AboutHolly Expertise I can answer questions about learning to play the flute, reading music, problems encountered when playing, flute repertoire, practicing tips, and performing, as well as information about classical composers and their works. Please note that I am no longer accepting any questions about what kind of flute to buy, upgrading, flute brands, reselling, what a flute is worth, etc. I have answered many of these questions in the past, so please either view my answers in the the previously asked questions section or visit my website, which has a page about buying flutes: silentgalaxy.com/buyingflutes.html. Thanks!
Experience I've played the flute since fourth grade, graduating with my master's degree in flute performance. I have taught at local music schools, given flute lessons for over ten years, have played in and soloed with several orchestras, chamber groups, and various other ensembles. For more information about me, visit my website at silentgalaxy.com. I love the flute, and I love helping people, so I welcome your questions!
Education/Credentials Bachelor's and master's degrees in flute performance from Carnegie Mellon University.
Question I'm currently focused in on the Pearls. I've read wonderful reviews on both types of flutes w/ all silver and w/ partial silver. I know it's a good brand and I can't wait to try one out! I think every Pearl flute is taken special care of regardless of the material. Think I'll be safe either way with this brand? thanks
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Holly,
I'm currently looking for a new flute. I've been playing for about 5 years now and am in the High School band. I've been looking at different flutes and my teacher has told me to get an open hole flute for the better tone quaility with at least a solid silver headjoint and if I can afford it get a solid silver body... what advantage is there to a solid silver body and foot? Thanks.
Answer -
Hey Lindsey,
Good question! The short answer is that the more a valuable type of metal is used in a flute (in this case, a solid silver flute as opposed to a solid silver headjoint with a plated body and foot), the better its sound and quality. And the better the quality, the more responsive it'll be and the better you'll sound with less effort.
Exactly *what* makes the entirely solid silver flute sound better over just a silver headjoint...that's where we find a few different schools of thought.... as you try out various flutes, you can decide which one makes more sense to you. :)
Many people believe that the various densities of metals such as silver, the nickel-silver alloy generally used on student flutes, gold, and platinum determine the tone of the flute. But there isn't a universal definition of exactly how each metal sounds different from the next (e.g. bright, dark, heavy, dull, etc)... some say silver is bright, others that it's dark, and so on. It becomes more subjective than anything else, and in the end, everyone must make a decision based on their own opinions.
There's also some people who believe that the metal makes no difference to the flute – but that the degree of skilled workmanship goes hand in hand with the quality and expensiveness of the metal, and thus, costly solid silver flutes will be crafted better and more carefully than less expensive flutes that only have a solid silver headjoint, and that such care and attention translates into a better-sounding flute overall. One of my teachers knows a physicist who is also an amateur flutist who once did an experiment on the subject of flute materials affecting tones. He created a mold for making headjoints out of all kinds of things, like cement and glass. Because each headjoint was exactly identical to the next, each one sounded identical as well, and people who tried them in blindfold tests couldn't tell what kind of material they were playing.
So my advice to you is to not only testdrive and compare all-silver flutes and silver headjoint only flutes, but also think about your goals for this flute and with music to help you decide what kind to get. If you want to keep going with the flute after high school, for example, an all-silver flute that will last you for some time might be the best choice. Otherwise, the extra expense may not be necessary, and the silver headjoint alone could be all the boost you need, because depending on what kind of flute you'll be looking at, the difference between all-silver and part-silver may be quite subtle.
I hope this helps – please let me know if you have any more questions!
~Holly~
Answer Hey, Lindsey!
Definitely the Pearl will be a well-made, safe choice, no matter whether you get an all silver or partially silver. Pearls are great step-up flutes, and this sounds like it'll be the perfect instrument for you.
Have fun picking out your new flute, and let me know if you have any more questions! :)
