Can you hear the difference between silver, nickel, & copper alto flutes? |

In this video I play 3 different types of alto flutes- a silver alto, a black nickel alto, and a copper alloy alto all from the Flute Center of New York. Let me know if you could hear a difference between them and which one you liked best! :)
Flute Center of New York Emerging Artist Competition!
You could win a brand new Powell Sonare 705 flute.
Here’s how to enter:
www.flutes4sale.com/pages/fcn...
flutes I played in this video:
Trevor James silver alto
www.flutes4sale.com/products/...
Trevor James black nickel alto
www.flutes4sale.com/products/...
Trevor James copper alloy alto
www.flutes4sale.com/products/...
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//bingewatch my videos
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Just for fun ;) • just for fun
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use code KTFL when shopping at the Flute Center of New York for these special perks:
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* all from the Flute Center of New York with code "KTFL"
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//About me
My name is Katie, a.k.a @katieflute, and I'm a graduate of The Juilliard School who is currently fluting around NYC! If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe for more music related tips & tricks, performances, vlogs, and more :)
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#altoflute #flute
key words/phrases: flute, flute recital, alto flute, Trevor James, buying a flute, how to play the flute, flute lessons, flute song, flute cover, flute music, katieflute, katie althen, flute performance, flute concert, Juilliard, classical music, band geek, concert band, orchestra, flute recital, performance, Flute Center of New York

[@katieflute]

Which alto did you guys like best? :)

[@xacharon]

All sound very similar to me, but I feel like the copper has a nicer sound -- softer, more mellow? But I don't know if it would pass a double blind test. :)

[@SufyMusic]

all of them sound great while you are playing, are the microphones and the eq settings all the same for each ? I think the copper sounded darker, silver lighter, nickel inbetween

[@thegothiclibra5529]

Black Nickel

[@marktyler3381]

I'd say it's more to do with the head than anything else. You sound great on all three

[@robertp2934]

Hello Katie. I enjoy your videos. I thought the copper sounded “fat and round” terms usually used to describe jazz but I think you know what I mean. It also appears to be an easy blower from its sound and your embouchure. It was my favorite. The nickel seemed to be a little “thin”. Silver also had a mice tone. I’m getting back into playing just as a hobby after a very long time away from music. Tenor sax. I love all music particularly woodwinds. Recently I’ve developed a real liking to the “lower” instruments; bari sax, bass clarinet, and contra alto and contra bass clarinets all of which I own along with quite a bit of others. Bass flute has a haunting sound which is also very appealing. Gymnopedies sound so beautiful on flute. Keep up the great work!!

[@AbhishekSharma-ki8zf]

I wish I had an alto flute so bad -a euphonium player

[@katieflute]

Abhishek Sharma join the dark side !!!!

[@theresachacon1122]

Join us you won't regret it

[@hannahsflutes3871]

I wish I had an alto flute too -a piccolo player

[@thegamingflutist482]

I wish I had an alto flute too -a flute/piccolo player

[@kagamikagami]

I wish I had an alto flute too -a clarinettist

[@AzaliahE]

I personally liked the black nickel one. I'm a big fan of warm and dark sounding instruments even though I'm a violinist hahaha

[@aliphamarrel1979]

Black nickel is my primary flute metal.

[@cobrasys]

Same. It looks and sounds pretty sweet.

[@shamardaniel4819]

I liked the black nickel a lot. It sounded the warmest to me (although slight). The copper sounded more balanced and seemed a little quieter as well. Leaving the nickel, which seemed the brightest.

[@acidforblood]

Maybe warm is what I was trying to go with for the nickel flute. I said flat or muffled in my previous comment. I'm still learning about tone so my ears probably aren't trained enough yet to understand the terminology in how to describe what I'm hearing. I've only been playing for a year so I still have a lot to learn.

[@brayrussell3863]

Lol I forgot how similar Mozart's concerti and sonatas sound; hearing Mozart's 16th piano sonata, I just kept going "hey this is just like his D concerto for flute" 😂

[@seb_the_rat]

4:49 i love the silver ❤

[@Laura-jc2ww]

I want a Katie flute album :((((

[@acerjuglans]

I'm kinda digging that black nickel alto! That dark sound. I love it.

[@noemorales9594]

You sound the best on the copper. Your tone just came alive on that flute so I really like that one too.

[@miyulindo411]

Katie is absolutely glowing right now!! Girl you look fire.

