List some things you've bought lately for $50 but would rather have got a flute instead. I'll start... We spent about $180 on our last grocery run...that's 3 flutes!!!! Who needs food anyways 😂 Here's an affiliate link if you'd rather skip a few lunches and buy a flute amzn.to/3yUWaSR Better yet, check out my Patreon and help me justify an alto sax or baritone to my wife 🙏 patreon.com/chasejamison
The cork grease application part was very sacrilegious. It’s called *cork* grease for a reason, not *metal* grease. The joints on all flutes are precision machined to fit into each other with micrometers of precision, without the need of any lubricants. Adding any substance to the joints will encourage contamination and wear, and the joints will become harder to put together over time.
Yup, others pointed that out too. I'm glad I did this video so I could learn that, I had no idea. Of course, them including cork grease with the flute is a bit suspect 😐
@@MadMusicBand yeah it shows that whoever made the packaging also knows nothing about flutes 😆 but yeah as a director it takes lots of time and experience to lean and remember the nuances of each instrument's maintenance routine.
@@Jwellsuhhuh best thing about putting these videos out into the world is that I get to start filling in some of my knowledge gaps! But yeah... A manufacturer should know what to include in their instrument case :/
I put a little bit of trumpet valve oil on mine because the headjoint tenon is slightly out of round (damage from previous owner), and I don't want to wear down the metal.
My first flute was one of these no-names from Amazon and I was genuinely happy with it as a non-woodwind player. It was definitely good enough for me. Basically just using it to go through "Book 1" beginner book in case I need to show anyone what to do. Then again, I’m okay with tweaking instruments too.
Yup, same! There is definitely room for cheap instruments for people who don't want to make a career out of it. Flute isn't even likely a top ten instrument for me skill wise, so I can't justify hundreds of dollars on one when I'm just using it to better teach my students.
I started learning the flute back in December (2023). I picked up 2 cheap flutes from Amazon. My first one fell apart right out side of the return window. The second one, Cecilio that I purchased was better even though most of these instruments do get a lot of hate. I have found the Cecilio to have a nice tone and a professional flutist here on UA-cam reviewed both the Glory (which was my first one) and the Cecilio and he even said he likes the later better. And yes, the stand that comes with the Cecilio flute is great. I even use it for my clarinet.
@@MadMusicBand played it for a couple of weeks. All is well. Went to play and a key would not close. All screws and sprung for the key were in tact. Possibly could have had a defective one. Happens.
The end caps are usually on a student flute in case they drop the pieces while trying to put it together. It prevents the ends from denting so the three pieces of the flute will still fit together. Also, the "tuning rod" is also the cleaning rod. Back in the day, they never included a cleaning "rag" with a string on the end. You find a suitable cloth (I used to take one of my Dad's brand new handkerchiefs and use that for my cleaning rag.) You would place a small part of the rag through the cleaning rod opening and put the rest of the rag over the end so as to not scratch the inside of the flute. This way, you could clean the three flute pieces without losing your rag in the flute and you wouldn't push against the keys from the inside and damage them if the rag became "stuck" in the instrument. At least, that is how we did it way way back in the day. Also, thanks for being a band teacher!
My 1961 Ambassador flute lasted me all through high school. It came with two end caps. After I lost one I dropped the head joint and the end acquired a dent. My 2024 student level John Parker’s arrived with joints that would not come together. The replacement, an Acadia, had a headjoint that would not connect with the middle joint. I had asked the store that sold it to please check that it worked before shipping it. An instructor added a tiny bit of beeswax, polished it and now it works.
I think that the biggest drawback of a cheap flute is that the student ends up blaming the flute for his mistakes. You have to trust your instrument. On a good day you can make a PVC pipe sound like a Louis Lot flute. On a bad day, you can make a Louis Lot flute sound like a PVC pipe.
Theres a reason why professional musicians often don't recommend super inexpensive instruments. There are good beginner instruments out there that don't cost an arm, leg, and your first born child.
I was also going to say that practice does make a huge difference regardless of the price of an instrument, but often the super inexpensive instruments are made by cutting corners somewhere, often in a manner that makes it harder to play. I think its a good idea to rent an instrument or buy used for kids.
My student model (Yamaha) saxophones and clarinets sound just as good as my professional ones. The professional instruments have more ergonomic keywork and look fancier, but really there's no reason anyone can't get by with a good quality student model instrument.
@@pikachuchujelly7628 there good student instruments that don't cost a fortune, but there are really truly cheap instruments no one should buy and use because they are truly crap. Imo, caution should be used in regards to the low low end instruments. Anyone wanting to learn to play an instrument should be able to do so, which is why there should be affordable instruments, but some companies try to take advantage of uninformed people.
I’ve played this exact flute for over a year now and it’s a good flute, however if you are sensitive to metals/allergic to nickle (like me) it could a problem. Also not too long after playing it (like a couple of months) the nickle plating starts coming off and the flute doesn’t look as good, but it’s still functional. Overall it’s a very good beginners flute in my opinion.
I received for Christmas in 1959 a Gemeinhardt student model flute. It was purchased in "new" condition. Previous owner wouldn't practice. Parents sold it for $50. Wanted more, but mom made the only offer. Yes, it came with a head joint cover and a foot joint cover. This was shortly before manufactures went to rolled edge tone holes on the body of the instrument so I cut up pads pretty badly.
9:51 So the head of the head joint on a flute cannot be properly cleaned by the stringed cloth, which is why the flute came with two cloths. One cloth is for the body and joint, whilst the other one - the one without the string - is tied through the hole on the cleaning stick and is pushed into the head joint so the cloth can get the moisture droplets.
