Flute Expert explains why a $70 AMAZON flute is good and isn't

[@LaMerleNoir216]

I purchased the EFL -2 not long after your original video. All the reviews I saw about amazon flutes were terrible and I was pretty discouraged because I wanted to get back into the flute so badly. So after I saw your video I figured I would give it a shot. I’m not trying to be a professional I just want to learn again and have a hobby I enjoy to take my mind off life stress and music is what I love. It’s a good deal to learn fingerings and such but I don’t expect to make much progress with tone until I can save up for a better flute. I appreciate that you guys didn’t immediately dismiss it as garbage like a lot of others did.

[@flutechannel]

we even have a nice poster with all the fingerings and scales that would compliment your studying at our store. Im super happy you enjoyed the videos and hope to see you again in the comments! Happy practicing Monika.

[@alexanderbelov6892]

@Monika Griffith You actually can make progress on any flute. As you can hear in the video there is no tone difference using Amazon flutes. It is all about flutist.

[@LaMerleNoir216]

@@alexanderbelov6892 You are right but I have noticed some limitations. Especially in the higher register. I have a horrible time staying in tune no matter what I try. But I will continue to work with it and get the best out of it I can :)

[@alexanderbelov6892]

@@LaMerleNoir216 If you experience some problems to be in tune in third register it may be cork position tuning problem. You may tune the flute low A into 442 Hz with sliding you headjoint back and forth in the flute body. Then move the cork in headjoint back and forth until low D and third register D will be in tune. Fix crown in proper position. Check that low A is still 442 Hz.

[@10051993able]

I am sorry but I see this flute has received glowing reviews with rating averaging 4.5 stars.

[@Prometheus720]

I don't think people in the comments really understand how a cheap instrument can unlock a whole world for a music student. A flute like this is absolutely incredible for a young middle schooler who is just starting out. With 100 bucks (this flute and some books/etc) you could change a child's life forever. How can anyone discount that?

[@donbrown971]

For $300 you could buy a great student instrument like a Yamaha or Gemeinhardt that will last as long as you are willing to repair it. A cheapo Chinese junker like this in most cases cannot even be repaired at all.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

The point is not all students have access to that $300.00 for a student flute (they are more in the $400-450.00 range). That is a lot of money to spend if the kid plays for a year and decides to quit. With decent pads, the $70.00 flute will last long enough to find out if the kid really enjoys learning (and give time to save up for that pricey student flute). Personally, I would look for a nice student flute for my kid.

[@NatashaEstrada]

Yeah, I would have been thrilled to have received one of these in middle school because it meant I would have been able to start earlier. As it was I didn't get to play until High School where the school provided a loaner instrument and group lessons. At that point, I was able to show to my parents that I had some talent and my dad sold some of his own personal belongings to buy me a Yamaha entry level which I still 25 years later. Before high school, I had to enjoy music through the recorder. Not everyone is going to end up being a pro. If the choice is between having some joy with a cheaper flute or none at all then I'd always err towards joy.

[@NatashaEstrada]

@@donbrown971 $300 is a lot of money for many families. Especially ones in the US. I grew up in NZ and I know my first Yamaha cost around $1000NZD and my parents were not rolling in the dough. $70 is significantly less than $300 and is something that could be bought as a more casual gift for someone. Chinese flutes aren't always the junkers they used to be. The flute is an old design that can be replicated quite well with modern manufacturing.

[@gjgjgjaify]

Most middle schoolers and beginners are better off renting a good student instrument from a music shop or teacher/school. These often go for much more affordable prices like 25$/month. And you can cancel any time if you decide you don’t like it so you’re not wasting money. The real issue with poorly made instruments is that students often dont make consistent progress and become frustrated because they don’t think they have the talent, when it’s really the instrument.

[@paulineb66]

Thanks for not immediately dismissing these cheap flutes. They have their purpose for some people.

