Buying a Flute - Part 2

We regularly receive questions from associations and individuals about purchasing a flute. What should I pay attention to? Where does the price difference come from? How is it that a flute with only a silver headjoint is more expensive than a flute with a silver headjoint and a silver body? Should I have open or closed keys? A C-foot or a B-foot? In this section, a few answers.

By Peter Swinkels

Three types of flutes

Broadly speaking, we can divide the entire range of flutes into three types:

1. Factory-built flutes
2. Handmade flutes
3. Factory-built flutes with a handmade headjoint

Handmade Flutes
In contrast to factory-built flutes, which are produced in series, a handmade flute is produced individually. At most flute makers, this is done by four different builders: the headjoint maker, the body maker, the stringer, and the finisher. The headjoint maker makes the headjoint, the body maker makes the body of the flute with the tone holes, which can be soldered or drawn. Then he makes the ribs and posts on which the mechanism will later be mounted. His part in building the flute is completed by attaching the connector, the receiver, in which the headjoint is inserted, and the tenon onto which the footjoint is slid. The stringer builds the flute’s mechanism, complete with pads, springs, and cork and/or foam. Finally, the finisher performs the final adjustment of the mechanism and adjusts the headjoint to optimally match and resonate with the rest of the flute. He often does this together with the headjoint maker. Once this entire process is completed, the flute is placed in the case and sent to the customer for whom this flute is intended.
It will be clear that a handmade flute is generally of better quality than a factory-built flute. The flute is built much more precisely by different builders who are experts in their field. This generally translates into a better, richer sound, better intonation, more reliable mechanism, and above all, a unique character.

The prices of these flutes are generally much higher. These flutes are also made in many types of materials: silver, gold, wood, platinum, and a combination of these materials. These flutes are typically offered in the following configurations:

Material Price Indication
Silver-plated, silver lip plate From € 2,100.00
Silver-plated, silver headjoint From € 2,500.00
Silver headjoint and body, silver-plated mechanism From € 3,500.00
All silver From € 4,200.00
Gold headjoint and body, silver mechanism From € 21,000.00
All gold From € 40,000.00
Wooden headjoint and body, silver mechanism From € 7,000.00
Wooden headjoint and body, gold mechanism From € 20,000.00

The handmade flutes are available with countless options. The most common are E-mechanism and B-foot, while the C# trill is also becoming increasingly popular.

The flute department at Adams specializes in handmade flutes and usually has a large stock from the following brands: Brannen, Nagahara, Powell, Haynes, Altus, Muramatsu, Pearl, Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Abell, and Miyazawa.

Since every handmade flute has its own unique character, it is highly recommended to make an extensive comparison between as many flutes as possible in the desired price range before purchase. The flute department at Adams is happy to provide personal guidance in this regard. Therefore, it is also very important to plan an appointment for at least a full day before purchasing such a flute.

In the next installment, more information about factory-built flutes with a handmade headjoint.