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Flute - Buying tips and guidelines

Nickel-silver, silver and gold are the commonly used in flutes. Find out more by clicking on the tile below. ​One of the biggest variants is the G key. They come with either an inline or offset G key. Although only one key is shifted slightly to the left, the entire playing position of the hand is altered greatly. There are professionals that play both models and assert that one allows for quicker trills than the other but it comes down the position more comfortable for the player.
 
Like most instruments, there are 3 key categories - Beginners, Intermediate and Professional flutes and for a starter, it will make sense to start with a good beginner instrument. To ensure this is the case, it is best to take time to compare brands, price and customer reviews to find models that balances economy with good sound and playability.
 
With the flute, getting started can be hard for learners with small hands. Realizing this, some beginner flute models have curved headjoints that helps to extend the player’s reach. By minimizing the reach, the flute will feel easier to play for many beginner flutists.
 
A student model flute will usually have closed holes on its keys. This makes the flute easier to play for the student. As the sound of a flute does not come out of its end, these differences in the keys noticeably affect the sound produced. Serious players eventually upgrade to an open-holed flute because of their improved tone and control over the intonation.
 
Both a beginner and student model flute will most likely be made out of a nickel and silver alloy which it is far more durable than silver alone. The most popular plating for a flute is silver because of its brilliance, while nickel-plated flutes are a more affordable option. Some people have allergies to silver or nickel and should opt for the type plating they can safely handle.

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Selecting the right one

The choice of which instrument to select especially if it is your first depends on different factors including : - 

• The level of your commitment to play the instrument
• How much time you want to spend rehearsing playing the instrument
• How much money you wish to spend on the instrument
• The styles and genres you wish to play
• The instrument type that best suits you

 
How much you can spend on the quality of the instrument you get is wide ranging. You can get a simple good working used instrument that is fully sufficient for your purposes or a new expensive instrument that may not necessarily be fit for your purposes.
 
To ensure you receive the best opportunity as a player, it is best to take time to compare brands, price and customer reviews. Look for models that balance economy with good sound and playability.
 
Both beginner and student model flutes will most likely be made of nickel and silver alloy which is far more durable than silver alone. The most popular plating for a flute is silver because of its brilliance, while nickel-plated flutes are a more affordable option. Some people have allergies to silver or nickel and should opt for the type plating they can safely handle.
 
You should always seek help before you buy an instrument to know whether the quality of what you’re getting is worth the price. Soliciting the help of a flute, teacher, a friend or someone who plays the instrument to go with you to test, feel, check the instrument before buying is always recommended. Where possible, it makes sense to check if you can lend a used instrument from the music school and buy later, lease or rent a new instrument from the music shop which can be bought later.
 
Do not rush the decision to get your instrument, take your time to ensure that you get the right thing. You can for example ask if you can take an instrument home for a day’s try out based on prior arrangement/agreement with the shop before making your decision.
 
If the dealer hasn't got the type of instrument you want, you should ask them to show you the ones they have that is within your budget range to try out. Off course be aware that the professional flute will differ from the student's flute both in terms of quality and cost. 
 
To ensure you are buying an instrument fit for purpose carefully check if anything broken, scratched or cracked on your selected instrument before you buy. You do this by checking if : - 

1. All the keys and tone holes have no problems on them
2. See if any screws on the instrument shake or are all firm
3. The mechanics of the instrument works smoothly
4. All springs are working fine and if they close all keys they should without too much noise
5. All the pads are glued in properly look healthy

Renting a Flute

For a beginner, selecting which flute you want to play is not an easy task. The idea of renting may seem tempting but overall it can be more expensive with more trouble than it’s worth. Rental flutes may have pads that may not be in prime condition and the cork in the headjoint may be used—both of which can dramatically affect sound quality.

If rented long-term, fees can pile up quickly when in all reality a beginner’s flute brought straight out costs less than a year’s worth of rent. In essence, rental though more flexible can be unnecessarily costly (with a monthly charge and ability to return), while purchase is more cost effective if you or your child stick with playing the instrument in the longer term.

It is recommended that you buy from a reputable dealer who specializes in flutes and ignore special features that are nice but not necessary on the instrument in favor of getting the best craftsmanship overall.

Before buying a new flute, talk to as many people as possible who have played, or who have an understanding of, the flute. This may include music teachers, directors or friends who play the instrument. You’ll likely find their advice to be helpful and if possible, consider taking them along with you when you go to the music store so they can try out the instrument themselves.

