Flute Solid
Which flute should I buy?

I’m in 9th grade and I’ve been playing flute for about four and a half years. I’m looking for a professional model to buy at around $1000. I have a few options from two music centers…

I could get a solid silver Jupiter or a used Yamaha (in good condition). There’s also another one I could decide on, but I can’t remember the brand name. It’s supposed to be new and it has been getting great reviews (heard of it?).
My flute teacher says it’s best for me to just get a pro. model.

I do plan to keep playing once in college.

Even though I’ve been playing for about four and a half years, I’m better that most people my age! I got 1st in the All-Region Symphonic Band and this year, I placed 2nd in the All-City High School Band and 19th in All-Region Orchestra as a FRESHMAN!

Do not tell me to play piccolo because I already now how! I absolutely love piccolo, but I don’t have one.

I’m a Gemeinhardt kind of flute player, myself.

1. No matter what, go with an open-holed flute. The sound is so much better than closed hole, you won’t regret it.

2. Get a B foot. I know, it’s only one extra note, but that note opens up another octave on your B scale.

3. Split-E. You can get it, but you don’t have to.

4. In-line G or Off-set G. Off-set G key is easier to play, but I’ve gotten so I actually prefer the inline G. Try playing both, see what you like. If you have an off-set G key now, it’s going to be hard to adjust to an inline one (especially open-holed, as you’ve got to stretch to cover the hole). This is entirely personal preference. I didn’t know the difference when I got my flute, so I hard to learn, but it wasn’t too big of a deal.

5. Silver. Don’t get nickel. Even if you just go with silver-plated, it’s much better quality.

6. Gold plating? If you’re going for super long term, you might get a gold embouchure plate. Of course you can always get another headjoint later in college. I’d recommend waiting, as you can see what kind of headjoints you prefer later on.

7. Arms. Also know as how the keys are held on. Pointed arms are higher class than Y arms. (Pointed are on more professional models, I have Y arms.)

I had a rental flute until 8th grade, when I got my open-holed Gemeinhardt with B foot. I’m now a sophomore in college and still love it. I do not play in band in college, but still play with my friends. I think if I played in a concert setting, I would upgrade and probably get a new headjoint.

Don’t be afraid to put out a lot of money for something worth it. My flute was about $1200 dollars, but in the world of music performance, that’s not so much. It sounds like you’ve been doing your research and are committed to band, so good job! Don’t quit on it, band is amazing.

As for Yamaha or Jupiter, I generally steered clear of both back when I was buying my flute, but I don’t know how they’ve improved. I’d talk to your director and see if he/she has suggestions or can point you to a flute specialist who might know.

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