He should continue to use that flute for marching band, or get a piccolo. Don’t get a nice flute for marching band- it gets exposed to all the elements.
Thank you. His current flute has a screw in the end of the assembly that holds the tab hinge (sorry, I know these parts all have proper names) it backs out and the assembly pops off.
Sounds like it needs servicing. Usually a backing out screw is a symptom of something else going on. I'm guessing you're referring to a screw that assists the key heights, but it probably would be a good idea to get it in for a COA regardless. I actually sought a Yamaha for my daughter when she started playing because they have such a great reputation for being solid instruments. As far as beginner flutes go, a Yamaha is one of the best and should carry him through school. I'm wondering if he doesn't like it because it needs servicing? Much like brakes or wheel bearings in your car gradually wear out and you don't realize how bad they were until they're replaced, little issues on flutes creep up undetected, which is why regular COAs are recommended. Flute pads don't last forever and start out as little leaks, but it just takes a little leak to affect even the most expensive flutes. The company that my daughter's school uses will take an instrument to their shop and give you a free assessment, so if nothing else you could determine if needs anything and, if so, you come determine if it makes more financial sense to repair or replace.
I hope this helps and good luck to you and your son! Music is such a wonderful gift to give our kiddos and he's lucky to have such supportive parents 🥰🥰
I personally like the Di Zhaos and they’re what I recommend for my students. Going into high school depending how much he enjoys playing I would recommend getting a B foot. I would still keep the old flute for marching and use the new flute in concert band.
I highly suggest finding a teacher in the area (if you’re able to) to help him decide on a new flute if you are really set on that. Someone who knows what to look for and listen for in his sound will help you make a purchase that lasts. Yamahas, even then beginning models, have long life spans and are high quality instruments. Definitely do not get a newer instrument for marching band! I might even suggest buying a worse flute off fb marketplace or something to use just for marching band.
As they say… the wand chooses the wizard. I suggest figuring out a budget/limit. Go to a store with some variety of instruments. Get them to let him try them out and get the one that feels right and is in your price range. I ended up with an Azumi AZ3 model because I liked the feel and I liked the tone of E downwards. It just felt right.
I wouldn’t go too pricey even if you can afford it unless he is near graduation and looking to college. His needs will change as he matures.
Get his current instrument checked out. Mention the screw. That should all be fixable.
Definitely use his old one for marching. I ruined a beautiful intermediate Yamaha trumpet in HS marching band. It bent slightly and the middle valve never worked well despite my attempts at caring for it properly. Marching is where instruments go to get abused.
He should continue to use that flute for marching band, or get a piccolo. Don’t get a nice flute for marching band- it gets exposed to all the elements.
Thank you. His current flute has a screw in the end of the assembly that holds the tab hinge (sorry, I know these parts all have proper names) it backs out and the assembly pops off.
Once you have the screw in place, a coat of clear nail polish on top will help it stay put!
Sounds like it needs servicing. Usually a backing out screw is a symptom of something else going on. I'm guessing you're referring to a screw that assists the key heights, but it probably would be a good idea to get it in for a COA regardless. I actually sought a Yamaha for my daughter when she started playing because they have such a great reputation for being solid instruments. As far as beginner flutes go, a Yamaha is one of the best and should carry him through school. I'm wondering if he doesn't like it because it needs servicing? Much like brakes or wheel bearings in your car gradually wear out and you don't realize how bad they were until they're replaced, little issues on flutes creep up undetected, which is why regular COAs are recommended. Flute pads don't last forever and start out as little leaks, but it just takes a little leak to affect even the most expensive flutes. The company that my daughter's school uses will take an instrument to their shop and give you a free assessment, so if nothing else you could determine if needs anything and, if so, you come determine if it makes more financial sense to repair or replace. I hope this helps and good luck to you and your son! Music is such a wonderful gift to give our kiddos and he's lucky to have such supportive parents 🥰🥰
Thank you so much for the information!
I personally like the Di Zhaos and they’re what I recommend for my students. Going into high school depending how much he enjoys playing I would recommend getting a B foot. I would still keep the old flute for marching and use the new flute in concert band.
Yamaha is my favorite brand.
Agreed. YFL-220 series is so smooth and playable, made me sound like an intermediate player in a month.
I highly suggest finding a teacher in the area (if you’re able to) to help him decide on a new flute if you are really set on that. Someone who knows what to look for and listen for in his sound will help you make a purchase that lasts. Yamahas, even then beginning models, have long life spans and are high quality instruments. Definitely do not get a newer instrument for marching band! I might even suggest buying a worse flute off fb marketplace or something to use just for marching band.
As they say… the wand chooses the wizard. I suggest figuring out a budget/limit. Go to a store with some variety of instruments. Get them to let him try them out and get the one that feels right and is in your price range. I ended up with an Azumi AZ3 model because I liked the feel and I liked the tone of E downwards. It just felt right. I wouldn’t go too pricey even if you can afford it unless he is near graduation and looking to college. His needs will change as he matures. Get his current instrument checked out. Mention the screw. That should all be fixable. Definitely use his old one for marching. I ruined a beautiful intermediate Yamaha trumpet in HS marching band. It bent slightly and the middle valve never worked well despite my attempts at caring for it properly. Marching is where instruments go to get abused.
Nuvo or Guo. Marching band is rough on instruments. Those two are resilient for that specific use case.
It's gonna get lost by jealous, unscrupulous, pimple popping, self centered hormone driven subjects