Usually the little caps that were on the head joint and body are used for protection during shipment, because the flute could dent at the joints, and sometimes, if its bad enough, the flute head joint will repeatedly fall in and out, causing you to be out of tune. You don't need to keep these on when you put it back into the case, but if you really want protection, you can, and it won't hurt your flute or anything. (I'm a five year player, so please don't say "Where's your proof?" I get asked that too much lol)
Me again. The B flat thumb key was designed for when one plays the high-test register of the flute to aid with the fingering up there. If you play a B flat in the middle register with and without the B flat thumb key, one should notice the pitch is flatter using the B flat thumb key in the middle register. That is how I was taught and has been my experience as well. :).
I believe you may be backwards. Playing the thumb key b-flat is a bit less flat than the double pointer finger version as you're closing an extra unnecessary hole with the latter, which lowers the pitch.
I've been playing my Cecilio flute daily for a few months now and its a workhorse! Stays in tune, keys are crisp and still aligned, no leaks. Sounds amazing. My only gripe is that is tarnishes easily. Enjoy the pure clean silver while it lasts because its quite temporary. Its unstable above the high G, but who plays the highest 3 notes on the flute anyways? (unless its to annoy innocent animals)
I AGREE WITH THE FINGERINGS. I can NEVER play the B with the extra finger. It's weird, but It works for me and I'm glad I found a band director that thinks the same.
I actually have an $8 amazon mouthpiece from ages ago and have used it for years, maybe I don't know what I'm missing out on 😂. I got it because it's gold so I can easily tell it from the plethora of other mouthpieces at the school.
Cecilio is actually a brand name that I recognised when you said it. I think a Cecilio must have been in contention when I was looking for my first violin.
hi mad music! i’ve been a fan since the trumpet video and wondered if you could do french horn soon. as a horn player, we gotta have more because no one bothers learning it. ALL YOUR VIDS ARE BABGERS❤
I'm thinking alto might be next as it's a bit more useful for me currently at school, but French horn may been soon after! Might put Baritone in there as well if I can find one at the right price....so many instruments!!
@@MadMusicBandthat’s awesome! i have an alto but don’t know how to play it and my friend plays bari. it’s my dads old alto from the 1990’s and hasn’t been cleaned since, so it’s hard to make a sound but at least there is no mice lol
Thanks guys, this was great. There are tons of instruments I’d like try and maybe even own, and finding out a USD50 flute can actually be decent is incredibly valuable to me! Keep up the good work! ❤
Hey! If you still want to look for a flute, I really like gemeindhardt! They are well known and not super expensive. I think that’s how you spell it lol
9:12 so the little screw piece on the head joint does not really affect the tuning. It is actually there to add some weight to the head joint. Just to clarify.
Intonation seems okay for a elementary/jr. high school instrument. Longevity is probably an issue with a $50 flute. Sounds bright, but then again it isn't a silver alloy or plated; definitely a harder metal. How will the pads and springs hold up? This could definitely be a contender for marching band or outdoor gigs.
this really doesn't sound bad at all!! I'm a beginner flautist, I picked up an old used Suzuki flute on Yahoo Auctions Japan, and I'm slowly learning it. nice to know there's actual cheap flutes out there! -also 50$ is.. really uhh... cheap-
@@MadMusicBand different company, same name lol Suzuki mostly deals in student flutes and recorders in Japanese middle/high schools. as for how I'm liking it, it's pretty nice. I'm by no means an expert since only instrument I knew how to play at a somewhat "professional" level was piano, but I'm slowly learning. can barely play half of a C major scale currently xD
@@squeakyfoxx gotcha. You never know, because Yamaha makes instruments, vehicles, and probably a billion other things too haha. Cool to hear you're starting a new instrument, piano is probably the best jumping off point for just about any of them :)
I play the trumpet. I love playing the trumpet. But listening to the flute solo in the marching show I am in has made me want to start playing the flute. ITS SO PRETTY HOW THE SOUND IS SO SMOOTH
Also, quoting back to the 'tuning with the head joint' thing, you are not supposed to be able to push up the base of the crown's resting plate on the flute. If you can, get that checked.
I play bass flute and flute in a flute choir. The end caps are only found ( in my experience) to cover the corks of the bass flute- head joint and the end of the body that attaches to the foot joint. Some other flutes probably have the corks as well - alto flute and wood piccolo but the traditional c flute doesn’t need corks
The one I teach is (I believe) technically more in tune. Adding the right hand index finger closes an extra unnecessary hole in the flute which brings the pitch down (flat) ever so slightly. I'd also say that trills would be more common with the index finger, not the thumb as I teach. I could be misunderstanding you there though. I enjoy the discussion though, method books teach the index finger way as default, I just think they shouldn't 😂
@@MadMusicBand i just tested it and it is ever so slightly sharper with no index. But it does add extra movement in the key of Bb onward. Moving from Bb to F is much easier with index and chromatic movement is harder as well.
Not knowing anything about this stuff, I enjoyed the duet at minute 22. I cringed at the end when you pretended they were drumsticks. Delicate instruments. Show your wife some love and have her flute serviced.
If you have flute do not tune it like he did,the thing he said to push on is the cork and if you mess with it could prevent you form play,I know this bc I play flute and I have done it before
information for beginners: if you don't know the flute is a woodwind instrument (I do not play the flute) even I think the flute is a good choice same with the saxophone tuba and clarinet and percussion any questions let me know
To this day, I am still searching for a single band director that was a flute main in grade school 😂 (My elementary and middle school directors both played clarinet. Idk what my HS director played but it definitely wasn’t the flute)
I have this flute and I think that for 50 dollars is good. The only thing is that you need to be able to do small repairs which is not a problem for me because I've learned and because I like to fix things on my own. Just be careful because at first I didn't know exactly what I was doing and I ended up making my flute leaks worse. But know it plays good and I can learn how to play
My only flute is a turquoise flute €120, so it's cheap but it works just fine and I love the color. Buying a super cheap flute is fine, seeing how well they play and how much a "good quality" flute would be. Afterall a flute will last you at least several years or more.
