[jaffa]

hey everyone

im really stuck and incredibly confused so all advice and input would be gratefuly !
recently i went flute shoping
i tried ALOT !!!!!!!! of flutes
Now comes the problem
even though i had alot more to spend
i didnt necesarily choose the most expensive flutes in the shop
i narrowed the choices down
to sankyo 401-model bellow handmade
powell signatue
i loved both of these flutes as they seemed to suite my tone
but i am now confussed !
i already own a yamaha BUT have a michael j allen headjoint on the top
which may i add is my pride and joy its absolutely stunning !
but this did not fit on the sankyo !
also would you advise me to get a B foot joint, i know they are rarely used, but is it not better to have one just in case ?
THANKYOUUUUUUU

 

[bruce bailey]

Your head can be fitted to the new flute. If you are in the US, the B-foot is important for resale. Selling a C foot high end flute here is difficult.

 

[daigle65]

If the headjoint doesn't fit it's best not to modify it, the 2 different bore sizes will impede response.
B-foots will make the flute respond better in the 3rd octave.

 

[jaffa]

thanks about the b foot joint, its all useful stuff especialy if you dont have a clue !
but does anyone now have any good bad things to say about
the sankyo or powell
any preferances
i know its all up to the player and so on
but is one of those makes considered better ?

 

[kymarto]

Small adjustments to the headjoint to allow it to fit will not hurt anything. The B foot will not give better response in the 3rd octave, but depressing the low B key will improve response of altissimo C.

Both the Sankyo and the Powell are fine flutes. You should choose the one you prefer.

Toby

 

[daigle65]

The B foot will not give better response in the 3rd octave.

This is a quote concerning the low B foot joint from "The Art of Flute Playing" by Edwin Putnik (Summy-Birchard Music).
".....The value of this extra note is somewhat questionable, but the addition to the length of the flute does increase resistance and security in the high register, and is often recommended..."

 

[MRC01]

The B foot also affects the response in the bottom and midrange. It tends to soften or tame the tone and slows the response. Or conversely, a C foot has a fatter bottom octave and a brighter, quicker responding midrange. It's not a huge difference, but it is quite noticeable on most flutes.

In my view, B vs. C foot is a matter of matching to the flute. Some flutes are so bright and lively sounding the C foot is just over the top; the B foot helps tame them. Other flutes can use the C foot to liven them up.

 

[bruce bailey]

Many makers offer to put in both with a new flute.. I prefer to sell them with the B-foot AND a D-foot. B for orchestra, D for chamber music. The D does look funny as it is just the Eb key.