[@michael-ll6pt]

Beggining Flautist with only 2 weeks experience here! just saying i like love this channel- i know 70% of the things i know about the flute from HERE 🥳🥳

[@Guardmuscian2013]

To sum up the tones of each alto, Silver was the brightest and lightest, Black was the darkest and roundest, in my opinion, Copper had the warmest and most mellow of them. In my opinion, I would personally choose the Black nickel as I prefer a darker and rounder sound and I could work on adding warmth to the sound. All of these nonetheless sounded beautiful!

[@TheTheaviator]

Katie, I played the trumpet in marching and it has been about 6 years, but you have inspired me to pick my instrument back up. You even inspire me to learn more instruments. When I can afford it I am probably going to learn to play the flute. One of my aunts played the flute in band. Plus too I am also a new subscriber. Keep up the good work.

[@lailamagdyragab5048]

TheTheaviator good on u for picking up trumpet again and good luck with ur future flute playing as well 😁

[@jessewakeman6099]

Awesome! When you do pick up the flute, try to keep in mind that trumpet playing is almost the exact opposite of flute playing, so it will likely feel incredibly foreign and you might not feel like you're making much progress for a while. But stick with it! One of the greatest instruments out there, IMO.

[@its.christie]

Good

[@its.christie]

You will do great

[@parsifal40002]

I graduated from college with a degree in music education. I had to learn to play the violin, piano, trumpet, clarinet and flute. Unfortunately, I had a very difficult time with the flute. Could never get my embouchure right! I still made it! I love the sound of the flute. .

[@stephw6046]

That is wonderful! Instrumental music ed was my first major (theory kicked my butt, decided to change it 😣). While in high school, I played flute, piccolo in symphonic band and for giggles taught myself bassoon, which I played in the concert band. The point of this story? Going from double reed to none/piccolo in the same day is *not* something I would recommend. Haha!

[@thisisanjeleka]

Yaaaaas. She’s back. Been a hot minute. Glad to see you back at it Katie! Hope you’re well xx

[@coolbeans1915]

Here’s a story that made history in my whole school.. log story short I admired my friend playing the flute so I wanted to play it, I changed from trombone to flute so I had to stay in beginner band but once I learned how to hold the flute I started practicing more and more and more and during the semester I got moved to symphonic EARLIER then anyone in our beginner everyone in symphonic was so shocked because they had to wait a year to go in symphonic, we have this book in beginner band and I finished the whole book. I can’t beilieve I did it either thanks to you I’m looking further to succeed better in life and hopefully one day I can meet you and see you in real life’! I’m only in 7th grade going to 8th after this last quarter ends ALSO I play at the HIGHSCHOOL during varsity games 💞🥺 KATIE I LUV U SO MUCH one day I hope I can meet you and you can teach me some flute stuff! I’m a huge fan you inspire me!

[@joemagnets9940]

I find the copper one the prettiest, but as far as the sounds go, I don't have the kind of speakers on my computer that are sensitive enough to hear any difference, but you did seem to enjoy the copper one the most and watching you play it was very pleasing.

[@vrylarmakzie]

the black nickel one was so smooth 😮

[@PaperSuzu]

I’m a French Horn platter but I kinda want to start playing flute.

[@satinbarbi]

Flute won't hurt your horn embouchure at all. I used to play horn and flute and it wasn't a problem.

[@rodneymills6477]

@@satinbarbi Flute and Oboe are not totally incompatible, but I think brass is easier. Brass instruments take air. Flutes take AIR. Reeds do not. So you get used to taking a way-too-huge breath. Flute doesn't even have an embouchure, straight up. Lol. It doesn't mess with other instrument's embouchures because it didn't require you to really have one. At least not in the "chop" muscular-building way that other instruments do. Ya just... lay it on your face.

[@satinbarbi]

@@rodneymills6477 When I had horn player "chops" I could play flute all day and not get at all tired. Now that I just play flute I do get tired. I doubt I could even make an oboe squeak. Flutes do take huge air. A lot more than horn.

[@iwantdamitosteponme2447]

I play violin and flute I might start trombone idk

[@mypops1015]

I’m a beginner French horn. I started a couple months ago but now I want a piccolo

[@danielmkubacki]

I like the Black Nickel one the best.

[@vivianwhite1000]

Thank you so much for posting this. I am actually in the market for a Alto flute currently. I will most definitely be checking out Flute Center of New York

[@bradleybunk6463]

Black nickel sounded darker to me. The copper one is colorful. I like the silver best overall.

