Hi,

I am starting my performance diploma on flute after Easter and am wondering whether I should upgrade my flute. I am currently playing the Yamaha 311 but I don't know whether or not I would benifit from upgrading. I would really like a solid silver flute but they are pretty expensive! Also I am hoping to go to a music conservatoire in two years time so I don't know whether to upgrade now or then, I wouldn't want to have to upgrade twice! I would have about 1500 pounds to spend on this flute (2000 with a bit of help from dad if he thought it was worth it!)
I just wondered if any one had any suggestions as to whether I upgrade now or later. Would I struggle doing my diploma on a Yamaha 311? If so any ideas of what flute to upgrade to?
All suggestions will be really helpful!
Thanks
Surfergal x

What is the mechanism on your flute like? If it's in good shape (and Yams seem to stay in good shape a long time), you could effectively upgrade your flute by finding a handmade headjoint that really suits you, and still potentially have some money left over to save up and gain interest on for a later possible upgrade of the body too. That's what I would do anyway, though the 311 is a pretty good flute and I imagine it would be very possible to do a dip on it - but a really nice headjoint would give you more flexibility and tonal choices.

ps: also ask your teacher who will have a good idea of how you are doing with your current flute!

I did my dip on a yamaha 311 and didnt stuggle at all. I would wait and get one later, so that you can save even more and get a superb flute. I do agree with Sarah that a good headjoint does the world of difference! But again, it does depend on what sort of condition your flute is in. A good technician ought to be able to sort out any clicks and noisy pads for you if need be.

The yamaha 311 is a good flute and I think you could most definetly do well on it in your DipABRSM. After all, it's the player behind the instrument that counts. I have known people to get to gr.8 on the yamaha 211.

If you would like a new flute, I would stick to yamaha and perhaps go for the 614; it is solid silver with silverplated keywork and what a difference in comparison to the 311. It is about £1500, depending on where you buy it. Miyazawa and muramatsu have a good range too.

Not sure if your preference is open or closed hole. At such a standard, i'd reccomend you get an open hole. You can ask for corks, gradually take them out.

I did my whole BEd Hons Degree on my trusty Yamaha 211 SII.

Thanks!
I think I will just give my flute a good sevice and carry on saving for an even better one!

Good plan, you'll be grateful you did later!

Good plan!