|
|
 |
|
|
Technical
Specifications
There are a huge number of different specification options for flutes.
These are explained and discussed below before we make our product recommendations.
Material In a nut shell, the denser the metal your flute is made of the
warmer and richer the sound it will produce. Silver therefore - being dense,
while less expensive than gold or platinum, gives a rich tone without being
too expensive. Thus student instruments tend to be made of nickel silver
which is silver plated. Moving up to intermediate flutes many models have
solid metal head joints. Advanced and professional flutes may also have
a solid metal body and/or keys. Obviously, as a rule, the more solid silver
in the flute the more expensive the instrument. |
Split E
Many flutes come with a "Split E" mechanism. This is
a small piece of key work that links the "E" key to the lower
of the two "G" keys. It affects only one note (the E in the
3rd octave). On a flute without this system this note can be difficult
to produce and sustain without a rock steady embouchure and diaphragm
support. With the E-mech this is much easier, which is why most flute
teachers recommend it for beginners. |
 |
Open/Closed
Hole
Most
student flutes are "closed hole" (also known as plateau
models) with solid keys. An open hole flute is a flute that has holes
through the centre of the keys that are fingered by the middle and
ring fingers of the left hand and the index, middle and ring fingers
of the right hand. Some players and/or teachers prefer the open hole
models because they require very accurate hand positioning, and with
this comes a more fluid style of playing. However on the other hand
it could become a source of frustration for the student player.
Offset/In-line "G"
There are two main key configuration options "offset
G" (more comfortable to hold), or the more traditional In-line
formations. Most student and intermediate players opt for a closed
hole / offset G configuration - the easiest option!
|
 |
 |
B
foot Joint
Some flutes come with a longer "B" foot joint which extends the
range of the flute down to a B. The longer length of the flute however,
can make the sounding of the high C (4th octave) tricky. Thus many flutes
come with a "gizmo" key which when depressed improves the response
of this note. In addition the foot joint can effect the overall tone of
the instrument. A "B" footjoint gives a strong sound with good
projection, where as a "C" footjoint gives a more flexible warmer
tone. C foot joints are the norm on student and intermediate instruments. |
Head
Joints
The quality and dimensions of the taper of the headjoint and the
cut of the embouchure hole have a dramatic influence on the sound and
response of any flute. Most manufacturers offer a range of specification
options for their advanced flutes. At a student and intermediate level,
when some instruments are more expensive than others (with a like for
like specification) it is often because there has been more attention
to detail paid to this key area of the flute. Curved Heads A number
of popular student flutes come with the option of an extra "curved" head
which reduces the length of the flute to manageable proportions for
young players - aiding posture and creating a more comfortable playing
style. When the player is bigger, you simply swap head joints. |
 |
Instrument
Recommendations
The range of flute makes and models available is huge. We have therefore
restricted our listings to the most popular instruments in each class.
In particular when it comes to professional level flutes the model/option
permutations could fill a catalogue. At this level there are all manner
of exotic names with prices to match. We have not listed all these instruments
- for lack of space. If you are interested in a "top end" instrument
please give us a call and we can discuss your individual requirements.
All the instruments we've listed are in the standard closed hole / offset
G configuration. If you're looking for a different derivative please
call.
Student
Instruments
The benchmark for quality in this category is without doubt
the Yamaha 211 - however it comes at a premium price. Another popular
model is the Trevor James TJ10X - which offers a good compromise
between quality and price. Another credible instrument is the Jupiter
511. |
 |
Piccolos
Very popular as a second instrument the piccolo is pitched in high C. Yamaha
again here dominate the market with the very popular YPC32 (silver
plated head joint, ABS body) and YPC62 (grenadilla body and head joint). |
Harmony
Flutes
We generally recommend the Jupiter Di-Madici Alto (in G) and Bass (in low
C) flutes. The Jupiter Alto
flute comes with the option of a straight or curved head. |
|
|
|
 |
|
