You should consider several factors when choosing the best flute for you. 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.
Early flutes
The flute is an instrument which produces sound waves from vibrating strings. These instruments can be made of wood, ivory or metal and may have plastic or metal keys. They are also called reed aerophones. They are the closest wind instruments to the human voice, and they are often played with plucked instruments or singers.
The oldest flutes were crafted during the Paleolithic period. The first flutes used animal bones. The Renaissance saw the creation of a prototype for a modern flute.
The early flutes had a cylindrical shape with an embouchure hole. 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. Some flutes were able to produce two notes that octaved apart. These flutes were frequently made using a moving 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. These flutes are more suitable for concert and folk music. They are rarer than metal flutes. However, they can produce a unique and exciting sound.
They are available in many varieties. Some types include end-blown, rim-blown, and directly-blown. In addition to the classic flute, there are even flutes made of bamboo.
As with any instrument, it is important to do your homework before making a purchase. A good flute can make a nice addition to your collection. If you’re not careful you might end up with an unplayable flute.
A wood flute with a tuning slide is the best choice if you’re playing with a band or in a group. If you are looking to just play the flute on its own, you will want one without 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. These types of flutes are often preferred by professionals.
There are many options for metal flutes. There are flutes with a truncated cone, with straight sides and a tapered head, or with a Pedal Bourdon, with a smooth surface. You can also find flutes that have conical, or cylindrical pipes. These are similar to organ pipes, but they are tuned using tuning collars or Mutation Stops.
Keys
The keys on flutes change the pitch of the instrument. They are small, round, padded metal covers that are mounted on metal rods. The body joint is where most flute keys can be found. 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. In some flutes, the barrel is engraved with the name of the flute maker. Some flutes have a barrel that is used as a fluting surface.
The upper c-key on the flute can be operated by either the left thumb or the 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
Flute pads are crucial to the sound of your flute. Flute pads provide comfort and allow the key to close smoothly. Not all pads are the same. Some are specifically designed for a particular brand. The materials used in a pad’s components can make a difference. These are the things you should consider before buying a new pad.
Flute pads that have a balanced tone are the best. 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. Most airtight pads are made from leather or skin. Some pads use Goretex or synthetic rubber/foam.
While a traditional pad can create a well-balanced sound, it is unlikely to outperform a modern, firmer product.