I watched this video last night. I went to Amazon and found the same brand flute for 46.99 with a promo code to save 50% from that. So I just ordered it for 24.90! I play saxophone and have always been interested in picking up a flute. We'll see how good this thing is...and if its as good as your video would indicate - I will have a solid flute for LESS THAN 25 BUCKS!!! (and if not, I can just return it)
Woah! Wow, that's so cheap! For $25 it would make a fantastic wall decoration at the very least...I mean, I spent $30 on Mexican on my birthday for my wife and I....shoulda got another flute 😂
@@MadMusicBand ...I received the flute yesterday. I have to say that it seems to be a pretty solid flute. I ran it through the same checks that you did in the video and it was consistent. Chromatic scale and all (as best I could). And the cork grease...I guess I have something for my saxophones. And have a new pair of WHITE COTTON GLOVES!!! Not bad, huh? Oh...and happy belated birthday!
Hooray cheapest flute(: Also edits here while watching the video: 8:18 From what ive seen most have them and as someone who plays flute im almost certain its used to protect the head just in case of something idk
It's an "Amazon budget flute" thing. No intermediate, step-up, or professional instrument would have tenon caps. The theory I guess is that it keeps the tenons from getting bent by "accidental rough play."
Great video! I love the idea of buying crappy instruments and testing them. When I started learning guitar, I only had a crappy $40 one, and it was BAD. Side note, you seem like a great band director. I'm going to college to be one, and you and my high school band director are who I aspire to be like. (From what I've seen of you, at least) Anywho, long comment. Started rambling. TL:DR, Good video!
I’m a flutist and I’ve never seen a fully metal flute with a cap on the end of the head joint. I think usually they are used on flutes that have a cork on the end or piccolos with cork on the end of the head joint. I could totally be wrong though! Also, if I am buying an instrument, it better not be coming with a bunch of accessories, especially if it is $50. I have payed a decent buck for my flute and it didn’t come with anything special, as expected!!
@@ContrabassChris yup, if I could go back and edit/add a note in the video about not cork grease I would :/ maybe I'll do a "what not to do" video in the future.
@@MadMusicBand please please don’t you dare deny me the pleasure of your “cork grease on flute head/foot joint” moments. These moments are features, not bugs.
My son is in school band since 4th grade. At first we rented a clarinet for $30 a month cuz band teacher doesn't recommend cheap Amazon instruments. We eneded up getting an used Selmer after a while. This year he wanted to try Saxophone but i looked it up. Rent is like $60 at least. And even Amazon ones are like $300? And i don't even know if that will last? So i just told him to stick with clarinet. I wish school band teachers are more understanding. So maybe u can do a review of chezp Saxophone if u can find one?
the cleaning swab they put in there makes me a little nervous, it's not made of silk so you can't wash it 😬 I had one of those for a while and my flute teacher said to throw it away because it's unsanitary
Btw ive heard the gloves are for cleaning without getting fingerprints on it again but they get put photos of playing cause of dumb marketing ig idk if you know this i just wanted to say if you didnt
Everybody who enjoys this channel and his content can REALLY help Chase out by liking, subscribing and dropping a comment... ANY comment... to help him shoot up the rankings and get more viewers. It makes a really big impact, and costs the viewer nothing.
@@marshallee I researched a bit. Supposedly flutes are supposed to be made with such precision that you don't need anything. Cork grease can trap dust and particles that scratch or actually make it harder to put on. I'm no expert though.
No. Flutes usually don’t have joint caps. Maybe a piccolo might have one for a joint with a cork. Also, you don’t use cork grease on a flute. You might use cork grease on a piccolo with a cork.
Am still currently thinking about purchasing this as my first flute, even after watching the video then comparing it with my friends expensive flute, is it good to buy? I do play clarinet, bass clarinet and trumpet and want to know if i should buy this for my beginner flute
I still use mine daily in my teaching and it still works great. If you have the budget for a $600 plus instrument you can find better, but likely not 10 times better. It just depends on what you're looking for, but for the price of this one you're not out much if you end up wanting more.
12:20 PLEASE DO NOT PUT CORK GREASE ON A METAL FLUTE!!! Cork grease is meant to be used on *CORK* not *METAL*. It says in the name. Using cork grease on a normal flute is a *CRIME* since *dirt* and *grime* will manifest. Using cork grease on a corked piccolo is fine, but not on metal connecting joints.
I especially enjoyed your rendition of the Meow Mix song. One question though, did you mainline caffeine before recording this video or are you always this 'peppy'? 🤔
Right now they have a half price sale for some reason. If nothing else, I’m getting a flute to learn about flutes. $25 bucks! Sure! Free returns if it’s not good.
Your not supposed to use cork grease on the flute it rusts instead i was told to use grafite from a pencil if my joints get sticky/it get hard to put together
Largest issue I've seen and wondering on this one is not as much the low, but really higher end on the flute. On the cheap flute I could hear the pitch coming more shrill vs your old flute had fuller tone. My wife sadly lost her nice professional Germeinhardt, but then picked up a cheap Chinese made one that was like 300-400. No biggie at that time since just more on own for fun. But since I've rejoined a community group, she has also, and was also running into the higher notes becoming shrill. Of course the music we were playing almost all her notes where high, and made our dogs howl. We ended up taking the plunge and getting a new nice Yamaha for her (and dogs are happier), and that issue is gone. Now with that said, I swear, cheap flutes come with a nice cleaning rod! I swear, the higher end ones, they make it "fancier" by being metal, which shoving a metal rod down your flute where you can't see it vs plastic, at least the plastic will break before you mess something up lol. But of course band vs performer the sound quality matters differently. With the dwindling music stores makes it harder for kids to get used good instruments or affordable rentals. So it's become a two sided sword. But same hand, we just got a new trumpet player join, which he is going to college for jazz. I noticed he was playing on cheaper Chinese made trumpet, so I had him try my professional trumpet. He really wants one now, but did not have the heart to tell him how much that one costs. But seeing students getting to college level and being stuck in the instruments that can't perform at that level, made me look even more differently at these "cheap" instruments.
