Flute Shopping

I, by no means, am the expert on shopping for flutes; however, I do have some thoughts on the process from my experiences as the person shopping and as a person helping someone else.  It can and should be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be a bit stressful.  There is a lot to consider when you are looking for a flute especially since there are so many options.  Not only are there many flute makers, each "brand" offers a variety of options in the material the flute is made from, the thickness of the wall of the tubing, the bonus keys and "cheater" keys ( I am looking at you split-E) that can make your life easier, the mechanism, the head joints and foot joints, custom engravings, etc.

While all of that is important, well, maybe not the engravings, what is most important is why you are even looking for a new flute.  Hopefully, there is a reason, a good one too since these babies can get pretty expensive.  If you have had your current flute for years, you have a relationship with it of sorts; this means you know what you love about it and what you don't.  If you feel your flute is holding you back from reaching your full flutey-musical potential, looking for a new flute is a good idea.  Thus begins my thoughts:

1)  Even if you think you know exactly what flute you want, be open minded.  If you are able, go to a flute shop like Flute World or Flute Specialists in person (physically place yourself in their shop...instead of the convenient online option), or to the specific flute maker's shop (Boston houses Brannen, Haynes, and Powell, which equals and awesome road trip) so that you can try the flutes in person.  Once you play the dream flute...you might find yourself dreaming something else because the original dream didn't quite live up to...your dream.

2) Again, if possible, bring someone knowledgeable with you.  This one might be a bit trickier, but the good thing is that Brannen, Haynes, Powell, and the like all have sales specialist who often know the ins-and-outs of their products extremely well.  If you tell them what you are looking for in a new flute they can help steer you in the right direction.  This is another time to remain open minded.  The sales specialists might offer a suggestion, a different flute or head joint for you to try once they have heard you play.  They can be amazing resources as an extra set of ears especially if they understand your complaints with your current flute (which you should bring and play for comparison) and your desires for you new flute.

2.5)  If you can't go to Boston (ain't nobody got time for that) and you can't drag your lesson teacher with you, you can always look into the trial programs of the flute super stores or flute makers.  They will give you anywhere from 4 days to a couple weeks to test the flute out.  Then you can take it to your lessons or ensemble rehearsals and give it a real life situation trial.  That's not a bad Plan B if you ask me.

3) Don't be nervous to play in front of the sales specialists or to be honest with them about what you think about the flute you are trying.  They can't help you if you aren't completely open and honest.

4) Never settle.  Yes, you have to stick to a budget and you might not be able to afford exactly what you want.  However, the worst thing you can do is buy a flute you don't like all that much or that isn't exactly what you want.  You'll probably just end up wanting another new flute in the not too distant future.  There is a flute out there for you - keep looking for it.  Never settle.

5) If budgeting is an issue, instead of buying a whole new flute (depending on what flute you are currently playing of course) consider upgrading your head joint.  A new and improved head joint could completely alter your perspective of your current flute and when you finally have the budget for your new flute, that new head joint will still work just fine.

6) Finally, as previously stated, know what you want.  Is your current flute too heavy?  Do you want to change the metal?  Do you wish you could play softer/louder?  Is there a certain color or tone you are looking for?  Consider your flute career: are you a soloist or a member of an ensemble.  There are many questions you should ask yourself in preparation for shopping.  Take the time to ask and answer the questions as best you can.

These aren't the only things to think about when flute shopping, but they are the first that come to mind for me and they are relatively important, don't you think?

I look forward to the day, hopefully not to far in the future, that I will get to go flute shopping.  I'm thinking either Brannen or Powell with a Lafin head joint (Mancke wouldn't insult me either)...I guess for now I will have to continue to make due with the Brannen I already have.  Sigh, my life is rough (please note heavy use of sarcasm).

But seriously, have you seen the new Powell Ruby Aurumite Flute?  Rose gold and a ruby...so pretty.