A guide to buying a new flute

[@ThomasMulliganFlute]

I play a Miyazawa myself for the last decade but recently tried the full Muramatsu line-up and was blown away! They’re incredible.

[@TheFlutePractice]

I absolutely love the Muramatsu. But the Miyazawa’s are lovely too!

[@franklinOC1]

Totally overwhelming. No professional flutes in Canada. I ended up ordering one from USA…couldn’t trial because they charge full price for every flute if you’re out of country. Don’t be fooled by trial promises on UA-cam, know you have to pay full price for every flute you trial if they’re shipping to you from USA. You would have to drive/fly there to trial. Unless you have a lot of cash!

[@willistaylor4077]

I went from my old Jupiter student Flute, to an Altus 807 body (handmade silverplated) with a second-hand Miguel Arista handcrafted solid silver head joint.
Absolutely Beautiful. ♥️♥️🎵🎵🎶🌈

[@JL-uc2sf]

B-foot can be really game changer for an amateur like me performing mostly in church or gigs. Contemporary traditional hymns go surprisingly often to B during some cadence. It is great option to be able to play it from 1st and/or 2nd octave as you feel. For example verses 1-3 from 1st and then last verse one higher.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Interesting perspective! I actually use the B most frequently in arrangements as well. It’s useful to have for sure, but I think for many players they will not need it nearly as much. Enjoy the hymns! Sounds like fun 👏🏼

[@CappeSun]

I recently bought a new flute after a week of trial, and I love it! It's the YFL-372H, and compared to the Pearl NC96S (I believe) I used to borrow from my dad, it's a whole other world. The respone lets me go super quiet in both second and third octave, and I even managed to reach D7. The embouchure is quite different, but much closer to what you have described, and it's super easy to keep in tune. I'll have to retrain my color shaping, but it's worth it! The flute is used, but as new, and the price reduction down to 70% was the cherry on top. For once I'm super lucky, since there aren't too many music stores here in Sweden.

[@nickj1111981]

I started on a Di Zhao 500 series and eventually upgraded to a Haynes Q3. Liked the Di Zhao for what it was, but I love my Haynes. Great video, thanks for all the advice.

[@copenhagen2]

Just upgraded from a Nuvo Student flute 2 to a Yamaha YFL 212 :-D Huge difference!
(Only had the Nuvo for two months in order to see if fluting was a thing for me).

[@TheFlutePractice]

Ooo! That is exciting. Enjoy it! The Yamaha’s are great!

[@JohnRitson78]

Some excellent points, I have just got into the world of flute playing coming from guitar and what you have said here is backed up by my own findings after I nearly fell down the trap of buying ultra cheap one on the various sites. Instead, I purchased a vintage Yamaha YFL 22 N in order to see if I would like the flute, obviously with my limited knowledge I ended up buying a lemon of a flute in that it needs a service which is not a problem as I now have it stripped down and awaiting some new pads before I give it a set-up, of which I am confident to do. In the meantime, I purchased an intermediate flute from a big named company on the used market for a very competitive price, and it is in virtually unused condition and plays superbly well as it plays in tune when I can get my embouchure correct. Loving all the videos you put out.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thanks! Glad you got a good instrument and SOOO glad you didn’t go for the cheapies. I actually want to buy one, play on it for a while and document what happens! I think it will be very telling!
Enjoy the journey and glad to hear you enjoy my videos too 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@neilhackett529]

Hi, I would like to see you do a blind test of the Yamaha 200, 300 & 400 series flutes. As I understand it, they are essentially the same flutes, but more silver used as you go up the range. I am curious to see if you can tell the difference between the solid silver head joint (300,400) and the silver plated (200) in a blind test. I currently have a 212 and I am wondering if going to a 300 series would be worth the extra $$. Thank you

[@MyRackley]

The B foot is needed for the Bud Shank solo on the Mamas & Papas "California Dreamin'" (in E maj), although he recorded an instrumental version with alto flute at a later date.
Incidentally, I purchased a Pearl alto flute in 2021 - and the retail price has already gone up by 30% (same model, same shop). During the current period of high inflation, there's no need to hesitate investing in a flute.

[@use100ame]

Love, love, love my Azumi. Choked up when you mentioned it first as you sounded just like the woman who recommended it for me years ago. ☺

[@TheFlutePractice]

It was my second flute and really served me so well! I hope you enjoy your beautiful instrument!

[@jennifermoorehead733]

Have you tried Selmer flutes recently? They have some really nice intermediate models. I was pleasantly surprised by them.

[@YLIU]

thanks for the video, I want to share that if you like in-line intonation but suffering from the painful left-hand pinky/ring finger positions. I'm playing Muramatsu DS/C-foot/E-mech/ In-line.
The in-line really bothers me a lot on high E & F, high A& B, and have no budget to upgrade to like SR with more resistance.
But recently I found a gadget "Thumb support-right hand" making weight of the flute fall on right thumb. This solve not just left-hand pinky/ring finger positions, but also it fixes the flute position, like make left hand more flexible(can reach more inward and cover more the holes ), and less slippery lip plate after playing awhile.

[@rebeccajones3348]

A lovely great guide, I am aiming to buy either a step up flute or intermediate flute when I retire next year. 2 you have mentioned I have been reading a lot about but it didn’t really much to me. Thank you.

