STUDENT FLUTES

Do you have an old student model flute that you would like to get repaired? There are a few things to consider before spending any money.

Unless you replaced all the pads on your student flute within the past 15 years, your flute will likely need a complete overhaul. I specialize in professional flute repairs and don't stock student line materials, parts and pads. With the least expensive pad that I stock (JLSmith&Co. EPads) an overhaul on a student model flute would run between $740.00 and $900.00 depending on it's configuration (i.e. C or B foot, open or closed hole key mechanism, split E mechanism etc.). For that cost, you can probably purchase a Jupiter student flute for less, and it will be much more advanced in design than most older American-made student flutes. 

 

If you are an adult, my advice would be to purchase an instrument designed for an adult (If you can afford one, these are generally called university-line or semi-professional line flutes). Student flutes are designed for small "persons" with small mouths, lips, fingers, lung capacity, and are designed for ease of initial tone production so kids don't become discouraged. University level flutes are designed for full (or nearly full) grown individuals usually with developed technical skills. These flutes have the capacity to accept more air and have a richer and more complex tone. For a less advanced student some university level flutes might be harder to make an initial sound on, but have much more potential.

 

The Jupiter student flute is designed by Altus (a professional flute manufacturer) and is my first choice in student flutes. Student flutes are fine for getting a start, but they are designed for beginners.  They are easy to produce a sound on, but that same quality limits the ultimate potential for a more beautiful and flexible sound quality and response. If you are interested in purchasing an adult, non-professional flute, let me know and I can point you in the right direction. 

 

In used student flutes, I also like older Yamaha flutes made in Japan.

 

One more thought: student flutes can be made of silver or sterling silver and this can help give them a little bit better tone quality, but design in my opinion is more important than materials. And, manufacturers' marketing strategies not withstanding, a solid silver flute is not a professional flute unless the design is that of a professional flute (read $8000.00 and up for most brands).