[@donbrown971]

They are really good at driving students out of band because they quickly become impossible to play. They also make nice lamps if you get a lamp kit for it for when it is no longer functional. Save some time though and buy the kit at the same time as the instrument.

[@flutechannel]

I'm really glad it help. We agree!

[@coleorum]

@Cold German Beer "Don't bother starting at all"!!...For many a cheap chinese instrument is what gets them off the starting line in the first place. Even a Yamaha student instrument is too expensive for many.

[@coleorum]

@Cold German Beer I have been playing the flute for 50 years and do understand the point you are trying to make. I have a cheap chinese flute in my collection and after 5 years it is still going strong. It doesn't compare tone wise with my better flutes but is far from being a bad instrument. If you aspire to be a virtuoso then you will need a better flute but many just enjoy playing at whatever level they can achieve on an instrument they can afford.

[@sarahl1461]

I have had too many students who bought this flute who quit because they blamed themselves for the fact it was hard to play. Me personally, I can play these for ten minutes then my mouth is tired. I am a regular performer, and I never get tired. if I got tired, then my beginning students will not manage. It is too much hard work. It isn't about the sound quality -- it is about ease of playing. If it is too hard, no one will play.

[@kenrup]

As a band director, now retired, I was always spouting, "you get what you pay for". I think this flute would be great for those on a very limited budget. One month rental on an overpriced starter flute would purchase this one. I would recommend this one for those who have the desire but limited resources. Most band directors can fix anything anyway.

[@irishflutegirl9022]

I started 25 years ago on a $99 Cheap flute off of eBay for about 3 years …. Now I’ve been playing ever since on an expensive solid Silver flute and $2500. hand made wooden irish flutes . I would have never blossomed into a flutist or a musician if I didn’t try the cheap flute , it totally got me where I am today . Worth it ! Loving my musical Journey !

[@CadenzaPiano]

Since you are saying that we don't hear a big difference because you are able to compensate, it could be interesting so hear the difference from a less advanced player. I don't know if you teach, but if so, you could ask one of your student to try the cheap flute and then their flute (or your flute if you are confortable letting this student play on your flute).

[@woodenhatrecords]

I was thinking the same thing, and my suspicion is that a less advanced player is going to sound not very good on BOTH instruments.

[@jlbmagee]

Agreed. I would be worried that a less advanced player would be frustrated by the lack of responsiveness and it might hinder their growth as an artist.

[@MykolaDolgalov]

@@jlbmagee " I would be worried that a less advanced player would be frustrated by the lack of responsiveness and it might hinder their growth as an artist." - oh, how sensitive. Let's buy a 9k flute for a middle schooler so that they don't get frustrated too much. People who just start playing will get a lot of frustration anyway because playing a musical instrument is very hard repetitive boring work. I believe the difference in the frustration level would be negligible anyway.

[@cac1682]

Jenna Magee - devils advocate here...I learned piano on a VERY much used and out of tune (by 1.5 half steps) upright that had 4-6 dead notes, etc but bc I was an amateur I knew nothing better thus in NO WAY was I “frustrated” or discouraged with it wanting to just throw in the gloves...hey, maybe that’s why the white, 4 fingered gloves are included in the package ;) When the time comes that I’m so utterly baffled and perplexed as to why I can’t get the PERFECT F#%*KING RESPONSE ON MY C NOTE!!!!...reach for the gloves. Genius!!! Market it as an all-in-one starter...and an ender set. LOL (I read why they’re there btw) This opinion is obviously from a well seasoned player that probably wouldn’t have even played my rinky-dink piano (if they knew piano...this is a metaphor...or simile....who the hell cares) bc it didn’t provide the nuances they required for continual playing. Not intending to bash here (though an “edit“ insert allows me the opportunity to also state that initial intention obviously DOES NOT equal original intended outcome)...but if you’re going to spit a completely biased and POMPOUS (in my opinion) opinion as such, first remind yourself of what it’s like to be a noob....then POMPOSE your remark if you still feel the need to have a POINTLESS and COMPLETELY BIASED web presence (for that post at least)...or don’t...but just be ready for multiple reminders about reflecting...then responding.

