Alto Flute Options

[missfabflute]

Has anyone got an Alto flute or experience playing one before?

I've only seen one in the shops! :P lol

[Helen]

I have tried one. We have 2 at our flute choir. Your arms get so tired because its bigger than a normal flute, and it takes a LOT more puff to get notes out of it!! Although the alto with a bent head is easier to use. :)

[nicki_flute]

I love the alto flute - I really want one. My friend has one. They cost typically around £2000-£4000 although you can cheaper/more expensive ones. Alto flutes are used in flute choirs a lot and although there is some sheet music specifically for the alto, you have to be quite advanced to play it. In the Just Flutes catalogue, there are a few for Grade 5 people but most for Grade 8+.
They are heavier than a normal flute but I love the deep, mellow sound they produce. I have played one on flute courses, but only for a few minutes, as I said, I would love to have one and be able to play on it all the time!

[tamsin]

If you think an alto is heavy, try a base flute. That really does make your arms want to drop off, as you still have to keep it horizontal etc!

[its so rock n roll]

Alto flutes are a real pain! bass flutes are amazing but yeah they do kinda hurt your arms...great sound though!
Alex
xxxx

[violingirl]

i went to a concert and there was a member of the london sinfonietta playing the alto flute. when she had the solos, i was wondering why the flute was lower than usual. after the concert i realised it was an alto flute. but they're actually quite cool! :)