Yea, you definitely get what you pay for, but it's tough when you just don't have the money to justify the expense. I feel for that college student, as I still don't have a high quality version of my main instrument (marimba). Sadly, I've never been able to drop 20k to get myself a professional level marimba, so I'm stuck with a practice marimba with no resonators. :/
Depends on a lot of factors. Renting to own is a perfectly good option depending on budget and what you're looking for in a horn. A lot of rental programs will allow you to trade instruments if you decide your first choice isn't the best fit.
List some things you've bought lately for $50 but would rather have got a flute instead. I'll start... We spent about $180 on our last grocery run...that's 3 flutes!!!! Who needs food anyways 😂
Here's an affiliate link if you'd rather skip a few lunches and buy a flute amzn.to/3yUWaSR
Better yet, check out my Patreon and help me justify an alto sax or baritone to my wife 🙏
patreon.com/chasejamison
Wait can you please do the cheapest alto saxaphone
@@Skull_CB_TV might be next:)
@@MadMusicBandwait I didn’t even read the full comment before I commented lmao, I didn’t even realize you might get an alto sax
@@MadMusicBandalso clarinet
@@Skull_CB_TV already did clarinet, feel free to check out my channel to see that one :)
The cork grease application part was very sacrilegious. It’s called *cork* grease for a reason, not *metal* grease. The joints on all flutes are precision machined to fit into each other with micrometers of precision, without the need of any lubricants. Adding any substance to the joints will encourage contamination and wear, and the joints will become harder to put together over time.
Yup, others pointed that out too. I'm glad I did this video so I could learn that, I had no idea. Of course, them including cork grease with the flute is a bit suspect 😐
@@MadMusicBand yeah it shows that whoever made the packaging also knows nothing about flutes 😆 but yeah as a director it takes lots of time and experience to lean and remember the nuances of each instrument's maintenance routine.
@@Jwellsuhhuh best thing about putting these videos out into the world is that I get to start filling in some of my knowledge gaps! But yeah... A manufacturer should know what to include in their instrument case :/
@@MadMusicBand for real. good video tho
I put a little bit of trumpet valve oil on mine because the headjoint tenon is slightly out of round (damage from previous owner), and I don't want to wear down the metal.
My first flute was one of these no-names from Amazon and I was genuinely happy with it as a non-woodwind player. It was definitely good enough for me. Basically just using it to go through "Book 1" beginner book in case I need to show anyone what to do. Then again, I’m okay with tweaking instruments too.
Yup, same! There is definitely room for cheap instruments for people who don't want to make a career out of it. Flute isn't even likely a top ten instrument for me skill wise, so I can't justify hundreds of dollars on one when I'm just using it to better teach my students.
The fact that a $50 flute exists scares me
With how expensive everything else seems to be getting, it's nice to see something affordable :p
😂
I actually have a CHEAPER one and i play the shit out of it almost daily.
Mine was 70 the first payment we are renting to buy
@@Itzadditoca that's pretty cool, I intend on getting around to learning every wind instrument, and flute's definitely on that list!
This channel's been a pleasure to watch, feels nice to have been here before the number of subs inevitably skyrockets, your quality is top notch!
Thanks so much! It's been a lot of fun making the videos and interacting with everyone as well. :)
i knew i needed to find a good music channel, but i did not know how much i needed a Mad Music channel. 😅🔥🔥🔥
😂
I started learning the flute back in December (2023). I picked up 2 cheap flutes from Amazon. My first one fell apart right out side of the return window. The second one, Cecilio that I purchased was better even though most of these instruments do get a lot of hate. I have found the Cecilio to have a nice tone and a professional flutist here on UA-cam reviewed both the Glory (which was my first one) and the Cecilio and he even said he likes the later better. And yes, the stand that comes with the Cecilio flute is great. I even use it for my clarinet.
Out of curiosity, what happened to the Glory? Agreed on the stand!
@@MadMusicBand played it for a couple of weeks. All is well. Went to play and a key would not close. All screws and sprung for the key were in tact. Possibly could have had a defective one. Happens.
I have tried a Cecilio flute and it wasn't the best. It was quite nice, good sound, but I think I prefer things such as EASTROCK and Eastar.
your my favorite reviewer on youtube, everytime i watch instrument videos, i always search your chanel
The end caps are usually on a student flute in case they drop the pieces while trying to put it together. It prevents the ends from denting so the three pieces of the flute will still fit together. Also, the "tuning rod" is also the cleaning rod. Back in the day, they never included a cleaning "rag" with a string on the end. You find a suitable cloth (I used to take one of my Dad's brand new handkerchiefs and use that for my cleaning rag.) You would place a small part of the rag through the cleaning rod opening and put the rest of the rag over the end so as to not scratch the inside of the flute. This way, you could clean the three flute pieces without losing your rag in the flute and you wouldn't push against the keys from the inside and damage them if the rag became "stuck" in the instrument. At least, that is how we did it way way back in the day. Also, thanks for being a band teacher!
My 1961 Ambassador flute lasted me all through high school. It came with two end caps. After I lost one I dropped the head joint and the end acquired a dent.
My 2024 student level John Parker’s arrived with joints that would not come together. The replacement, an Acadia, had a headjoint that would not connect with the middle joint. I had asked the store that sold it to please check that it worked before shipping it. An instructor added a tiny bit of beeswax, polished it and now it works.