[@christinerico3069]

I can't hear color's your lucky

[@christinerico3069]

@@MyRackley lol but yeah every flute has their own "personality" idk what to call it

[@christinerico3069]

@@MyRackley wow your smart! And I learned more about sounds as my comment was 2 months ago

[@christinerico3069]

@@MyRackley only 18 more days! (I don't do Christmas so idk what to say lol)

[@lauratheartist3266]

I noticed that the black alto was the darkest sounding and copper sounded more mellow

[@zofia3838]

Laura's Art World I had the same impression ☺️

[@spalex3786]

I LOVE your pink turtleneck

[@CreativeSteve69]

they all three sounded slightly different for me and loved all three equally, but the one stood out to me would have to be the silver alto and the copper were my favorites. Just wondering Katie can ya please make a beginner friendly tutorial on fidning good worthy flutes to start out with via amazon? :) great videos and playing as always.

[@Lukieflutie]

My percussion teacher tells me to stop playing the flute so much... But then I start Watching this.

[@musical.equestrian]

I tried all three and loved the black nickel alto. I’ll be purchasing it in the near future. 😁

[@stephr5914]

Have you yet??

[@luckyvinyl7213]

I didn’t notice much of a difference but between some of them I could barely tell but they all sound great

[@gagoyoti]

I am leaning towards the copper.

[@meemlittle320]

Definitely a difference. The nickel silver is dark and round. Love it for certain pieces. I think the copper alloy is my all around favorite, though, and the sound it produces is pleasing and very versatile!

[@stevenretroworkshop2113]

Comparing with the silver flute, the black nickel have an darker sounding and copper sounded more mellow. 🎹🎼🎶🎵

[@lovermuzak]

For me I liked the Black Nickel and the Copper alloy the better than the Silver. It is weird for me to hear Silver as the darkest and most muffled sound compared to the others. The other 2 altos' tone spoke better, sounded brighter, and was cleaner to my ears than the Silver. The Copper alloy seems to be the happy medium between the three different metals.

[@harvindam5647]

katie i made symphonic band ❤️❤️💖

[@katieflute]

OMG!! That's awesome! Congrats :) 💖

[@harvindam5647]

katieflute thanks

[@digitalalpaca3642]

Is symphonic top band? I was just a little confused because for my school wind ensemble is top but it’s probably different for others. But anyways. CONGRATS

[@victoriavargas9602]

Digital Alpacä for our school the best band is honor band and then symphonic is below it and below that is concert.

[@dcnannen4319]

@@victoriavargas9602 symphonic was the highest band in my middle school that i went to. for high school its the same for me as well, but it varies between schools lol

[@ViktoriousFlutes]

I want an alto so bad. Its tone is beautiful.

[@ceilus.ibarra]

I really enjoyed the copper alloy alto flute because it sounded really bright and happy to me. I think you should make a bass flute video because I think that would be really fun to watch.

[@gatozarin]

✨ I ✨ LOVE ✨ THE ✨ PINK ✨

[@averagedude76]

You have such a beautiful soul

[@Elizabeth-lv5dj]

These songs are such a bop

[@BewitchinglyBecky]

Yay you’re back!!!

[@fabiominerva4543]

Katie, the fact is that on youtube is hard to find out the differences between different flute model, coz the youtube audio mixed with earphones do not make the real quality efffect of these models. A big kiss!

[@cassandrahauck8898]

I LOVED the copper flute compared to the other two.

[@sophiajayprice5107]

I just bought a Trevor James. Love it!!

[@layneelizabeth4906]

wow, i feel accomplished. i got here early for the first time.

[@katieflute]

:)

[@suntexi]

I agree with Katie - I liked the copper flute the best, but it was a close call. What I liked about it was the low register - very sonorous. I have a soft spot for Trevor James flutes, the make of my first flute which I purchased in All Flutes Plus in London. Once I had got the hang of it, my flute teacher told me about the local music shop had some B&H flutes. I bought one and found it more difficult to play, but the difference allowed me to get grade 5 (merit) flute exam. I must start playing again as I haven't done so for over 20 years.

[@fgorlando]

You truly made them all sound incredible! But have to say, I could hear so much more tone color on the copper alloy vs the others. Great choice for you.

[@marycole3879]

Katie what is your best advice for playing in large ensembles?

[@sabinamauri7423]

If I'll ever give up with cello, I swear your videos would make me go for flute :-)

[@hannahsnow7020]

thanks for mentioning the emerging artist competition! i decided to enter it and i'm so excited :D also beautiful playing in this video!