[@jlbmagee]

@@cac1682 and @Mykola Dolgalov - valid points, of course. Thank you for sharing your opinions with respect.

[@pauloperrotti4421]

I play the guitar and piano, but always wanted to try the flute. After i saw the first video i immediatly bought it on amazon. Must say i'm having a great time. It 's working perfectly after some small adjusts. Maybe when it stop working i'm gonna buy a better one to continue learning. It's completely worth for those who want just have the feeling of how is to play a flute.

[@wharragarbl3324]

I've been playing flute for six years and am planning to continue through my last years of high school and eventually college, but my family and I can't afford a flute with everything I want. I have to resort to cheap online, cupronickel flutes, and I'm absolutely okay with that as long as I get to play music.

They sounded exactly the same to me. But, when she was playing her own you could see she wasn't needing to put any effort in it at all. It was like it was part of her. The Flute and Harp are my favourite real instruments. The electronic midi keyboard is my favourite of all instruments.

[@deegeorge5711]

yogibear2k10 makes very good sense...only any chosen instrument!

[@thunderfoot11]

One thing I remember discussing with a High School music teacher was those students that could take a piece of crap instrument and make it work actually learned some valuable lessons about control. When those students moved on to better instruments, the teacher found that not only did their sound improve but their technique became flawless (relatively speaking for a beginner, of course.) What I did notice about the cheaper flute was that the notes of the upper register were much more easily obtained than the notes in the lower register.

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

Your $9000 flute does sound better, much better but does it sound $8930 better for the average high school band flutist? That is the million dollar question...LOL

[@icemike841]

I believe that for most musicians this is an easy answer. Yes. Modern day manufacturing techniques have rendered better instruments for cheaper prices. But I quickly learned that "much better" sound quality cost. And sound quality is what it's all about. If you can't hear it that's fine. But for those who can, nothing less will do and they'll pay for it.

[@presbyterosBassI]

@@icemike841 It's the law of diminishing returns. 50% more cost yields 10% (or less) more quality. You get less back the more you spend.

[@FerdinandZebua]

@@presbyterosBassI Recreating the Mona Lisa to essentially indistinguishable detail, is a regularly executed exercise in many advanced university fine-arts programs. Does that mean we can now unquestioningly and without any hesitation whatsoever trash & burn the original? ....And yes I do know that for some people the answer is a definite yes.

[@presbyterosBassI]

I think I agree with you. The examples I usually cite are stereo equipment and automobiles. But in art? What is the value of perfection? Each must decide, and those are the decisions which create great art.

[@MykolaDolgalov]

@@icemike841 Double-blind experiments often demonstrate that even "experts" actually "can't hear it" when they don't know which instrument is which. A lot of it is unconscious priming with the knowledge that "now I'm listening to a 9k dollar flute" and "now it's a cheap 70 dollar flute".

[@chanimalted]

Both of my daughters have two flutes--one for marching band (in the hot sun, the rain--doesn't matter, they play) and the other for the off season when they play in the concert hall. Both are Yamaha and one is partial silver, the other is all silver (thousands--never take this to the field (dents, weather, abuse)). This would be great for the beginners and for the marching season (can't tell enough of a difference and not always in perfect tune when you're rushing up and down a field making patterns. Nice that it's an option and it costs about as much as we spend for pads alone. I know it is easier for our daughters to squeek their cheaper flutes--but hard to tell when you're cover 70 yards of a football field.

[@jlbmagee]

Oh yes! Marching season definitely does a number on flutes! Great point. :) By the time I reached high school, I had a fairly inexpensive Yamaha and went a long way with it.

[@catherinereid3184]

I do the same thing! I use the EFL-2 flute for marching band season so I don't have to worry about damaging a 1000+ dollar flute. I honestly think that the cheap flute is not that much worse in terms of tone and it squeaking. I really like the split e mechanism on it which makes e not crack so easily.