[@michelcrowfeather3789]

Really good advice, also..there is another option,IF you can find a flutist selling,it very well could be an excellent experience.2 years ago,
I found a Gemeinhardt 50th Anniversary Professional for sale,all silver,open hole,pointed keys,in-line G,B foot.i had a COA done and replaced the head joint cork.Its one of 500 made,ser#349,and has been outstanding.There are some good deals if one is careful,and make sure there is a return policy just in case.Happy p,aying🎼

[@janecogdill1135]

I'm switching bc I'm using a 100$ Amazon flute I got In 8th grade. I also got into my schools auditioned group and I'm pretty sure an open hole flute.

[@fann.9874]

Trying to get back into playing my flute after stopping two years. Mine is kind of a wreak after marching band and honestly not taking care of it. Really tempted to buy a new one and get back into playing the flute again. I miss it.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Ooooo….I would recommend it if you can. It will inspire and motivate you to want to practice!

[@ofiterpunte]

I for one skipped the student flutes and went blindly straight into the Yamaha 372HGL. So while others can't wait to get a shinny new flute, I can't wait for the shine on mine to go away! It's so slippery! Whenever I pick up my simple 8 key wood flute, light, balanced, grippy, warm, I just want to bite it lovingly.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Hehe…you can get some pads to stick onto the flute and help you grip. Even just some of the Dr Scholl pads can be used for where you thumb goes and on your index finger.

[@prirodavostok]

Thanks for your recommendations! Best wishes from Istanbul..

[@TheFlutePractice]

Pleasure!

[@dadomilosevic9662]

You did nice job telling us all this things. You usually do this in very amusing and informativ way. Regards from Zagreb Croatia!

[@fluteteachermarcie6283]

Lovely overview video! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
But,
Ooooooooo I can’t agree with you on the split E 😩 I can *always* hear the split E, as a weaker, almost harmonic type sound on any new flute.
The split E also restricts alternate/trill fingerings in the 3rd octave.
I’ve always been of the opinion that a weak/unstable tone on a high E is a symptom of tone issues-like the high E is the litmus test that will show all of the unnecessary tension already present in the upper register.
That said, “different strokes for different folks”! It’s alway interesting to hear other opinions and arguments! I can certainly respect the idea of working smarter, not harder, haha

[@ThomasMulliganFlute]

I agree with The Flute Practice with her opinion on split E but I do know of other professionals who don’t care for them. For me, I wouldn’t buy a flute without one.

[@randyking9489]

​@@ThomasMulliganFluteSo true Thomas. I can get a decent high D, high F and F# on my yamaha yfl 222, but high E cracks. It does not have split E. 90% of high school band teachers want students to have split E. Especially need split E at our level.

[@hiraeth105]

Most helpful Video on UA-cam ❤

[@eastmarvista3267]

So so informative! An incredible video.

[@jennifermoorehead733]

What do you think of the split e facilitator for those without the split e key?

[@freider7207]

Informative video! You mention that it may be worth it to skip intermediate level instruments and go streight to lower level professional, if your budget allows it. What is your opinion on skipping entry level and go streight for intermediate as a beginner? Budgetwise, lower level intermediate model like Yamaha 372 series or Azumi AZ-2 would be okay, but maybe it is better to wait until i can play a bit better myself so it is easier to decide which model/make fits me best?

[@riotdaisy2382]

Great I thought a guide about what to look out for when buying a flute and what is it a mailing list

[@learningkeyboard]

Currently starting to play on my flute again (played it for 9 years) and realising i never thought about getting a better flute? I basically always played on the yamaha 271, as did all other flute students as that was the flute our teacher recommended and she never recommended to buy a better one later on? Anyway, if I keep playing regularly until this summer I might buy another flute, just not sure what one

[@randyking9489]

Hi. Yfl-221 and 222 does not have split E but the Yfl-212 does. Wonder why yamaha took it off their new models? My yamaha yfl-222 is just 2 weeks old. Maybe I should see if NYFC will let me trade in my Yfl-222 for a Yfl-212, or gemeinhardt 2sp which has split E. Thanks for suggestions

[@TheFlutePractice]

That is so interesting. I must say, I was so impressed with that 2SP. What a great beginner flute!

[@melissabeers35]

I'm so confused about the split e. I am in the process of deciding on a handmade flute. My teacher said to absolutely not get the split e. I don't think I have have an issue with playing third octave e. My teacher said people just need to learn to properly play the flute.
I have watched many UA-cam videos about it. Some say the higher end flutes are such quality that it isn't that much difference. Some say absolutely get it. Most are indifferent. Some say not really necessary. Is it just such a new feature that it isn't fully embraced yet?That and th d sharp roller. The flute I have always played on doesn't have one, but should I get one now? Is there potential to be a nuisance?
I'm just so confused. Is a one time deal. It's not like I can say next time I'll get that.

[@randyking9489]

Same here Melissa. I bought a yamaha yfl-222 that does not have a split E. It really plays well. But now I am thinking about trading it for the yamaha yfl 212 which has split E or a gemeinhardt 2sp that also has split E. Been a year since your post. Hope you made the right decision

[@imy0urpapa]

Does the split E mechanism help with F# as well? Those are the 2 notes I really struggle with.
Right now I have a Gemeinhardt 3SB solid silver inline B foot flute, with plugs in the holes. I think I need to get a more "student" level flute.

[@nickj1111981]

Chris…a split E may actually make the F# a bit harder. That’s kind of the trade off.

[@kevinchoy5961]

Split E may also makes the E a bit too strong, so tone would be less even. So once you passed the intermediate phrase, you can ditch the split E when upgrades again.

[@maritamhle6697]

“Try the flutes”! Yes! I bought a flute without trying it, it was the worst match EVER! I had to buy a new instrument 1,5 years later🥲