Flute Types

Posted on August 29, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

Flute

Flute Types

Though quality of construction is generally related to brand name and to position in the flute “hierarchy,” the sound and playing properties of a flute don’t necessarily follow the hierarchical pattern.

These properties are determined mainly at the mouth hole, and the dimensions of this part of the flute are so critical that no two flutes ever sound or play exactly alike. So, while it’s a good idea to buy according to name and hierarchy, you should also choose on the basis of the individual flute.

I should state here that a beginner does not need a top-quality flute. The respect due a superior instrument demands that it be reserved for someone with a developed skill and a deep commitment. Generally, you are ready for a finer flute when you find it makes a difference in your playing.

Plateau Model, French Model

Two models of the modern flute are manufactured today: the plateau model and the French model. (In Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe, the French model is not generally available; in France, it is practically the only one used.) The main difference between the two is that the French, or open-hole, model has holes in the centers of five of the keys.

There are several advantages to this: the holes are said to give a very slightly clearer, louder sound, because the air vibrations are less muffled; some of the third octave notes have slightly better tuning; and on some notes, extra effects can be achieved by half-holing—covering only half the hole of a depressed key, in order to bend the note sharp. These effects are especially useful in some styles of jazz or in imitating various kinds of foreign music.

On the open-hole flute, when you press down one of the open keys, you must also close off the center hole with your finger so that no air can escape. This requires more strictness in the holding position, which you might consider either an advantage or a disadvantage.

Another difference between the two models is that the French model usually has a G key in line with the rest of the keys, while the G key on the plateau model is “offset” slightly. (Compare the illustration above with the Parts Chart at the beginning of this article). Though the in-line G has the advantage of “forcing” the left hand into a proper, vertical position, it is actually a somewhat clumsy arrangement; the offset G fits the hand much better.

The French model flute is slightly more expensive, both in initial purchase price and in maintenance costs.

Other Options and Variations

B foot joint. This style, available in most countries, has an extra key on the foot joint, enabling the flutist to play one note lower in the first octave.

Thin-wall construction (metal flute). The thinner walls give a higher, thinner sound that is more responsive but somewhat harder to control.
Open G-sharp key. This key arrangement is commonly found in Eastern Europe.

The lever played by the left little finger closes its hole when pressed, rather than opening the hole, as on most current-day flutes. This is the form of the mechanism that originally appeared on the modern flute, and a good case can be made for its superiority.

Find out more for your new or used flute here.

Flutes – Buying Name Brands

Posted on August 9, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flutes

Flutes – Buying Name Brands

With flutes, buying by name is generally a good practice, since the reputations of the better-known companies have been built by the quality of their products. Though there may be little difference between these flutes and the lesser-known brands in terms of sound and acoustic design, over a long period you will often find a difference in the durability of the instrument. If you don’t yourself know which brands are most respected, ask other flutists what names come to mind.

Metal Flutes—The Flute Hierarchy

There is a definite hierarchy of metal flutes, based mainly on the materials used and the care with which the flutes are made. As you go up the scale of metals, the quality of construction increases, and so does the price.

The least expensive flute, called a student model, is made from nickel-silver (also called German silver). Nickel-silver actually has no silver in it at all—it is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. If well made and properly cared for, a flute of this type can last a very long time.

Student flutes are covered, or plated, with a layer of either nickel or silver, to help resist corrosion. Silver plating lasts longer, gives a smoother, less metallic tone, is less slippery to hold, and can be reapplied when the original plating wears through. The only advantage to nickel plating is that it stays shiny with very little maintenance. Since the extra cost of silver plating is very small, it is preferable to the nickel.

Moving up the hierarchy of models, silver—with its slightly deeper, richer tone and slightly better “response”—replaces the other metals for more and more parts of the flute. The next step above a student flute is one in which the head joint is made of silver. Since the influence of the material on the flute occurs mainly at the head joint, this gives the flute basically the characteristics of a silver flute. The next level up is an all-silver body, and the one above that has a silver key mechanism as well.

Many times someone selling a flute secondhand assumes it is silver but actually has no idea what it is made of. Usually a flute says right on it if any portion of it is silver. Other ways to tell are: ask the original price; check the tenons, to see if silver plating has worn through; see whether it is nickel-plated—if the flute is nickel-plated, there is no silver in it.

