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.

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