Second hand flute Options

[delorfinde]

With open holed flutes, they're more versatile as you can put the 'plugs' in when you're just starting, so they can serve as a closed-hole flute, and then when you're better you can take the plugs out. This means that even if you're not ready for an open-holed flute, you don't have to upgrade again to have one.

[kharris]

With open holed flutes, they're more versatile as you can put the 'plugs' in when you're just starting, so they can serve as a closed-hole flute, and then when you're better you can take the plugs out. This means that even if you're not ready for an open-holed flute, you don't have to upgrade again to have one.

I see. So an open holed flute can serve as a closed hole one.
I was looking at Pearl PF-661.
I wonder if it's technical to put the "plugs" in.

[notmusimum]

With open holed flutes, they're more versatile as you can put the 'plugs' in when you're just starting, so they can serve as a closed-hole flute, and then when you're better you can take the plugs out. This means that even if you're not ready for an open-holed flute, you don't have to upgrade again to have one.

I see. So an open holed flute can serve as a closed hole one.
I was looking at Pearl PF-661.
I wonder if it's technical to put the "plugs" in.

You need more advice from andante_in_c as I think the Flute sound changes when they are open holes with plugs. I don't think they are meant to be used for any length of time as closed hole flutes. I'm no expert but I seem to remember being given advice about open holes when we were looking to upgrade post Grade 4. We decided not to go down that route particularly as daughter was only 11 at the time. When she did eventually try an open hole Flute, at 15, she had no problems with it at all. I considered buying plugs but decided not to in the end.

I'm not really sure that open holes are a must and they certainly weren't needed up to and including grade 6.

[andante_in_c]

With open holed flutes, they're more versatile as you can put the 'plugs' in when you're just starting, so they can serve as a closed-hole flute, and then when you're better you can take the plugs out. This means that even if you're not ready for an open-holed flute, you don't have to upgrade again to have one.

I see. So an open holed flute can serve as a closed hole one.
I was looking at Pearl PF-661.
I wonder if it's technical to put the "plugs" in.

You need more advice from andante_in_c as I think the Flute sound changes when they are open holes with plugs. I don't think they are meant to be used for any length of time as closed hole flutes. I'm no expert but I seem to remember being given advice about open holes when we were looking to upgrade post Grade 4. We decided not to go down that route particularly as daughter was only 11 at the time. When she did eventually try an open hole Flute, at 15, she had no problems with it at all. I considered buying plugs but decided not to in the end.

I'm not really sure that open holes are a must and they certainly weren't needed up to and including grade 6.

Yes, I would agree with all notmusimum has said here. I wouldn't advise going down the open holed route at this stage, and plugs should only be regarded as a very temporary measure.

[Misti]

Not to mention the fact that not everyone can play them, full stop. I have perculiarly short third and fourth fingers relative to the rest of my hands (which are small to start with). If it was possible, I'd have an offset D to go with the offset G, and not put so much strain on my right hand. As it is, I manage okay with a closed hole flute, but most certainly could not wriggle that finger around to cover the 'D' hole properly on an open holed flute... I have enough trouble while playing a tenor recorder and slightly larger penny whistles! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)

I have a theory that the only significant advantage of an open hole flute is that you can actually tell you're playing something when sat in an orchestra, being drowned out by all the brass: Because you can feel the air moving under your fingers. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

[notmusimum]

With open holed flutes, they're more versatile as you can put the 'plugs' in when you're just starting, so they can serve as a closed-hole flute, and then when you're better you can take the plugs out. This means that even if you're not ready for an open-holed flute, you don't have to upgrade again to have one.

I see. So an open holed flute can serve as a closed hole one.
I was looking at Pearl PF-661.
I wonder if it's technical to put the "plugs" in.

You need more advice from andante_in_c as I think the Flute sound changes when they are open holes with plugs. I don't think they are meant to be used for any length of time as closed hole flutes. I'm no expert but I seem to remember being given advice about open holes when we were looking to upgrade post Grade 4. We decided not to go down that route particularly as daughter was only 11 at the time. When she did eventually try an open hole Flute, at 15, she had no problems with it at all. I considered buying plugs but decided not to in the end.

I'm not really sure that open holes are a must and they certainly weren't needed up to and including grade 6.

Yes, I would agree with all notmusimum has said here. I wouldn't advise going down the open holed route at this stage, and plugs should only be regarded as a very temporary measure.

Phew! My memory isn't as bad as I suspected. That was from advice I think you gave me about 4-5 years ago (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[kharris]

Thanks for all the advice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

The open hole flute I was looking at is Pearl PF-661 and the closed hole one is Pearl PF 501E.
Both seems to be in good condition. The 661 has a silver head joint, which is , I thought, attractive.

