Flute
7 STEPS FOR CHOOSING A BEGINNER FLUTE – PART 2
7 STEPS FOR CHOOSING A BEGINNER FLUTE – PART 2
5. Get the right size
Flutes don’t come in different ‘sizes’ as such, but you can get curved headjoints for a small beginner. This brings the keys of the flute closer to the body, reducing the stretch. If your child needs a curved headjoint, the truth is that it will cost more; but the problems if you don’t get a curved headjoint could far outweigh the price difference. Neck and back pain from over-stretching can arise, and players can easily get into the bad habit of poor posture. It can take many years to sort out a poor posture that wouldn’t have arisen with a curved headjoint.
6. A good brand will hold its value
Unlike many things in this modern world – cars, computers, phones to name a few – flutes can hold their value very well. Many major manufacturers have been making the same models for years, so you don’t need to worry about your flute being obsolete or superceded in six months’ time. In fact, because of ever-rising metal prices, some customers have been lucky enough to discover that a flute bought new a few years ago is now worth more second hand than they paid new!
7. Think ahead
Hopefully, you’re buying a flute with the intention of sticking at it and developing your ability and sound. Certain beginner flutes are upgradable by replacing the headjoint (the part that you blow in to). Putting a handmade silver headjoint on one of these is like loading it with rocket fuel – the improvement is immense, for a fraction of the price of an intermediate flute.
If you stick to this advice, you will have an instrument that will give you many years of reliable use and enjoyment, with that all-important room for development.
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