Flute Buying Guide For Beginners
When it comes to choosing the right flute for you, you’ll want to take into consideration some factors that might influence your decision. These factors include your personal style and budget. These important factors are addressed in this article and you will be provided with great advice on how to choose the right flute for you.
Flutes from the early days
The flute is an instrument which produces sound waves from vibrating strings. They are made from wood or ivory, and sometimes have metal or plastic keys. These are sometimes called reed-aerophones. They are the closest wind instruments to the human voice, and they are often played with plucked instruments or singers.
Paleolithic was the period when flutes first appeared. The first flutes used animal bones. The Renaissance saw the creation of a prototype for a modern flute.
Early flutes were made of a cylindrical body with a hole for the embouchure. You could play each note by opening one or more of the seven holes. Only certain semitones were produced.
Musicians began to play around with key placement and number in the 19th century. One flute could produce notes which were two notes apart. They were often made with a movable cutting edge. You could also have different fingerings.
Wooden flutes
Native American flutes are wooden flutes. They have a soft, more earthy tone than the metal flutes. They are also more appropriate for folk and concert music. These flutes are more rare than the metal ones. They can make a distinctive and thrilling sound.
They are available in many varieties. Some types include end-blown, rim-blown, and directly-blown. There are also flutes made from bamboo, in addition to the traditional flute.
It is crucial to research any instrument before you make a purchase. A good flute can make a nice addition to your collection. But, if you aren’t careful, you may get stuck with a poor quality flute that’s difficult to play.
A wood flute with a tuning slide is the best choice if you’re playing with a band or in a group. But, if you’re just looking for something to play on your own, you’ll want to go with one that doesn’t come with a tuning slide.
Metal flutes
Metal flutes are produced in a number of different alloys. Typically, they are made of an alloy that includes silver or copper. They are a relatively light material, pliable and durable, although they tend to tarnish easily.
Professional flutes can be made from platinum, solid silver or gold. Although these flutes can be voiced harmonically or imitatively, they are more costly. Professionals often prefer these flutes.
Metal flutes come in a variety of shapes. You can choose from flutes that have a truncated conical shape with tapered sides and a straight head or flutes that have a Pedal Bourdon with a smooth, flat surface. There are also flutes with conical or cylindrical pipes. They are very similar to organ pipes but are tuned with tuning collars and Mutation Stops.
Keys
Flute keys change the pitch by pressing the keys. These are round metal covers made of padded metal and are attached to metal rods. Most flute keys are found on the body joint of the instrument. However, some flutes have open holes in the side of the instrument.
Tenons are part of the body joint, as well as other components that connect to the tube at its head. Some flutes have a barrel with engraving that includes the name and address of the flute maker. In others, the barrel is a decorative fluting area.
You can operate the upper c key on the flute with either your left thumb or right index finger. You can close the upper c key with your right middle finger. This feature makes it easier to play the third octave E.
Flute pads
Your flute’s sound is greatly enhanced by the use of flute pads. Flute pads provide comfort and allow the key to close smoothly. But not all pads are created equal. Some are specifically designed for a particular brand. The materials used in a pad’s components can make a difference. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a new one.
The best flute pads are those that produce a well-balanced tone. The shape and material of a pad can play a big role in acoustics.
When choosing a pad, look for those that are both airtight and flat. Airtight covers are generally made of leather or skin. Some pads use Goretex or synthetic rubber/foam.
A traditional pad may produce a balanced sound but it will not be as good as a firmer, modern product.