Flute Review Trevor James Chanson Step-Up Flute - FCNY Sponsored

[@PooMonkeyMan]

Oh wow…. That’s a step up from the previous version I own. I remember holding off on the Cantibile II to get the newer Cantibile III in 2008. Seeing its successor just makes me jealous of all the options available to students today. It’s amazing how 10 years time can see the same instrument evolve into something different from what you’re used to. And finally, someone that has the opposite issue with offset G! It’s refreshing to see someone have the opposite problem where we’re so used to inline that playing offset we overshoot the key.

[@DoctorFlute]

You are so right. The developments in making flutes changes all the time. Yes, I really don't think I could move to an offset G. My hands know the in-line so well that I worry that I might have hand problems if I changed at this point in my life.

[@aspenx1304]

I'm going to try out the Chanson. I'm excited to try the head joint.

[@DoctorFlute]

Fantastic, it's a very nice flute. If you are going through Flute Center don't forget to use my code for free shipping.

[@ayelethashachar1209]

Firstly:. You sound great no matter what you play. This flute sounds harsh from that severe cut. Maybe it sounds better at a distance. I would like a head that will help my developing students a bit, but this might be too much.

[@DoctorFlute]

It is a different cut and maybe not for everyone. Not all TJ flutes have this head joint so maybe a different one would suit you and your students better. What do you have your students buy right now?

[@dcallan812]

Very nice tone indeed. I prefer a darker tone but this flute still sound great. 2x👍

[@DoctorFlute]

I might agree!

[@sophiacisneroz4396]

I’m torn between this Trevor James Chanson and the Azumi Az2 for a step up flute. Have you tried the Azumi? What are your thoughts on it? I would love to see a video on it!

[@DoctorFlute]

I love them both. I think your decision has to be which one makes you sound the best. I have students with the Azumi so I know for sure that flute it is really nice. I've only tried the Chanson but I do believe it is a nice instrument.

[@robertzsombok7661]

Very nice review. And very nice playing! Seems like a really high quality flute. If you could chose any professional flute and material without thinking of money, which flute would be your dream instrument?

[@DoctorFlute]

I really two different flutes. My dream would either be a Haynes Professional with 5% gold mixed in. It is so gorgeous. The other is a silver Burkhart with a platinum riser. Both are so phenomenal that I'm not sure which one I would pick. Since a gold flute is never going to be in my budget I haven't really experimented with gold but If money were no object I would check them out especially the combinations with silver body and gold keys or vice versa. Good question!

[@fingerhorn4]

Please stop calling flutes "Step up". That phrase is invented by the flute PR industry to persuade flautists that they need to perpetually keep buying new flutes when they don't have to. Because after the "step up" instrument they want to then persuaded you that the step-up is not good enough so now you'll need an "advanced intermediate" instrument. Then after a while they'll convince you that the intermediate flute is not good enough either and persuade you to buy yet again - this time a "professional" flute - whatever that is. Dear player: DON'T FALL for this utter bullshit. It's just marketing to make you keep throwing away your current perfectly good instrument so you spend yet more on a totally unnecessary "upgrade".

[@DoctorFlute]

I understand what you are saying but step up is expressing what these flutes really are. They are a step up from a beginner flute. They are not a professional model. What would you like to call them? I do address the idea that you don't need to upgrade and that I've had a student get a phenomenal tone on a beginner flute. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGWWf6WAedtqmpo The bottom line is you will get a better tone when you add silver to the flute - head joint or body. There is no getting around that.

[@fingerhorn4]

Yes a solid silver head joint can be an advantage but that is probably ALL YOU NEED as beyond that point adding $$$$ will not significantly improve your sound yet "step up" implies you are only a little higher on the ladder meaning there is yet more to go. Reviewers need to be honest and come out and say that you do not need to keep spending ever more $$$ to arrive at satisfactory instruments. The flute industry is a PR game to pressure people to keep spending and regard a "step up" as only slightly better than a beginner flute. It's PR nonsense. Most "step ups" are fine instruments that will never need to be "upgraded" again unless you like throwing away cash unnecessarily or you are a virtuoso player. What's worse is that (in Europe at least) manufacturers tell students that a "beginner" flute will only take you to grade 4-6 and you NEED a better flute for higher grades. That is TOTAL nonsense and I can attest that some of my students get to grade 8 and make a lovely sound on a nickel-silver flute, and often make a better sound than those who've been persuaded to buy solid silver premium flutes costing 5 times as much. Unless you are very gifted you will not see a significant improvement in a flute costing thousands. 95% of players improve by practising and developing a great embouchure which is FAR more important than splashing out ever more cash. Beyond around $1,500 you are not going to get a better sound unless you are a fantastic player. So rather than calling such flutes "step up" just call them very fine instruments. That way the peer pressure to spend yet more cash is reduced.

[@a.oconnell6934]

Would this be a good flute for my senior All-State audition? I had an Armstrong I got for $30 at a pawn shop. It had lots of weird squeaks, leaks, and worn down pads. I didn't make it last year, though my all-region was 1st band 3rd chair. I really need a better flute so I can make all State and a college audition. I feel that my previous flute hindered my success, but I just ordered a Trevor James flute and hopefully I will be more successful this year. It was $1100 so it better be good 🥲😂😂

[@DoctorFlute]

For that price point I think you will be quite happy with this instrument. It will be so much better then what you have been using!