[bb]

Hi,I'm a pro and I decide to buy a flute because some people asked me to play it on some tunes.I'm a tenor player (I'd say 70%)and I play soprano too.(30 %).Sometimes I play also 1st or 2nd alto in big bands.As you can see in my case I've got to play lots of saxes to work.I'm telling you this because I don't want to spend a lot of money on a flute,because I'll surely don't play it often.I obviously don't want a toy flute too,because it will be unusable.Anyway I don't have any flute experience,so what do suggest me?Tell me if possible more options.
Sorry the last question;what time do you think you can become comfortable with the flute.I could study it 1 hour a day,because the rest of time I'm busy playing sax,teaching and recording.
bye

 

[daigle65]

You have to decide first if you want open or closed hole.
Yamaha closed hole flutes are fairly reliable and inexpensive (especially used).

As for the last part of your question, that's entirely up to you.
If you want to learn as quick as possible, find a teacher to insure that you develop a proper embouchure.
If you have no experience at all with the flute, you will almost certainly go down the wrong path if you try to teach yourself.
Bad habits are hard to break.

 

[gary]

BB - what is "a lot of money"? That means different things to different people.

I recently got an Azumi flute and I like it very much. It was around $1,000.00. The head joint on it is outstanding and for a doubler this is an easy flute to play. Compared it to several Yamahas and for me, it seemed to have a little more substance to the sound. Mine is open hole, off-set G and low B but I would suggest you consider one with the closed holes, definitely with the offset G and the low B foot is optional.

About how much time to spend, I suggest you spend as much time on getting a full sound as you can in the beginning, even if that means cutting some corners with your sax practice. Flute is one of those instruments where you just simply cannot get by without a focused air stream and a lot of work on the sound. You need to make this an early priority and then later you can cut back on your flute practice time.

 

[58tenor]

Flutes may be overpriced. I bought a super cheapo ($50) from WWBW and it plays great! I let a teacher of mine play it-he's a top quality pro musician- and he was just amazed. The quality is hard to beleive for the price. If it craps out I could just toss it and buy another. Thanks, Asia.

I am not suggesting such an instrument for you. I bought it to see if I wanted to go that direction being a tenor sax player. My point is there must be some great flutes available for very modest prices. It's incredible how much the high-end ones go for! Saxes are cheap in comparison.