Above the all-silver flutes in the hierarchy there is still one more large step—the handmade flutes. Most of these are made in silver, but gold and platinum are also available. Gold gives a “warmer,” “richer” sound than silver, with somewhat less carrying power. Platinum, first used because it would theoretically make the best flute material, has a tone generally considered ‘cold’.

http://www.markshep.com/flute/Finding.html

Need flutes? For all your flute needs, contact Exclusively Flutes through this link. http://exclusivelyflutes.com.au/flute-sales-new-used/

Tips on Choosing, Flute Hire, and Buying a New or Used Flute

Posted on July 25, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Hire

Tips on Choosing, Flute Hire, and Buying a New or Used Flute

Many music stores have flute hire programs.

Flute hire at first can give you a chance to try out flute playing, and the particular flute, without making a heavy financial commitment.

Most stores will apply at least part of the flute hire to an eventual purchase, usually at secondhand prices.

For beginners, flute hire can be a win, win situation.

The more you know about flutes, and the more sensitive you are to them, the more likely you are to wind up with the right one for you. There are a number of ways of finding a flute to start playing. One of the most common, of course, is to buy one from a music store. One advantage of this is that you can compare and choose from a variety of flutes. Many music stores also sell reconditioned flutes or demonstrator models, which can be good bargains.

It is best to buy from a music store that has its own repair facilities and one that will guarantee the flute for a period of time. Most new flutes come with a guarantee from the maker, but this can mean you have to send the instrument back to the factory for a three-minute adjustment!

Used flutes can be found through newspaper ads, music school bulletin boards, pawn shops, flea markets, etc. Some incredible bargains can be discovered this way. When you inspect the flute, however, it is important to know exactly what you’re doing or to bring along someone who does.

Or you may have a friend who owns a flute that’s not being used and who is willing to loan it to you. There’s no more economical way to start on the flute!

Exclusively Flutes will be happy to discuss any flute hire questions you might have, and to arrange flute hire for you. Please just visit our website at www.exclusively flutes.com.au, and go to the Flute Hire page for our contact form.

Flute Service

Posted on July 11, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Service

You should have a professional flute service every 6-12 months. In a routine flute service, the technician should complete tasks such as:

removing any dents from the body of the flute.
check all pads for wear, and make necessary replacements.
a small amount of shimming.
a full clean of the flute, including under the mechanism, removing most dust and tarnish.
inspection of the case, to ensure it is adequately protecting the flute.
cleaning and oiling of the mechanism, to keep it running smoothly.
inspection and necessary replacement of any worn or missing felts or corks.
inspection of the instrument for air leaks, and make necessary adjustments.

Specialized Tasks not covered in a flute service

Various further tasks may be required to bring your flute to full working order, which are not carried out in a regular flute service. Often this would be to treat damage inflicted upon the flute, such as a bent key or a snapped spring. These things can be costly to repair, so you are best advised to take good care of your instrument in the first place!

After your flute service

Do not leave your flute sitting in the open air for extended periods (and NEVER on a chair!)

This will encourage silver flutes to tarnish.
There is a greater opportunity for dust to collect on the mechanism.
There is greater potential for your flute to be knocked over (or sat on!) by an unsuspecting passer-by.

Do not allow non-flute players to fool around on your flute.

Always wash your hands before you begin to play, and if possible, clean your teeth. Dental hygiene (especially after eating) helps to prevent sticky pads.

Avoid leaving musical instruments in vehicles. Temperatures inside vehicles reach extremes of hot and cold, causing glues to melt, or lubricants to become quite sticky. In addition, instruments are generally not covered by motor vehicle insurance, and are a prime candidate for theft.

Have a professional flute service regularly.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Flute/Flute_Maintenance

Buying New and Used Flutes

Posted on June 27, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

Buying New and Used Flutes

I found the following article on eBay about new and used flutes, and extracted some of the more informative paragraphs, which I thought people considering purchasing a new flute might find useful:

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Flute-Guide-/10000000000818282/g.html

Not all flutes, not even all new flutes, are ever worth buying at any price. $100 is a great price for a good used flute. Lots of used flutes on eBay sell for $100 or under. Very, very few of these are worth buying. Let’s start at the bottom of the new & used flute pile and move upwards.