[@norashumaker1439]

how'd it go?

[@Daniel-ye2wd]

I really liked the silver one, btw ur vids are the best

[@TheFlutePractice]

Your playing is so gorgeous! Very interesting comparison. 💕

[@HA1W]

Thanks for the comparison video. I definitely love copper the best. And black nickel the second. But if you really need to blend in to the ensemble, I might take silver.

[@angeliaparish]

you're amazing. i like the copper best, too.

[@------952]

Wow i'm 12 and have only 4 yrs of experience but not enough slow learner

[@Forthewin1436]

Been watching your videos for a while, just now subscribed lol

[@carringtonpilon1310]

I definitely heard a difference! I found the silver to be bright and a bit shrill. The black one definitely sounded a bit darker but also rich and full. I think it sounded the best, but the copper had a better response and seamed the easiest to control. Thank you for the demo!

[@laurakerschenbaum4079]

You are a stunning flute player!! Personally, I liked the silver alto; was the most flute-y of them to me. The copper alloy is also fantastic, and has a hint of a saxophone quality underneath it.

[@johntaylor9320]

With an alto flute you could play banjo music. Imagine "dueling guitars" on a flute?😆 Now seriously can you play Pagininni? Me neither. I like listening to you. Very soothing.

[@Phoenixhunter157]

John Taylor I play banjo and flute and I considered this same scenario 😂😂

[@elizabethnelson712]

You play Soo good .....I'm a flute also and l want to play as good as you

[@theflutiestofboisxd3493]

Love love love the black nickel ❤️saving my money so I can buy it

[@thecreator625]

I was alt tabbed while listening to it for the first time just now so I could be as "blind" as possible and I was able to pinpoint when exactly the next flute started playing. Like many others said in the comments, there's a distinct sound to all of them, though it is not a lot of difference. The silver sounds sharper, the copper softer and the nickel in between. In solo play, this can definitely be noticed, yet the difference is so subtle, it would probably be lost with any other instrument playing. I've never played flute and it's been forever since I seriously did anything with music, but this was a great test for myself and I'm glad I haven't quite lost my musical ear. Other than that, it was a good demonstration. You definitely know your stuff.

[@lauratheartist3266]

Can you do a piccolo video like your flute for beginners video?

[@TCMG777]

I love you videos you channel made me bye my own flute

[@Roberthawkins8682]

Awe beautiful

[@RPG891]

I like the copper alloy

[@kaandis7457]

Silver- 4:20 , 6:46 Nickel- 5:10 , 7:58 Copper Alloy- 5:58 , 9:11 The copper alloy is mellow? I guess thats how I woudl describe it. Lovely sound and pretty rich, but not quite like the nickel. The nickel has the deep, rich sound that i lvoe and crave for, porbably would be my go-to. And the silver is just very projective. You sound great on all of them, but my personal favorite is the nickel, which surprises me cuz usually nickel in the less desired metal, but i guess thats only with C flutes.

[@namvojkfr]

Ooo !!! I Really wanna try an audition because I currently REALLY need a good flute, but I probably won't get it xD. It'll be really hard to play that piece to begin with

[@teacher5376]

Three kind of flutes. Like three kind of friends. More friends together, will have warmth. ( heat water , hot water , cold water

[@vaboone]

I could not hear much difference between the silver and black, there was definitely a difference with the copper, it has a noticeable sweet and warm tone to it. With that said, I totally love the look of black nickel 😻. I just purchased an alto a few days ago, was at a flute convention so it was incredible to be able to try so many different brands. I was very surprised that I ended choosing (or rather the flute choosing me) a DiZhao, (which I totally love)..because I really wanted to get the TJ, esp the black nickel. Oh well.

[@acidforblood]

Such beautiful sounding flutes. The copper and silver ones sounded the best. The nickel one had a muffled/flatter tone to it but was still fun listen to. I hope they keep experimenting with different metals and head joints. It will be interesting how far they can take it. The prices will keep going up though. Ugh!

[@Olivia_Evil]

If you knock a plated it does simbal song. But if it is full silver just sound stuck.

[@hailey6261]

i made an all county honors band this year (i play french horn)

[@keemez]

the haaaaaaiiiiiiirrrrrr

[@tjames22123]

Copper alloy alto for sure. It has the best sound, look and size (for you). :)

[@trevormichael7383]

copper alloy sounds smother!!!