The pictures you took while your wife was blindly playing were gold. 😂
Haha, I enjoyed it too 😂
I think that the biggest drawback of a cheap flute is that the student ends up blaming the flute for his mistakes. You have to trust your instrument. On a good day you can make a PVC pipe sound like a Louis Lot flute. On a bad day, you can make a Louis Lot flute sound like a PVC pipe.
Yea, but how satisfying would it be to roll up with your $50 flute and show all those $800 flute wielding kids who don't practice what's what ;)
Theres a reason why professional musicians often don't recommend super inexpensive instruments. There are good beginner instruments out there that don't cost an arm, leg, and your first born child.
I was also going to say that practice does make a huge difference regardless of the price of an instrument, but often the super inexpensive instruments are made by cutting corners somewhere, often in a manner that makes it harder to play.
I think its a good idea to rent an instrument or buy used for kids.
My student model (Yamaha) saxophones and clarinets sound just as good as my professional ones. The professional instruments have more ergonomic keywork and look fancier, but really there's no reason anyone can't get by with a good quality student model instrument.
@@pikachuchujelly7628 there good student instruments that don't cost a fortune, but there are really truly cheap instruments no one should buy and use because they are truly crap. Imo, caution should be used in regards to the low low end instruments. Anyone wanting to learn to play an instrument should be able to do so, which is why there should be affordable instruments, but some companies try to take advantage of uninformed people.
I’ve played this exact flute for over a year now and it’s a good flute, however if you are sensitive to metals/allergic to nickle (like me) it could a problem. Also not too long after playing it (like a couple of months) the nickle plating starts coming off and the flute doesn’t look as good, but it’s still functional. Overall it’s a very good beginners flute in my opinion.
I'm glad it has worked well for you! The fact it even works at $50 still baffles me
I ordered this same flute and it arrives tomorrow thanks to this video i can feel a little better about how i just spent my money
Let us know how it is when you get it!
The random pictures while she was playing 😂
I received for Christmas in 1959 a Gemeinhardt student model flute. It was purchased in "new" condition. Previous owner wouldn't practice. Parents sold it for $50. Wanted more, but mom made the only offer. Yes, it came with a head joint cover and a foot joint cover. This was shortly before manufactures went to rolled edge tone holes on the body of the instrument so I cut up pads pretty badly.
Dang, $50 is still a good price for a flute that works, good get 👍
9:51 So the head of the head joint on a flute cannot be properly cleaned by the stringed cloth, which is why the flute came with two cloths. One cloth is for the body and joint, whilst the other one - the one without the string - is tied through the hole on the cleaning stick and is pushed into the head joint so the cloth can get the moisture droplets.
Wasn't ready for you to start playing meow mix on flute
No idea why but it always pops in my head when I play flute lol.
Usually the little caps that were on the head joint and body are used for protection during shipment, because the flute could dent at the joints, and sometimes, if its bad enough, the flute head joint will repeatedly fall in and out, causing you to be out of tune. You don't need to keep these on when you put it back into the case, but if you really want protection, you can, and it won't hurt your flute or anything. (I'm a five year player, so please don't say "Where's your proof?" I get asked that too much lol)
really enjoy those videos
Thanks!
Me again. The B flat thumb key was designed for when one plays the high-test register of the flute to aid with the fingering up there. If you play a B flat in the middle register with and without the B flat thumb key, one should notice the pitch is flatter using the B flat thumb key in the middle register. That is how I was taught and has been my experience as well. :).
I believe you may be backwards. Playing the thumb key b-flat is a bit less flat than the double pointer finger version as you're closing an extra unnecessary hole with the latter, which lowers the pitch.
As a five year flute player, I just thought it was an alternate fingering. I never knew there was a difference, and that's so cool!
I've been playing my Cecilio flute daily for a few months now and its a workhorse! Stays in tune, keys are crisp and still aligned, no leaks. Sounds amazing.
My only gripe is that is tarnishes easily. Enjoy the pure clean silver while it lasts because its quite temporary.
Its unstable above the high G, but who plays the highest 3 notes on the flute anyways? (unless its to annoy innocent animals)
Yup, I never play that high haha. I haven't had any issues playing all the notes I need, so I can't ask for much more personally
I AGREE WITH THE FINGERINGS. I can NEVER play the B with the extra finger. It's weird, but It works for me and I'm glad I found a band director that thinks the same.
Could you try reviewing those really cheap trumpet mouthpieces online? Some people don’t realize how much a difference a mouthpiece makes.
I actually have an $8 amazon mouthpiece from ages ago and have used it for years, maybe I don't know what I'm missing out on 😂. I got it because it's gold so I can easily tell it from the plethora of other mouthpieces at the school.
Cecilio is actually a brand name that I recognised when you said it. I think a Cecilio must have been in contention when I was looking for my first violin.
Yea, they have a large share of the "cheap instruments" market. I'll probably try a cheap violin sometime, though my string skills are...real bad.
hi mad music! i’ve been a fan since the trumpet video and wondered if you could do french horn soon. as a horn player, we gotta have more because no one bothers learning it. ALL YOUR VIDS ARE BABGERS❤
I'm thinking alto might be next as it's a bit more useful for me currently at school, but French horn may been soon after! Might put Baritone in there as well if I can find one at the right price....so many instruments!!
@@MadMusicBandthat’s awesome! i have an alto but don’t know how to play it and my friend plays bari. it’s my dads old alto from the 1990’s and hasn’t been cleaned since, so it’s hard to make a sound but at least there is no mice lol
@@thatrandomkirbO haha, no mice is always a plus
Thanks guys, this was great. There are tons of instruments I’d like try and maybe even own, and finding out a USD50 flute can actually be decent is incredibly valuable to me! Keep up the good work! ❤
My pleasure! I'm also excited at finally having a good ish flute, and $50 is crazy cheap.
Hey! If you still want to look for a flute, I really like gemeindhardt! They are well known and not super expensive. I think that’s how you spell it lol
9:12 so the little screw piece on the head joint does not really affect the tuning. It is actually there to add some weight to the head joint. Just to clarify.