The worst new & used flutes for sale on eBay are the Chinese imports. I’m not just talking about the obvious ones, with the poorly translated titles like “fair sounding lucky flute instrument” auctions from China. The same new flutes are sold by American (and Australian) businesses who import these flutes by the thousand. Most of the “bankruptcy sales” and “80% off retail” listings are these flutes. All of the coloured flutes fall into this category. These coloured flutes, be they pink or blue or black or whatever, are all extremely low quality. Most of the listings which describe the flutes by year such as “2006 model” or “2007 model” are these new & used flutes. (Real new & used flutes are not like cars. They are not sold by model year.) For some reason they often come with “joint protectors”, or little plastic caps that fit on the end of the tenons. Sometimes they are sold with grease for the joints. (This is unusual for the good brands). They will claim a normal retail value in the $600 range. This is an exaggeration; they import these new flutes from China for as little as $25 per flute. The descriptions are suave with much html and they look quite professional. They will claim to be high quality and will say they are not the cheap imitations you have heard about, even though they are. They will say they are enormously popular in school band programs. (Band directors and flute teachers laugh at these flutes.) My favorite thing they say is that these flutes are “Teacher Approved.” There is no teacher I know of who would recommend these flutes for their students. Even though they are made in China, they are not always shipped from China, but rather are sold from America (or Australia). The sellers are often American Power Sellers with tons of very positive feedback. People post feedback immediately upon receiving the new flute in the mail. They open up the package, look at the shiny flute which they have no clue how to play and immediately send rave reviews to the seller’s feedback account. A month later, when the flute literally falls apart, the buyers are unable to leave negative feedback because they already left positive feedback. When they do break, the warranties will be recently expired. And of course, these sellers never give anyone their phone numbers or email addresses, and never answer questions.

There are many reasons why these new & used flutes are a waste of money. They are manufactured in China by unskilled assembly line workers who get paid less than a dollar per hour. The metal these new & used flutes are made of is not nickel-silver, or even brass. It’s usually pot metal, an alloy of copper and lead. Folks, there could be serious concerns here about lead poisoning. The metal is brittle and has a low 900 degree melting point. The low melting point makes this metal easy to work with in the construction of the flute, but impossible to repair. (The flutes are cast instead of forged.) These truly are “disposable flutes.” Dents cannot be removed from pot metal, ribs and posts cannot be reattached with solder, and the tenons cannot be adjusted. The silver plating is microscopically thin and will wear off quickly. Even worse, the silver plating is often applied with chemicals containing cyanide. (I wonder if they take the time to wash these chemicals off?) The metal underneath is grey and ugly. Spare parts are not available for these new & used flutes, since it is always unknown which factory they came from. Either way, these factories do not sell spare parts anyway. There is no music store that I know of that would even attempt to repair a Chinese flute. And I have seen some rather shocking construction defects on these flutes over the years.

What should I buy? Good new & used flutes are made by good brands. Enough said. End of story. No exceptions. The sellers of the Chinese instruments I described above will claim that their brand is famous, well known, and high quality. Sometimes they exaggerate; most often they out and out lie. Most of those brands are not brands at all. The Chinese factories that sell these flutes sell them completely unmarked with no brand or serial number. The American (or Australian) importers engrave their own American sounding names onto the new flutes, along with a meaningless serial number. When enough bad reputation spreads around the internet they just change the brand name.

In contrast the manufacturer of our new flutes, Gemeinhardt is the largest exclusive manufacturer of flutes and piccolos in the world. Their 2SP model is the top selling flute and the second-best selling band instrument in the U.S.A. This is according to Gemeinhardt’s own press releases, which can be read on Gemeinhardt’s website at http://www.gemeinhardt.com/ We also only stock quality used flutes, made by leading manufacturers, and they are all fully re-conditioned by Exclusively Flutes, and subject to strict quality control, and sold with warranty for your peace of mind.

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

Posted on June 11, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

New Flute

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

We’re confident that you will enjoy your new flute from Gemeinhardt flutes. Your woodwind instrument was designed by master craftsmen to give you quality sound and maximum potential. You can help maintain your new flute in “like-new” condition following these tips on cleaning and suggestions for general use.