[@KennyBentley7]

In the silver one, the transition between neach note sounded a little clunky. You could hear the buttons and valves moving and it wasn't as clean of a sound as the others. I might not have noticed if there were a lot of longer notes. The black nickel one wasn't as bad, but it was still there. The copper sounded the cleanest. Other than the transitions between notes, I couldn't really tell the difference in sound.

[@allendean9807]

I may play this again through my Adam monitors, but in my Raycons, the black nickel has the best sound overall... to my ears..... It would be nice to hear them mic’ed with a large diaphragm condenser....

[@raztipnoirtip]

I liked silver best. Nickel then copper. Copper seemed like air was escaping. Silver cleaner and the nickel a cross between silver and copper. Tone was nice on the nickel but didn’t carry. Only an opinion.

[@thayauaihejw]

Im a 7th grader in honors band (trumpet player btw) and after i heard you play flute ive always wanted to try a flute and play one😞

[@loopees.joeyy11]

I could not really here the difference because I am a beginner flutist so but I liked them all 😃😃

[@lola.cruz916]

the copper one is my preference, it sounds warmer

[@its.christie]

I think the best is copper alloy

[@jenablanchong7072]

Just now realizing that I have that exact same sweater

[@sophievande22]

Hi katie! I have a solo contest coming up (7th grade flute) and i have braces. This usually isn't a problem, but it gets in the way a little which doesnt matter during practice but i don't want it to get in my way during the solo. Any tips? Love your channel 😊😊

[@Elizabeth-lv5dj]

I’m sorry she didn’t respond, but good luck Sophie!! You can do it!

[@Elizabeth-lv5dj]

You should google your problem, I’m sure others have had that issue

[@lailamagdyragab5048]

Like Elizabeth good luck Sophie!! I had braces a few years ago when I was grade 4 ( I’m grade 6 now) and it was never really a problem for me but I obvi wasn’t as advanced as u r now. Again best of luck and I hope you figure out your problem 🥰

[@IceOfPhoenix88]

Braces don't affect my clarinet playing at all... or piano lol

[@valitaramon9931]

Black Nickel alto❤❤❤

[@SuperMAZ007]

Really like your performance, too bad I can't play any music instruments. Maybe you can do in the future flute play from the music in Final Fantasy 6 game?

[@joemancini2988]

If I could only have one, it would be the copper alloy.

[@SAYCJ1]

The black one sounded a bit darker, but other than that not much difference. Does flute center sell just head joints? Looking for one with more open-square embouchure hole for my Yamaha.

[@katieflute]

SAYCJ1 yes! They have a huge selection of headjoints and you can take them out on a trial as well with my code :) www.flutes4sale.com/collections/all-headjoints

[@princekatchafire9104]

For bass flute is it necessary to have a B foot joint? Or is low C fine?

[@makaylaguzman550]

I’m a clarinet player and want to start playing flute

[@SirJamestheIII]

Black nickel had the most compressed sound and silver had most dynamic range with the copper in between. I prefer the copper as some notes seem to be too quiet on the silver and there is too little contrast between pitches with the black nickel. The lows sound really good and full on the black nickel and I swear there is more reverb from it as well, so it has things going for it that the other two don't.

[@godwindizon7022]

Can you make a video comparing Powell, Brannen and Haynes in gold?

[@coolbeans1915]

Katie I also have a question all the flutes you showed are they the same fingering as the regular flute?

[@bethanyrachel63]

All 3 were StUnnnING.... The Silver sounded a bit tinnie to me and also sounded most similar to a normal c sound only in a different key to. the black nickle sounds more like the alto range a singer in a choir would have it also sounded very low and warm and musky kinda like large pan pipes. the copper alloy sounded a bit higher more like a second alto in a choir and sounds like a more warm high sound

[@annagreatly8793]

I wish I have a flute

[@itslifewithandreag6035]

Hi Katie is an alto flute the same as a original flute to play

[@meredithmoore461]

Are trevor james flutes good for beginner-intermediate flute players??

[@rodneymills6477]

I gotta say, I never was a big fan of Trevor James flutes, but my experience with alto flute is very limited. I like their mechanisms. I prefer the Japanese brands for C flutes, even to Haynes or Powell. However, piccolo is an extremely different story, so I am guessing alto flute is as well. I preferred the copper. Comfort might be a part of that, but the sound was very balanced.

[@mena1432]

Are the fingerings on the Alto flute the same as a regular flute?

[@thegamingflutist482]

Yeah

[@TheDaffygluk]

Black nickel

[@xenofeild983]

so do alto flutes not have an opened holed option?