

[Ivy]

Ali, I was in your same situation about a year ago. I had a fairly decent flute (20 years old) but knew that the new headjoints were fantastic but pricey. I tried many headjoints, friend's headjoints, new headjoints. I found there was much to be gained with the new headjoints but could not afford one. I waited, watched the classifieds, ebay etc. and finally found a used (2 year old Powell headjoint) 400$. I have played this model before and loved it. I'm now a very happy camper with a headjoint which makes the sound more colorful, easier to play, responsive.

Try as many headjoints as you can and don't just go with what other people say- every one is different. Do a google search on it and find where are for sale. Eventually you'll find one that is a gem- I gaurantee it!

good luck, Ivy

[Dr G]

Appreciate the advice. I guess what I'm trying to get at is what is a reasonable upgrade vs more of wishful thinking. For example, does solid silver improve the tone, is the manufacturing process more important, eg, some companies' flutes just sound better, or should I just stay put and get a really good head joint for what I have now.

Also you mentioned other flute forums. Of those I checked, they don't seem to have many postings. The flutes that are for sale also seem to be $2000 and up.

Does material improve the tone? Yes and no. You will find some talented makers that can bring out the differences between silver, gold, or platinum lip plates, risers, and tube but for where you seem to be, the greatest difference is in the design and execution. Simply put, a poorly finished headjoint will sound no better if made of precious metal. A good headjoint will probably be made of nothing less than sterling. A handmade flute body may be made of nickel silver (a copper alloy commonly used for student quality flutes) and be far better than many solid silver flutes coming from the production lines of the major manufacturers.

You may find that a good headjoint is all you need to get to the next level. If, however, your flute is worn out or was never that good to start with, you may soon be limited by the body's failings.

About those high dollay flutes at the forums: Try contacting some of the sellers to inquire whether they have lesser flutes or just headjoints available. Sometimes you'll get lucky... like I did. Many pro-level musicians (not just flautists) supplement their income by taking on students of various levels. As the students progress, they will often tend to get better equipment.