Storing your new flute

When not using your new flute, keep it closed in its case to help protect the finish from unnecessary exposure to impurities in the air, especially in geographic areas affected by salt or sulfur content. Also, keeping the instrument in its case helps prevent the possibility of damage by dropping it accidentally.

Do not store yournew flute in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.

Putting your new flute together

Before assembling your new flute, wipe the tenons (ends) clean. Remember that even under normal circumstances, slight scratches on the tenons will appear after time since metal is rubbing against metal. Never use grease, oil or silver polish on tenons. When assembling the instrument, avoid grabbing the key mechanism. Carefully, but firmly, hold the main body and insert the tenons in the receivers with a twisting motion. Align the embouchure hole on the head joint (the section without keys) in direct line with the first (closest) key on the front of the main body (longest section). Align the rod on the foot joint (shortest joint with keys) exactly in the center of the last key on the main body. If you have any questions, your teacher will be glad to be of assistance.

Putting your new flute away

After you have played your instrument, clean it before putting it away. Moisture left inside your new flute can cause faster pad deterioration. Cleaning the inside can be done by threading a pre-washed flannel cloth through the slot on the cleaning rod (wrap the cloth around the rod) and running the rod through the inside of the flute. The outside of the new flute may be wiped with a plain damp cloth to remove finger marks.

Tarnish prevention tips

If you wish to preserve the finish of your new flute, we suggest using the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit, available by order through Exclusively Flutes. You will find this kit desirable since tarnishing is a characteristic of silver (which requires constant care).

The polishing mitt in the kit will remove tarnish and help retain the original beauty of your new flute. A word about body acids: Perspiration or body acids can cause more severe tarnishing. More frequent use of the polishing mitt in the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit will keep the finish looking better. We do not recommend the use of silver polish. Silver is a soft metal and prolonged usage of an abrasive polish will cause signs of wear on the finish. Under no circumstances should you use any commercial silver polish on the instrument.

Key mechanism

Oil the key mechanism occasionally and sparingly. Once every month should be sufficient and oil should be applied with a special key oiler to prevent excessive application. Wipe off any excessive oil carefully. A special key oiler is available from Exclusively Flutes as a part of the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit. Also included in this kit are swabs, a polishing mitt and a brush that may be used to wipe the dust and dirt away from the key area.

Pad care

Pads will get dirty and sticky even when you do your best to keep them clean. Pads may be cleaned using a small amount of alcohol on a cloth. Do not use water since it will cause pads to swell and ruin proper pad seating.

Repair and maintenance

Worn felts, worn corks, loose pads, bent springs or keys can result after a period of continuous use (usually six months or more). Periodic services by Exclusively Flutes are important and will help avoid costly repairs later on. This constant attention will keep the instrument in top playing condition.

If you have further questions about the care and maintenance of your new flute, please consult with your teacher, Exclusively Flutes, or write to Gemeinhardt at:

Gemeinhardt Musical Instruments, LLC. 
57882 State Road 19 
Elkhart, IN 46517

Gemeinhardt is more than a fine new flute. It is the name of the master craftsman who first created these remarkably fine woodwind instruments.

Originally designed by Kurt Gemeinhardt to be mechanically, acoustically and musically correct in every price range, today’s Gemeinhardt flutes are still crafted in the tradition of the master’s own creation. That is why they still bear the name and why we recommend Gemeinhardt flutes with complete confidence.

Courtesy of Gemeinhardt

http://www.gemeinhardt.com/support/cleaning-care.html

Don’t forget Exclusively Flutes for all your New and Used Flute Sales, Flute Hire, Flute Servicing, Flute Repairs, Flute Tuition, Flutist for Hire, and Flute Gifts and Flute Accessories.

Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes

Posted on June 5, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes

Why We Sell Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes.

Exclusively Flutes sells and hires brand new Gemeinhardt flutes, and are proud to do so. Our mainstay, the Gemeinhardt 2SP, is the world’s number one selling student flute, and there are good reasons for Gemeinhardt Instruments being number one.

Feedback from all our students, instructors, and customers alike, is all positive, and along the lines of its ease of playing, and warm tone from Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes.