Intonation seems okay for a elementary/jr. high school instrument. Longevity is probably an issue with a $50 flute. Sounds bright, but then again it isn't a silver alloy or plated; definitely a harder metal. How will the pads and springs hold up? This could definitely be a contender for marching band or outdoor gigs.
Agree, it would make a fantastic secondary instrument for marching band or even one to leave home for practicing.
this really doesn't sound bad at all!! I'm a beginner flautist, I picked up an old used Suzuki flute on Yahoo Auctions Japan, and I'm slowly learning it. nice to know there's actual cheap flutes out there! -also 50$ is.. really uhh... cheap-
Oh nice. I haven't heard of Suzuki flutes before, how are you liking it? I've heard of their vehicles :p might be a different company though.
Literally cheaper than getting my Yamaha flute serviced
@@MadMusicBand different company, same name lol
Suzuki mostly deals in student flutes and recorders in Japanese middle/high schools. as for how I'm liking it, it's pretty nice. I'm by no means an expert since only instrument I knew how to play at a somewhat "professional" level was piano, but I'm slowly learning. can barely play half of a C major scale currently xD
@@SobrietyandSolace it's crazy right :p
@@squeakyfoxx gotcha. You never know, because Yamaha makes instruments, vehicles, and probably a billion other things too haha. Cool to hear you're starting a new instrument, piano is probably the best jumping off point for just about any of them :)
I play the trumpet. I love playing the trumpet. But listening to the flute solo in the marching show I am in has made me want to start playing the flute. ITS SO PRETTY HOW THE SOUND IS SO SMOOTH
Yup! Flute is a fantastic instrument, especially when it's played by someone better than me :)
DON’T EVER APPLY CORK GREASE TO A FLUTE
You are correct, no idea why they included it... I was hoodwinked :/
Yah... why did they?
Also, quoting back to the 'tuning with the head joint' thing, you are not supposed to be able to push up the base of the crown's resting plate on the flute. If you can, get that checked.
I have that one and its actually really good!!
There is now a 46$ Celia flute you should get that one
the part on top of the mouth piece is called a crown
I have a cecilio open hole flute and love it. Best $75 (at the time) I spent. So good for students to learn on.
I play bass flute and flute in a flute choir. The end caps are only found ( in my experience) to cover the corks of the bass flute- head joint and the end of the body that attaches to the foot joint. Some other flutes probably have the corks as well - alto flute and wood piccolo but the traditional c flute doesn’t need corks
I didn't think so, but I suppose they're easy enough to get rid of. I already lost mine 😂
Lowkey do a percussion set from amazon it will be good. I just joined patron. Please do the last at the end of the video
I'm sure I will eventually :) I'll probably accidentally break it 😂
The reason we teach the Bb with the right index is because the one you teach changes the tuning a little and is primarily for trills
The one I teach is (I believe) technically more in tune. Adding the right hand index finger closes an extra unnecessary hole in the flute which brings the pitch down (flat) ever so slightly. I'd also say that trills would be more common with the index finger, not the thumb as I teach. I could be misunderstanding you there though.
I enjoy the discussion though, method books teach the index finger way as default, I just think they shouldn't 😂
@@MadMusicBand i just tested it and it is ever so slightly sharper with no index. But it does add extra movement in the key of Bb onward. Moving from Bb to F is much easier with index and chromatic movement is harder as well.
I really love amazon band instrument reviews and ur channel i think you should try to review a saxophone 🎷 next👍
Thanks! I may just have a saxophone on the way 😉
@@MadMusicBand thanks to you
I play cecilios clarinet in marching band and it’s actually really good 😭 I think their wind instruments are pretty decent to be honest!
thoughts on doing a euphonium in the future?
I plan on it! Trying to justify the cost and hoping for a really good price on one :p
Do bass clarinet next 🔥😎
Ha, we'll see 😜
I only wish I had a band director like you when I was in school. I graduated HS in 1969.
Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully my students feel the same 😂
we need a cheap oboe next
Haha, we'll see ;)
I'm holding out for Bassoon or English Horn.
@@MrSweelinck bassoon will be intense haha. I know so little about that instrument.
50 dollar oboe, am I going crazy?!
Not knowing anything about this stuff, I enjoyed the duet at minute 22. I cringed at the end when you pretended they were drumsticks. Delicate instruments. Show your wife some love and have her flute serviced.
You should do the Amazon piccolo next lol
I'll try and get to it eventually, I know my wife wants one 😂
If you have flute do not tune it like he did,the thing he said to push on is the cork and if you mess with it could prevent you form play,I know this bc I play flute and I have done it before
For flutes, we never use cork grease unless it’s a piccolo or if it’s a wooden flute
Yup, I had no idea but now I know!
Nice review, was fun to watch, even when I don't even flute. You could review the cheapest recorders, for something really cheap :D
....I've actually just got some in the mail, great minds think alike :)
Wow you are a good flute player kinda and I’m a flute player so that’s saying something 😮😮😮😮😮
Thanks! It's probably one of my worst band instruments to be honest. Not counting double reeds...not sure I'll be able to make a sound on those 😂
Just discovered your channel. Now i want a cheap Amazon flute, saxophone and an ewi. 😂
Haha, sorry about that! ;)
information for beginners: if you don't know the flute is a woodwind instrument (I do not play the flute)
even I think the flute is a good choice same with the saxophone tuba and clarinet and percussion any questions let me know
To this day, I am still searching for a single band director that was a flute main in grade school 😂
(My elementary and middle school directors both played clarinet. Idk what my HS director played but it definitely wasn’t the flute)
That's a good point, they do seem pretty rare for some reason.