[@Hiroyuki_T]

Im probably getting a flute cuz it cant be heard in our band in the field 😂😂😂

[@dds9563]

Hi ... I'm ... 39 years old and got my first ever ... Flute !!! And as a starter ... My $250 is working good and ... Still long way to go to get the right way how to play with it !!! Its been my childhood dream to be a musician !!!

[@knuckleboy8522]

I got this flute and it lasted me 1 and a half years. It broke after. I thought it was pretty good, and was a great beginner flute. I won my school talent show with it. If your a beginner, this is good for its price, but be ready because it could break after a while

[@bazwillrun]

the best way to test is "blind" testing...play identical pieces but dont tell us which flute is which...

[@flutechannel]

THE FLUTE COURSE IS OUT! Find the course at musogy.com Learn the Flute with The Flute Channel's Amelie Brodeur. If you're a beginner these courses will help you master Tone, Breathing, Posture, Sight-Reading, Rhythm and more. This 15 lesson course will start any new flutist on the right track, even if you're starting up from a long hiatus it can be a good refresher.

[@sketchokid6012]

I live in the Philippines. The Orchestral Instrument Market here is almost twice as expensive. I had to buy the open-hole Flute from Amazon, because a simple Yamaha Student model is 1,500 USD! It sucks being a Flautist here in the Philippines, and it's so sad that this Flute of mine isn't that......... Good (For the lack of a better word). Anyway, thanks for all your videos! I'm self-taught because there are no Flute Teachers here either, so I just watch all of your videos. Thanks! Keep it up.

[@flutechannel]

we should come visit one day! @@sketchokid6012

[@Entitled_Pierogi]

What About the Amazon piccolo

[@jodier.6332]

The action looked crisper and shorter on your flute, I suspect that's no small part of why it sounded so much cleaner. That said: Marching with a $2000 Yamaha [1980's dollars too!] in the rain and snow. Gosh that was painful to even think about, that was YEARS of odd-job money to go trash in the elements. I'd have _killed_ for a $70 flute I could trash in marching band and save my real flute for Wind Ensemble! I could have just bought another flute every month or two and been many many dollars ahead in repairs.

[@dahawk8574]

Disposable Flute! Now the burning question is... *How low can you go?!* This $55 flute has some people raving about it: www.amazon.com/Closed-Tuning-Grease-Siver-More-available/dp/B00OLAJ3W6 I'll suggest you do a future video on this one. Maybe even have a _Battle of the Cheap Flutes._ And if you find that it is terrible, then there will be the urge to crush it on camera. Heh. I've been advocating low cost musical instruments for a very long time. My daughter's violin teacher freaked out on me when I explained that buying a certain one online was cheaper than renting from the music store he sent everyone to. Maybe he was on the take? Or probably just the standard snobby prejudice that so many good quality low cost instruments are up against. My favorite videos are the ones that do double blind tests with Strads. Like the $2 wines that blow away wines sold for $thousands.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

Mine arrived yesterday 072519, Friday. I immediately assembled and tried it. Sounded fine. My other flute is now 44 years old. Yes it needs some adjustment but, no biggies. I plan to get a second one. Money helps, but is also not about the money. Thank you for the first vid, or I wouldn't have known.

[@karensorrentino9498]

I bought the EFL-2 after seeing your previous post. I haven’t played flute in over 40 years so I figured it would be a good practice flute to have fun with. I liked the fact the EFL-2 keys had options to remove the plugs as I advanced. You clearly stated that as it wore out, it wouldn’t be worth fixing, but would be good to take it apart and understand the construction. I was very pleased with it and the sound until about 2 1/2 weeks of daily use. In the middle of playing, I couldn’t get g,f,e notes in any octave. Because I bought on Amazon Prime, I was able to return it for a full refund. I decided to replace it with the EFL-1 because I figure if it happens again so quickly, then I’m not keeping it and the EFL-2 was no longer listed. My only concern is that the EFL-1 is nickel-plated (vs silver-plated EFL-2) and I have lots of sensitivities. I’ve started playing the replacement and the sound is not as nice as the -2, but for my needs, it’s fine.

