<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDeciding on your price range is an important first step when purchasing a flute for jazz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It would be great to be able to buy a solid sterling silver Haynes flute for somewhere around $15,000-$20,000, but you can find a very good flute for a lot less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One smart possibility is to purchase a good quality intermediate level flute<\/strong>. There are quite a few to choose from that produce the clear, full sound that\u2019s needed, whether playing in a big band or a jazz combo. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAn intermediate flute for jazz can run between $1,100.00 and $2,2500.00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If an intermediate flute is out of your price range, think about purchasing a student level flute and combine it with a solid silver head joint. This will help your sound have the clarity and warmth that\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can often find a new student flute for $500-$1,000. Some solid silver headjoints cost less than $500.00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Jazz flute material<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFlutes can be made from several metals, including silver, gold, platinum, and gold-plated, silver-plated, or nickel-plated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nickel and alloys are used for inexpensive beginner models. Nickel is light and produces a crisp, light tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silver and silver-plated flutes have a darker sound due to the heavier metal. Nearly all intermediate and professional models are silver or silver-plated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the higher end are gold and gold-plated flutes, which claim to offer a colorful, warm tone and are visually attractive. The purity of the gold varies in karat, much like jewelry, so a 24-karat gold flute will hold a high price tag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platinum is a prestige metal used in the most expensive of flutes, and solid platinum flutes cost more than some houses. It is not necessary to invest in platinum for your jazz flute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are active debates about whether the material directly affects the sound, but it is undeniable that the more expensive materials are used in higher quality craftsmanship. T<\/p>\n\n\n\n
he density of the metal seems to be the bigger influence on the tone rather than the type of metal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, a solid metal flute is preferable to alloys and plated metals. Silver or gold flutes are most often used in jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flutes which are solid silver are regarded as the best investment. They produce a clear but warm, round sound. However, there are many silver plated instruments on the market that are quite good, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Embouchure hole (head joint)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, the head joint is a very important consideration when buying a flute for jazz. It can be purchased separately, but that will obviously add to the cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you decide to buy a head joint, it is best to purchase one which is solid silver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shape and height of the embouchure hole varies with the different head joints. In general, a larger embouchure hole produces a larger sound for jazz<\/strong>. A small embouchure hole works best for soft playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Smooth key action<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor most styles of music, a flute needs to have easy movement of the keys. In jazz, you want to be able to play fast passages<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is more difficult if the keys are stiff and your fingers have to work hard to open and close the holes and keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key action will vary even between two flutes that are the same brand and model, so it\u2019s important that you try out the instrument before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Open holes for jazz<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMost intermediate and professional flutes that are sold are open holed.<\/strong> This means that the holes are open on five of the keys. Many feel this helps the flute produce a clearer and fuller sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn open-holed flute has many advantages when it comes to jazz flute. You can bend the pitches and glissandos<\/strong> are easier. Many flutists feel open holes allow you to change your sound and express yourself more freely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Tone, response, and bore size<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJazz flutists are basically looking for the same tonal aspects as classical flutists. They want an instrument that responds easily and produces a full, warm sound<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nClarity of articulation is also important. Even if you produce a big sound, you may still need to use a microphone when playing jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thickness of the wall of the tubing is also a factor in how it feels to play. Standard, or medium-wall tubing is brilliant, responsive, and flexible. Thicker tubing offers darker sound and more resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Scale, intonation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re playing a Classical sonata or a solo with a jazz combo, it\u2019s vital that you play in tune. This means that your instrument first needs to play well in tune with itself<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf a flute doesn\u2019t play well in tune with itself, that means you\u2019ll be required to make embouchure adjustments for every note, which would be nearly impossible if you\u2019re playing very fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can test the intonation tendencies of the chromatic scale from low to high to judge the intonation tendencies of the flute. If your flute has a problem in this area, you may be able to find a head joint that will help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, we take a brief look at a few flutes that are great for jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>#1 flute for jazz: Yamaha YFL-482H<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis intermediate Yamaha flute has a sterling silver head joint and a silver plated body. It produces a beautiful, round sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Yamaha YFL-428H has a B foot joint, allowing it to play a half step lower than a C foot joint. It comes with a split E mechanism, which helps the high E respond more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also has a gizmo key on the foot joint, which makes it easier to play the low B. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a lip plate designed for beginners and amateur players, the Yamaha YFL-482H is a very popular choice for an intermediate jazz flutist. The keys are made with precision for an easy response <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This flute sells for $2,256.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>#2 flute for jazz: Gemeinhardt 3SB NG<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe intermediate New Generation Gemeinhardt 3SB features a solid silver headjoint, body, and foot joint, and silver plated keys. It has a B foot joint, along with an offset G for more comfortable hand position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The head joint is an NG1, which gives easy response and articulation while producing a beautiful sound, namely for jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This flute is worth $1,750 new.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>#3 flute for jazz: Jupiter 611 (now JFL1000)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nJupiter is a newer company (compared to the above two) but it\u2019s becoming well known for producing high quality, reliable instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JFL1000 has a silver head joint and silver plated body, foot joint and keys. It comes with an offset G to make the left hand more comfortable. The headjoint gives the flute a full-bodied tone well-suited for jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This flute has a B footjoint. The keywork provides a quick response for fast playing and the intonation is quite good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Jupiter JFL 1000 is $1,099.00<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n