I have this flute and I think that for 50 dollars is good. The only thing is that you need to be able to do small repairs which is not a problem for me because I've learned and because I like to fix things on my own. Just be careful because at first I didn't know exactly what I was doing and I ended up making my flute leaks worse. But know it plays good and I can learn how to play
Yup, being able to do simple repairs helps a ton.
Enjoying the video. It is crazy the price somebody can make a musical instrument that actually works (when it’s manufactured in China).
Yup, it's pretty crazy seeing as everything else is so expensive :/
China is actually well known for their instruments. Some of the best company's are in China. Regardless of their mass manufacturing in other things.
My band director plays percussion
Sounds like a good director ;)
In the four years of playing the flute I never used this 4:32 ever
My only flute is a turquoise flute €120, so it's cheap but it works just fine and I love the color. Buying a super cheap flute is fine, seeing how well they play and how much a "good quality" flute would be. Afterall a flute will last you at least several years or more.
I've been bummed that none of the cheapest instruments so far (except the plastic trombone)have been any cool colors. I'd dig a pink clarinet 😂
I watched this video last night. I went to Amazon and found the same brand flute for 46.99 with a promo code to save 50% from that. So I just ordered it for 24.90! I play saxophone and have always been interested in picking up a flute. We'll see how good this thing is...and if its as good as your video would indicate - I will have a solid flute for LESS THAN 25 BUCKS!!! (and if not, I can just return it)
Woah! Wow, that's so cheap! For $25 it would make a fantastic wall decoration at the very least...I mean, I spent $30 on Mexican on my birthday for my wife and I....shoulda got another flute 😂
@@MadMusicBand ...I received the flute yesterday. I have to say that it seems to be a pretty solid flute. I ran it through the same checks that you did in the video and it was consistent. Chromatic scale and all (as best I could). And the cork grease...I guess I have something for my saxophones. And have a new pair of WHITE COTTON GLOVES!!! Not bad, huh? Oh...and happy belated birthday!
@@curtisrhoades7805 that's awesome, glad it's working for you, can't beat that price!
This is such a good channel. Why are your subscribers so low? Is this channel fairly new?
Only been posting about 6 months, gotta start somewhere! :)
Good job as usual!
Thanks! Now I get to start seeing if I can put together a video with all that footage from Japan 😂
@@MadMusicBand Outstanding!
Hooray cheapest flute(:
Also edits here while watching the video:
8:18 From what ive seen most have them and as someone who plays flute im almost certain its used to protect the head just in case of something idk
Yea, I think it's just one of those "extras" they throw in that you don't actually need.
It's an "Amazon budget flute" thing. No intermediate, step-up, or professional instrument would have tenon caps. The theory I guess is that it keeps the tenons from getting bent by "accidental rough play."
Dude I love your videos I wish I had money to donate, your energy is amazing and I love watching your videos
Thanks so much! :)
Great video! I love the idea of buying crappy instruments and testing them. When I started learning guitar, I only had a crappy $40 one, and it was BAD.
Side note, you seem like a great band director. I'm going to college to be one, and you and my high school band director are who I aspire to be like. (From what I've seen of you, at least)
Anywho, long comment. Started rambling.
TL:DR, Good video!
Thanks! I hope some of my students feel the same :) Good luck on your schooling! I'm sure you're a much better musician than I was at your age 😅
I’m a flutist and I’ve never seen a fully metal flute with a cap on the end of the head joint. I think usually they are used on flutes that have a cork on the end or piccolos with cork on the end of the head joint. I could totally be wrong though! Also, if I am buying an instrument, it better not be coming with a bunch of accessories, especially if it is $50. I have payed a decent buck for my flute and it didn’t come with anything special, as expected!!
Ha, yea, it's a bit sad when they throw in extras you shouldn't even use on the instrument (like cork grease, I've now learned...)
@@MadMusicBandwas searching for an acknowledgment of the cork grease situation. Thank you.
@@ContrabassChris yup, if I could go back and edit/add a note in the video about not cork grease I would :/ maybe I'll do a "what not to do" video in the future.
@@MadMusicBand please please don’t you dare deny me the pleasure of your “cork grease on flute head/foot joint” moments. These moments are features, not bugs.
@@ContrabassChris 😂😂😂
My son is in school band since 4th grade. At first we rented a clarinet for $30 a month cuz band teacher doesn't recommend cheap Amazon instruments. We eneded up getting an used Selmer after a while. This year he wanted to try Saxophone but i looked it up. Rent is like $60 at least. And even Amazon ones are like $300? And i don't even know if that will last? So i just told him to stick with clarinet. I wish school band teachers are more understanding. So maybe u can do a review of chezp Saxophone if u can find one?
I've got one I plan on unboxing and reviewing tonight! Hopefully I'll get the video out soon :)
@@MadMusicBand thanks! I am looking forward to that video!
The first flute he holds hurt me
the cleaning swab they put in there makes me a little nervous, it's not made of silk so you can't wash it 😬
I had one of those for a while and my flute teacher said to throw it away because it's unsanitary
Btw ive heard the gloves are for cleaning without getting fingerprints on it again but they get put photos of playing cause of dumb marketing ig idk if you know this i just wanted to say if you didnt
Yea, I've noticed how... interesting... the marketing on these cheap instruments can be.
I got a clarinet on eBay for 25 dollars, its a very nice one too, not just a cheap one
Great find!
My flute is a gemeinhardt student flute and 50 dollars is wild to me still.
Everybody who enjoys this channel and his content can REALLY help Chase out by liking, subscribing and dropping a comment... ANY comment... to help him shoot up the rankings and get more viewers. It makes a really big impact, and costs the viewer nothing.
Disclaimer. You shouldn't use any lubricant on flute joints.