My daughter is 17 and has rather large hands and long (& slender) fingers.
She's been playing the cello for nearly 7 years and the flute for about 5 months.
According to her flute teacher, she has reached Grade 5 level. At the moment she is playing mixture of Grade 5 & 6 repertoire
I don't think she ever had a go on a open hole flute. She did say that she'd used her teacher's flute which was really nice. No idea if that was open hole or not.
Should I concentrate on closed hole flute? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[Bagpuss]

kharris you have Bagmail (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Bx

[delorfinde]

Often open holed flutes come with plugs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think if she's got long figures it might be a good idea, especially since she'll probably advance pretty rapidly. However if there's anyway you can try out the two flutes you just need to go with the one she likes playing, because some people might hate Pearls or whatever (I love them but my teacher hates them).

[Flossie]

Often open holed flutes come with plugs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

As has already been said above, open hole flutes might come with bungs, but these don't offer a long-term solution because they change how the flute plays. Putting the bungs in alters how the column of air moves through the flute, and this affects both the sound and tuning.

I honestly think flautists get far too hung up about open holes - having an open/closed hole flute really doesn't change how good you are as a player or how far you are capable of going with your playing. The whole status thing where some people seem to think that they are better than others because they have an open hole flute is, frankly, misguided. There are many, many professional players who play closed hole flutes, and it doesn't make them 'worse' as players. I play an open holed flute, but that is because I prefer how the instrument feels - it doesn't make a jot of difference to my actual ability.

kharris - if your daughter is comfortable playing an open hole flute *without* bungs and prefers how the flute sounds and plays, then fine. If she needs the bungs then I honestly think she is better going for a closed hole model. Having a closed hole model will not hold her back, but having a flute which doesn't suit her can do. In general, those people who buy an open holed flute to play with bungs thinking "once I get used to it and correct my fingers then I'll take the bungs out" tend to still have the bungs in years later.

Please take your daughter to try flutes rather than just buying what you think sounds best on paper. You can try flutes out somewhere without making any commitment to buy one of them and find out which flutes suit your daughter best. Then if you are concerned about the cost (which I can entirely understand) you can look for what she wants on the second hand market. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[kharris]

Thanks for posting. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I see. It sounds like open hole vs. closed hole is personal preference. Am I right?
I'll try to take my daughter somewhere she can try out some flute to see how she gets on with them.
We'll definitely go for a second hand one, due to the limited budget.

[sbhoa]

Thanks for posting. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I see. It sounds like open hole vs. closed hole is personal preference. Am I right?
I'll try to take my daughter somewhere she can try out some flute to see how she gets on with them.
We'll definitely go for a second hand one, due to the limited budget.

I'm a clarinettist, not a flautist but I'm sure the same is relevant......Is her teacher able/willing to help with advice and/or going along to help in the choice?
I find that my teacher's input is invaluable when it comes to choosing a new instrument or mouthpiece. The teacher will be likely to know how to go about giving an instrument a good trial and the pair of experienced ears is useful too.

[kharris]

Thanks for posting. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I see. It sounds like open hole vs. closed hole is personal preference. Am I right?
I'll try to take my daughter somewhere she can try out some flute to see how she gets on with them.
We'll definitely go for a second hand one, due to the limited budget.

I'm a clarinettist, not a flautist but I'm sure the same is relevant......Is her teacher able/willing to help with advice and/or going along to help in the choice?
I find that my teacher's input is invaluable when it comes to choosing a new instrument or mouthpiece. The teacher will be likely to know how to go about giving an instrument a good trial and the pair of experienced ears is useful too.

Yes, I'm thinking about asking her teacher and her cello teacher's wife, who happens to be a flute teacher.
I did have a quick word with her (cello teacher's wife) a few months ago, and she did say if we could afford Yamaha it would be good. Then, I didn't know what I know now, so I just asked her if Yamaha is good. Anyway, I'll keep researching into this matter.

Thank you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[sjc]

flute vary so much from person to person my advice is to let your daughter try a few as she already has playing experience. what does play now??

maybe got to a music shop try lots of makes and models of flutes and then you know what to buy 2nd hand (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I do not think you will get a decent flute for your budget and maybe its worth spending a little more to get one which will last longer (just a thought)

someone mentioned Azumis ( they have altus ) head and sound really nice, Pearls are also nice instruments then there are trevour james step up flutes such as the cantibile. As said previously Yamaha dont suit everyone I personally dont get on with them.

Altus are fab but Im afraid they are in a different price bracket all together and they are still expensive second hand but iMO well worth the money (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)