It also represents unbeatable value for money, especially when compared to some of its Japanese competitors. There will always be strong and differing opinions when it comes to such a personal thing as a flute, but with such overwhelming popularity, can all of those people be wrong about Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes?

The Story of Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes

The Gemeinhardt story begins with Kurt Gemeinhardt, a fourth generation flute maker. He was born in Markneukirchen, Germany, a region with two centuries of instrument making tradition, and served an apprenticeship under his father. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, Kurt left Germany to work his trade in St. Gallen, Switzerland, where he crafted handmade flutes for the world’s most prestigious musicians. While in Switzerland his fame as the foremost creator of quality hand-crafted musical instruments spread worldwide.

In 1928, Kurt Gemeinhardt was persuaded to travel to America to create instruments in Elkhart, Indiana. After twenty years of developing flutes for others, Kurt opened his own manufacturing plant, The Gemeinhardt Company, where every instrument since has been engraved with the Gemeinhardt name. Initially, Kurt’s vision was to produce a limited quantity of professional all-silver flutes, but demand for his unique flutes increased beyond his expectations. The original 20- by 40-foot Gemeinhardt factory was replaced in 1951 with a new plant, designed by Kurt himself, to meet new manufacturing needs. By this time the Gemeinhardt line expanded to include mid-priced flutes, soon followed by the introduction of entry-level flutes. Gemeinhardt’s newest expansion occurred in September 1997 with the acquisition of Roy Seaman Piccolo Company. Roy Seaman manufactures handcrafted, grenadilla wood piccolos. This legendary name is known worldwide for professional quality instruments.

Through growth and product demand, Gemeinhardt emerged as the music industry’s largest exclusive manufacturer of flutes and piccolos. Today, Gemeinhardt Co., Inc. manufactures flutes and piccolos for all levels of musicians, ranging from student to professional. With the advancement of technology, sophisticated machinery enables a level of precision and consistency that was once uncontrollable. But, it is the human touch that properly fits and regulates each flute to reach optimum sound quality and harmonization.

Here at Gemeinhardt Musical Instruments we globally manufacture our instruments, utilizing the talent, expertise, and efficiencies of our factories in the U.S., Taiwan, and China. For example, many of the key components are produced in all three countries, the C flute head joints, and all of our piccolos are made in the U.S., The flute final assembly is done in Taiwan and China to meticulous standards. We also do a final quality check in the U.S.

Today, the Gemeinhardt Company provides a wide range of instruments for the student to the professional. As the Gemeinhardt family did for four generations, the artisans at Gemeinhardt and our worldwide partners share their expertise, passing on the time honored art of musical instrument making from generation to generation, taking great pride in placing the Gemeinhardt name on every instrument.

The above comes courtesy of the Gemeinhardt website, and can be found at the link below

http://www.gemeinhardt.com/our-story.html

Flute Types

Though quality of construction is generally related to brand name and to position in the flute “hierarchy,” the sound and playing properties of a flute don’t necessarily follow the hierarchical pattern.

Flutes

Flutes – Buying Name Brands

Metal Flutes—The Flute Hierarchy

Tips on Choosing, Flute Hire, and Buying a New or Used Flute

Many music stores have flute hire programs.

Flute hire at first can give you a chance to try out flute playing, and the particular flute, without making a heavy financial commitment.

Flute Service

You should have a professional flute service every 6-12 months. In a routine flute service, the technician should complete tasks such as:

Specialized Tasks not covered in a flute service

After your flute service

Buying New and Used Flutes

I found the following article on eBay about new and used flutes, and extracted some of the more informative paragraphs, which I thought people considering purchasing a new flute might find useful:

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

Storing your new flute

Do not store yournew flute in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.

Putting your new flute together

Why We Sell Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes.

Exclusively Flutes sells and hires brand new Gemeinhardt flutes, and are proud to do so. Our mainstay, the Gemeinhardt 2SP, is the world’s number one selling student flute, and there are good reasons for Gemeinhardt Instruments being number one.

Feedback from all our students, instructors, and customers alike, is all positive, and along the lines of its ease of playing, and warm tone from Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes.

The Story of Gemeinhardt Instruments, Gemeinhardt 2SP and Gemeinhardt Flutes

Why Hire a Flute?

Hire a Flute!

New and Used Flute Sales