Yup, someone else pointed that out too... No clue why they include it 🤷
@@MadMusicBand Was that someone your wife? LOL
What does it do to the flute?. I have the exact same flute and I've used the cork grease
@@MrSweelinck haha nope, other commenters. I'm sure I won't live it down for a few weeks 😂
@@marshallee I researched a bit. Supposedly flutes are supposed to be made with such precision that you don't need anything. Cork grease can trap dust and particles that scratch or actually make it harder to put on. I'm no expert though.
No. Flutes usually don’t have joint caps. Maybe a piccolo might have one for a joint with a cork. Also, you don’t use cork grease on a flute. You might use cork grease on a piccolo with a cork.
Yup, you're right, just looked up the cork grease thing and you don't use it... Pretty odd that it's included in that case :/
Your awesome keep up the good job.
Your vids are so entertaining 😊
Thanks so much 😊
i use the 100 dollar piccolo from this brand and lowk it plays so… no complaints
Nice! My wife wants me to get a piccolo soon 😂
Am still currently thinking about purchasing this as my first flute, even after watching the video then comparing it with my friends expensive flute, is it good to buy? I do play clarinet, bass clarinet and trumpet and want to know if i should buy this for my beginner flute
I still use mine daily in my teaching and it still works great. If you have the budget for a $600 plus instrument you can find better, but likely not 10 times better. It just depends on what you're looking for, but for the price of this one you're not out much if you end up wanting more.
@MadMusicBand I want something more around the cheaper side, and for me as a beginner this sounds perfect!
Was that bugle mouthpiece from amazon? Looks just like one i have from my grandfather possibly from WW1? Havent ever seen another like it
It was...but I've no idea what it was now. It was over a decade ago when I would have bought it. That's interesting though!
12:20 PLEASE DO NOT PUT CORK GREASE ON A METAL FLUTE!!! Cork grease is meant to be used on *CORK* not *METAL*. It says in the name. Using cork grease on a normal flute is a *CRIME* since *dirt* and *grime* will manifest. Using cork grease on a corked piccolo is fine, but not on metal connecting joints.
Yup, I failed haha. They tricked me by putting it in the case 😭
Fr this literally had me crying cuz I'm a flute player 😭😭😭😭
U should try the most expensive instruments
I'd love to be able to afford that 😂
@@MadMusicBand yeah
the flute is like the only instrument i know nothing about so i learned something from this video at least🗿
Happy to help! 🎉
But please unlearn the part where he put cork grease on the flute joints because that is realllly bad lol
@@Jwellsuhhuh yup...whoops 😅
I especially enjoyed your rendition of the Meow Mix song. One question though, did you mainline caffeine before recording this video or are you always this 'peppy'? 🤔
Both! ;)
Yes, it is. It is a real thing for a flute cap.
Love this yeaaa
You should get one of those Bari saxes or bassoons that are on Amazon
I'd love too, but it's currently out of my budget lol. Hopefully some day :)
@@MadMusicBand lmao yeah they are pretty expensive 🤣
Right now they have a half price sale for some reason. If nothing else, I’m getting a flute to learn about flutes. $25 bucks! Sure! Free returns if it’s not good.
Yup, crazy good deal!
Wish I had seen this video a week ago when they had that sale!
@@leslychavez447 I regret not buying like...10 of them lol. I did buy one more at least, so ridiculously cheap
Your not supposed to use cork grease on the flute it rusts instead i was told to use grafite from a pencil if my joints get sticky/it get hard to put together
I love this so much
Glad you enjoyed it :)
This is just fun!
You should do cheapest sub-bass clarinet.....
I'd love to get that eventually! :)
Use n2 lead for the foot joint
While I was waiting to get in for the SDEMA choir in South Dakota I saw your wife walk pass me then I saw you walk past me and I was so crazed
Ha! I'm sitting in the crowd waiting for all state choir to perform as I write this comment! Should have said hi ;)
@@MadMusicBanddo you live in SD?
@Rags_GRWM yup! :)
SUPPORT
🔥🔥🔥
Should do a French horn review
I hope to eventually!
Largest issue I've seen and wondering on this one is not as much the low, but really higher end on the flute. On the cheap flute I could hear the pitch coming more shrill vs your old flute had fuller tone. My wife sadly lost her nice professional Germeinhardt, but then picked up a cheap Chinese made one that was like 300-400. No biggie at that time since just more on own for fun. But since I've rejoined a community group, she has also, and was also running into the higher notes becoming shrill. Of course the music we were playing almost all her notes where high, and made our dogs howl. We ended up taking the plunge and getting a new nice Yamaha for her (and dogs are happier), and that issue is gone. Now with that said, I swear, cheap flutes come with a nice cleaning rod! I swear, the higher end ones, they make it "fancier" by being metal, which shoving a metal rod down your flute where you can't see it vs plastic, at least the plastic will break before you mess something up lol. But of course band vs performer the sound quality matters differently. With the dwindling music stores makes it harder for kids to get used good instruments or affordable rentals. So it's become a two sided sword. But same hand, we just got a new trumpet player join, which he is going to college for jazz. I noticed he was playing on cheaper Chinese made trumpet, so I had him try my professional trumpet. He really wants one now, but did not have the heart to tell him how much that one costs. But seeing students getting to college level and being stuck in the instruments that can't perform at that level, made me look even more differently at these "cheap" instruments.
Yea, you definitely get what you pay for, but it's tough when you just don't have the money to justify the expense. I feel for that college student, as I still don't have a high quality version of my main instrument (marimba). Sadly, I've never been able to drop 20k to get myself a professional level marimba, so I'm stuck with a practice marimba with no resonators. :/
If you have not already, you should get a stylophone, its only $40 for the basic model
I'll have to look into one! :)
this is so cool.
Should I rent or buy an instrument I also want to try almost every instrument should I?
Depends on a lot of factors. Renting to own is a perfectly good option depending on budget and what you're looking for in a horn. A lot of rental programs will allow you to trade instruments if you decide your first choice isn't the best fit.