[@spronkey]

Any review a year later?

[@mrgskye]

As a musician I can appreciate the review and comparing something $70 to $9000 or even $900 in price, quality and specs, along with how much easier or better sounding they are to play... I think all in all that this is a great product and making instruments more affordable, we're able to teach more children to understand, love and appreciate music, in a world full of kids distracted by technology and parents with no job security to afford expensive instruments, it's a great product for $70 and hopefully more items like this will make a better world to live in. Not only for kids but there's plenty of people out there without bags of money for instruments but for $100 for a flute and music books to inspire the next James Galway or such renowned flutists alike, we are blessed.

[@flutechannel]

Wonderfully said Grae! Thanks for watching!

[@Subparanon]

@the flute channel Regarding the construction, the easiest way to show people the difference is to remove the head joint and flick it with a finger nail. Nickel will ring like a bell because it's not as dense as silver, which makes a dull thunk sound by comparison. The difference in density and acoustic characteristics make for differences in projection and volume. I have 2 amazon flutes, a closed and French open and both play really well for the price and I've had no problems. I don't know that I would buy a $99 clarinet though as the Boehm finger work is much more intricate and prone to adjustment issues. For comparison my clarinet is a Buffet E11 which is 6 times the cost of my flute. Also, thanks to your recommendation I picked up a thumb port and my right hand is so much more comfortable now. I have a stable instrument even with no keys pressed.

[@germanhayles9194]

When you began to play the Carmen solo I immediately wondered "Is she playing in a tin pipe"? I was browsing another web site and had your video on in the background. I could hear the effort you had to put in. You still made it sound good.

[@Unit27]

As you said, the big difference quality instruments make is in the effort you have to put in to get the results you want. My experience is with guitars, but with cheaper ones it often feels like you're fighting the instrument, while better ones feel more natural to play and have better tone.

[@stephenhodges4465]

Would have liked you to play with exactly the same efforts in fingering, air movement, etc. on both. I think that might have highlighted the differences in a different way for those of us who don't play air instruments.

[@nsbd90now]

An oldster now, I loved the sound of the flute even as a kid, and way back in the 70s got into Jethro Tull and got a flute. I well remember moving from my beginning Armstrong to my open-hole Gemeinhardt and the wonderful full, mellow tone it produced (with a low B!). I saved up to to get that.

[@petermccarthy4525]

Thanks for this. I have never owned an expensive flute (I have mostly used Pearl and Artley), but the Eastar flute I just bought yesterday seems perfect. It wants to be played. No leaks. Responds well to everything you want to do. Loud, sweet, beautiful. And less than £200 in the UK. It’s exciting because I have never had a flute this good, and have never paid so little. Thanks for posting

[@susamirain]

Late to the comments but I love the song played it is "Entr'acte". I played it for several years on my flute. I love the song. I could hear the difference. My old flute was a Bundy Selmer C flute I played for over 15 years in concert and marching band. I now play for my own pleasure.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

As a flutist myself I would recommend this flute for marching band!

[@viennapalace]

As you mentioned briefly at the end, the best part about cheap instruments is being able to pull them apart & monkey with them when they need repairs & learn how they operate without being out of pocket by hundreds of dollars if they don't go back together just right... I've learned more about instruments from cheap guitars, harmonicas, flutes & saxes than I ever did from my expensive ones because I was able to pull them apart without guilt or fear. A point worth noting, so don't sell your first instruments, dissect them & learn about them! Thanks for an interesting video.

[@sketchokid6012]

I live in the Philippines. The Orchestral Instrument Market here is almost twice as expensive. I had to buy the open-hole Flute from Amazon, because a simple Yamaha Student model is 1,500 USD! It sucks being a Flautist here in the Philippines, and it's so sad that this Flute of mine isn't that......... Good (For the lack of a better word). Anyway, thanks for all your videos! I'm self-taught because there are no Flute Teachers here either, so I just watch all of your videos. Thanks! Keep it up.