New vs Second hand

A new flute starts loosing it’s price value immediately it is bought whilst the value of a used flute is determined by the condition it is in. If you are therefore able to find a very good quality used instrument that has been properly taken care of, this can save you a substantial amount of money and therefore go for it.

The reasoning that should drive the purchase of a new instrument should always be quality or workmanship that will support your effort to learn to play the instrument. You can also check with music shops if it is possible to lend a used instrument for a short period and buy later or to lease a new instrument from the music shop which can be bought later.

Skwiix tips

Tip 1

Check the flute pieces for major scratches, keeping in mind that most used flutes will have some tiny, hair-like scratches.

Tip 2

Check for dents as these are far more detrimental than scratches. Even the smallest dent can affect your playing of the instrument.

Tip 3

Examine the pads underneath the keys. These are usually coloured and spongy. They should cover the hole underneath, and should not be excessively dirty or careworn. (Keep in mind that pads can always be replaced though)

Tip 4

Check to make sure there are no missing parts or keys.

Tip 5

Look on the inside of all the parts and make sure there aren't any hidden dents or marks on the inside.

Tip 6

Play a few chromatic scales on the flute. This is to make sure all the notes are working correctly, and that you like the sound the flute produces. One flute will simply not play the same for two people.

Tip 7

Attend a flute convention. This a great place to play all the different brands of flutes that are available, as well as to get great flute freebies like key paper. Vendors will have flutes on display, just for people to play as they walk around the convention.

Tip 8

Decide what metal you want in your flute. The quality of the metal will affect the tone a lot. Most beginning flutes are nickel or silver plated nickel. Pure silver (sterling silver) is the next quality up. If you are purchasing an intermediate flute, a pure silver head joint or full flute is ideal. Next, there is the option of rose gold, which can run about the cost of a car, and there are even platinum or titanium flutes!

• The most important part of the flute is the head joint, so if you cannot afford the body and foot joint in a pricier metal, buy just the head joint.
• Watch out for gold plated lip plates. They don't affect tone at all and are just for looks. However a better quality riser, the short "chimney" that attaches the lip plate to the head joint, does improve tone

Tip 9

Consider the many options you have for the keys of your flute. These things often take experience to gain a preference.

• Open hole keys: These are recommended for advanced or intermediate players, and not beginners. Openings in the keys allow the air to go through when uncovered, and this leads to a fuller, more resonant tone. The open holes also create less air resistance, so it is easier to play notes. It will take some adjustment to switch from closed holes because you will have to cover the holes perfectly with your fingers for the note to sound correctly. Start out with plugs in the keys that are hardest to reach, so you can play normally, and work at playing without the plugs while you practice.
• Inline G key: This is a matter of personal preference and won't affect the tone. An inline G key just means that one key will be a bit harder to reach (see the image to the right). If you have small hands or are used to playing with an offset G key, it is fine to stick with that. The main reason an inline G key is preferred is for the pleasing look of the keys.
• B foot: You can buy a foot joint with a few extra keys that enables you to play one chromatic step lower than usual (a B). This is a good idea for intermediate or above players because they will probably come across the note their flute literature.
• Gizmo key: This key will usually be included in a B foot and makes it easier to play high C or C# (5+ ledger lines).
• Split E Mechanism: A split E mechanism divides the action of the upper and lower G keys. Normally the G keys close together; in a split E mechanism, that is still true, but the lower G can close when the third octave E natural is played. This provides ideal tone hole venting for the high E and can improve tuning and tone for a flutist.​

Tip 10

Purchase the flute, and any needed accessories. You will probably want a silver-polishing cloth (or other cloth specific to your metal) to remove fingermarks. A swab or flute snake is fun to have, but you can also use a strip of an old t-shirt and the tuning rod to clean out spit. Pad paper is essential to fix "sticky keys." (They make awful noises.) You can also buy thumb rests for the bottom of the flute to make it more comfortable. Try jazzing up your flute case with fun stickers or key chains. One essential item is to add a name tag to your flute case with contact information in case it gets lost. 

Tip 11

Make sure the case is in good condition. Check for dents, scratches, and sticker residue. It should stay firmly closed even after being a bit joggled. Make sure the velvet-like layer has not started to separate from the hard layer of the case. You can always purchase a new, universal case for you flute if the case if damaged, but that will be an added expense.

• Look for a metal or plastic tuning rod, which resembles a foot-long needle, inside the case. This can multi-function as a swab with a piece of cloth, and is an essential tool that should come with the flute.

Tip 12

Carry out some research and learn about the particular types of flute that are considered better by the flute-playing community. You can post your questions on the forum and see what advice/feedback you get.