EnjoyjJazz music

Buying an intermediate / step up flute. Advice from The Balanced Scale

Buying a flute, advice from The Balanced Scale

Step Up / Intermediate Flute

Your biggest consideration in the purchase of a new/used flute is your budget. One might expect to spend between $1500.00 and $5000.00 for a step up / intermediate flute. While there are some cost savings associated with buying a used flute, there is also a certain amount of risk involved. A used flute will most likely need to be adjusted and balanced for your personal touch.

Some brand names to look for

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice: Altus 1007, Yamaha 500, Pearl Quantz, Sankyo, Muramatsu EX, GX and AD, Powell Signature, and Miyazawa 401 to name a few.

Features of a Step Up/Intermediate Flute:

Body tube

The body tube may be made of brass with silver plating, nickel silver or varying grades of silver. You also have the option of choosing the “wall” thickness of the body tube. The different materials and construction provide different tonal characteristics.

Toneholes

Toneholes may be “drawn” and “rolled” from the body tube, or they can be soldered on. There is much debate as to the difference in sound between the two.

Keys

“Y” keys and pointed, or French keys, are available as options on some step up flutes. “Y” keys connect to the key mechanism or arm at the rear of the key cup, focusing finger pressure on the back of the pad.

The pointed or French arms connect to the key mechanism at the center of the key cup, focusing the finger pressure directly on the center of the pad. Other key features may include split E mechanism, inline/offset G, and “Gizmo” key for low B.

The key on the left is pointed (french),abd the key on the right is a Y key; notice where they connect to the cup.

Key regulation

Regulation of the key mechanism on entry/student/intermediate model flutes is accomplished through the use of adjustment screws. Some screws are visible from the front view and others are set behind the keys.

Some stepup/intermediate flutes have Plateau (closed) style keys, however, the French (open) keys are used by the majority of professional players because they force proper technique and the open holes make it easier to produce tonal nuances.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the flute is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your flute. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.

I hope this was helpfull, if you have any questions, comments, queries or would like to suggest something please contribute below.

Do you have any questions...ask here

Visit The Balanced Scale

A marriage of music and mechanics

About the Author

Continuing Education – Student for Life In 2004-2006, I attended and completed the practical portion of a highly specialized program focusing on brass and woodwind repair at Keyano College. The Music Instrument Repair Program (M.I.R.) is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Program offers students a comprehensive foundation of repair theory coupled with practical application followed up with industry feedback and guidance. During my time at Keyano, I developed a deep interest in flute repair. In 2007, this interest took me to Straubinger Flutes in Indianapolis, Indiana where I received specialized training and certification for the installation and servicing of Straubinger pads. Part of a Larger Organization N.A.P.B.I.R.T. (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians), of which I have been a member since 2004, is an international professional association comprised of musical instrument repair technicians from all over the world. A network of colleagues, mentors and friends, the Association encourages the continuing growth of the industry’s knowledge base through its newsletter, yearly conferences, and workshops.

Canon In D – Flute and piano sheet music

The Concert (see also 51374) by Master of Female Half Lengths – Mug – Standard Size $14.50 This mug is created using the finest dye sublimation techniques and creates a stunning dishwasher safe finish. Great as a gift, or for promotional items. Each of our mugs come individually boxed for protection in transit….

The Concert (see also 51374) by Master of.. – 3×2 inch Fridge Magnet – large magnetic button – Magnet $4.99 Rectangular wrap-around refrigerator magnet and a glossy mylar cover.Large 2×3 inch rectangle fridge magnet or ‘buttons’ as they are sometimes known in the USA.Crop shown is automated for display purposes only. All magnets are hand finished and the best most appropriate crop will always be selected to best show the full image. Therefore, actual product may vary slightly from crop shown – this can …

The Concert (see also 51374) by Master of.. – Tea Towel 100% Cotton – Art247 – Tea Towel – 46×70cm $20.49 100% Cotton. Made in UK. Size 70cms X 46cmsThis is an automated preview only. Actual Tea Towel design may vary. All products are hand finished by our expert manufacturers and the best crop available will always be selected….

Native American Flute Lullabies …

Canyon Trilogy: Native American Flute Music $9.88 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed….

Grace $11.40 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed….

Ultimate Beginner Series: Flute 1 [VHS] $2.29 Flute, Volume 1 with Elizabeth Rowe From Warner Bros. Ultimate Beginner Series comes Flute, Volume 1 with Elizabeth Rowe. This video takes you from opening your flute case to playing your first song. You will learn important tips on assembly and the parts of your instruments, care and maintenance, posture and the proper way to hold your instrument. Get tips on breathing, forming the embouchure, an…

Pufnstuf $2.55 Rumor has it that Sid and Marty Krofft are developing a new movie based on their bizarre life-size puppet show, H.R. Pufnstuf. But will it hold up to their first feature? Looking more like an ambitious TV episode than a feature film, the endearingly low-tech Pufnstuf hit the big screen in 1970 with the gee-whiz spirit of a community theater musical. The whole cast is here: Jack Wild’s lisping hero…

Trevor Wye Practice Book for the Flute – Volume 6 – Advanced Practice $15.99 This series of practice books by Trevor Wye serve as an invaluable addition to study for all flautists. Each book concentrates on a different technical problem covering all aspects of playing the instrument. Each book serves as a step-by-step guide with plenty of helpful exercises for all registers….

The Concert (see also 51374) by Master of.. – Greeting Card (Pack of 2) – 7×5 inch – Art247 – Standard Size – Pack Of 2 $6.50 This photographic Greeting Card is created on 300gsm FSC approved card. The result – a stunning reproduction at an affordable price. Actual size 7×5 inch.Greeting card comes with high grade white envelope as standard.This is an automated preview only. Actual Greeting Card design may vary. All products are hand finished by our expert manufacturers and the best crop available will always be selected…