[@flutechannel]

Wow really! We have to come there one day and do some summer classes! Thanks for watching!

[@sketchokid6012]

Well, Thanks for giving me Videos to watch!

[@FlashthePreacherGuy]

The Sankyo flute sounded warmer than the the eaStar flute.

[@jillfellows3154]

Honestly, you make any flute sound amazing! Btw, Eastar has a piccolo! I just bought it, and it would be so cool if you reviewed it! That would be amazing! Also, I got this flute and i am now learning Peter and the Wolf only because you played it so well, and I want to sound just like you! Plz keep doing what you do!

[@okapmeinkap7311]

One more comment. Not everyone is born with a big trust fund, beside being very much loved. My first flute, circa 1977 at a tender 16, was about 550 or in today's value, about 1500. My family paid for me. But is a used instrument from my professor. After 44 years I finally bought one that I paid for and arrived yesterday. One that is, well, mine from day 1. I wouldn't knock a musical instrument even if it was just 7 bucks, consider a whole new world of amazement a "$70" instrument can bring. Thank you for sharing.

[@fumi2360]

youre a pro so i can understand why i cant tell the difference, i,m glad you when you mentioned the pads and how the 70$ price tag comes into effect

[@christphern]

I’m no flute expert (not sure how I even found these two videos, but oh well). To me, the $70 flute doesn’t have the same richness of sound to it. It’s not a huge difference, probably owing to your skill, but it seems just a bit more flat than the $9000 one. I also noticed a fair amount of bleed on notes when you did the scale on the $70 one. The notes kind of bled together, while there was a distinct start and stop of each note on the more expensive flute.

[@dx7guy]

THANK YOU, I was going crazy trying to play my old student flutes, your video inspired me to try a $67 Glory flute (metallic blue :) and I was able to produce my first low 'C' in many years ... PS. your playing sounded wonderful !

[@flutechannel]

aww thanks!

[@31medaria]

The difference I hear is, yes, definitely the effort you have to put out on the $70 one, and yes you can hear the leaks when you play.

[@rooftopcat7]

I am very surprised about this $70 flute!! Really glad that this flute gives the option to bring music to those who might not be able to afford the typical beginner flute options. Sounded like you had to compensate the high Eb in the Bizet excerpt. High Eb usually tends to be sharp but it sounded like maybe the Eastar tended to be even more sharp than your Sankyo. Great video illustrating the differences.

[@151155111555]

The open-hole version was about $110 for me. With some sax experience, it was not a problem to press and bend the leaking split-e parts a bit: the screwdriver failed to align those. That eliminated problems with the low C. After that, it works, as well as an absolute beginner could tell. The top C takes some outstanding effort; otherwise, it's just fine and a joy to play. The next one will wait a bit :). Thank you!

[@ItsChristianLol]

I agree, it is a great choice for starters. I will definitely upgrade to a more expensive one at one point, I love mine!

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

A large thing to consider is that microphones are limited in what they can actually pickup. Just because they sound similar on a recording, that does not indicate that the same will be true in person

[@athruzjohana]

I want one just so I can learn more about the anatomy. Glad you said what you said in this video!

[@SnootsDwagon]

My hearing is not the best, but for quite some time I've not been able to tell much difference between flutes or guitars on KZbin. Other people have made the same comment. Yet others have stated they think one or the other instrument sounds better, but they don't agree as to which one sounds better. In blind tests on KZbin (which are all too rare), they couldn't identify the more expensive instrument. Perhaps that is because KZbin does something to the sound in the video upload and conversion. Pro after pro states there is significant difference in both playing and sound, and I trust that. We of course can't judge playing this side of the screen, but as for sound both flutes sounded pretty close to me. This is good actually, because as you stated, beginners can't afford thousands of dollars for a quality flute. It's nice to know an inexpensive flute is still playable. Same holds true with guitars: there are a number of under-$200 and even $100 guitars that sound and play fine. Beginners need such instruments. Thank you for emphasizing that... and letting us know the cheaper flutes will work at least until one is ready to upgrade. Excellent video with many good points. I really liked the mention of when the flute wears out, tearing it down so one gets some experience. : )

[@annabarham155]

Hi, I’ve been a flautist for 14 years and I’m looking for a cheap flute to use to practice with, so that I can use my current flute, a fantastically beautiful Yamaha (that was quite a bit expensive to buy), for concerts/performances. I’ve had the Yamaha for 10 years and it has always been a very reliable, beautiful sounding instrument to play anywhere and in any situation. It has only had to go in for repairs once over the years and has kept its beauty without needing a proper service since the day my parents bought it for me when I’d just started high school. I’ve looked after the instrument really well. It’s starting to need a bit of extra special TLC now, as I’ve been playing it a lot more since taking graded exams, going to University and having more opportunities to perform, so I would love to start thinking about preserving it a bit more as a good performance flute, and also something I’d want to pass to a loved one some day. Please could you advise me on which flute I should get, or consider getting at least? Would the Amazon flute be a good choice for me? Many thanks 😍

[@Transcriptor]

The mechanics are less reliable and precise. However you can learn a lot rebuilding it! Still using my first cheap flute after 3 years. My technique has yet to exceed its performance! :))))

[@ulfdanielsen6009]

Being a metal guitarist this may sound strange but I LOVE the sound of the flute so much I actually went and bought a second hand one from a fellow musician. This informative video introduces me to aspects of caring for the flute I had not yet thought of. Wonder if I can teach myself the technique as I already know music and play four other instruments ? Much more to learn,- I can´t wait to get this party started! :)

[@flutechannel]

happy you came by and watched!

[@yojishinkawa378]

You might like the flute from early Black Widow, might want to check out "Come to the Sabbat" from their album 'Sacrifice,' as well as other tracks on the album.

[@lukecucumber3495]

Cool! Who else notices how calming her voice is, is it just me?

[@lukecucumber3495]

😂

[@meemo506]

This is a great option for a kid in band. I only had the options of learning trumpet or flute in school because 20 years ago, that's what we had and instruments were too expensive. Band often starts when kids are 10-12, and $70 is perfect for an irresponsible kid just trying out band and music. My mom often sourced used instruments for kids without the money to buy and this would have been a great option for them.

[@KF-eq3vw]

Like others here, I appreciate that you didn't immediately trash this flute. The gift of music is priceless, and if this works for someone at this stage in their musical journey, I think it's great.

[@DrQuizzler]

I must say, I admire the control you have playing the cheapo flute, and then your way-cool flute right after. To me, they sounded exactly the same. From my former life as a student oboist, I know more about fighting with reeds than fighting with stubborn air columns, but from hanging out in JAF's channel, I know a little bit about the way you channel that ball of air to optimize the sound in each range, and to compensate for a flute's shortcomings. Pretty cool. :)

[@flutechannel]

Interesting and Thanks! Happy to have you drop in!

[@deegeorge5711]

DrQuizzler I admire the fact that you play an instrument that has such temperamental reeds. I love the sound of the oboe and has contemplated learning to play one but that reed situation is DAUNTING!

[@thunderfoot11]

@@deegeorge5711 I'm a drummer but dabbled with bagpipes (which uses a similar double reed as the oboe/bassoon/etc)- yeah - those reeds are a pain. Much kudos to you DrQuizzler.

[@markbuda7709]

I have never played the flute before in my life, but wanted to learn how to play . After watching several videos on this flute and pricing a rental flute I bought the EFL 2. I think it will fit my needs because I just want to learn how to play and have fun playing for friends and family.

[@flutechannel]

totally! you should! I'll be here if you need any help, so be sure to watch our videos and comment! Happy practicing!

[@marco298]

My flute is 1,200 AUD dollars (846 US dollars) and I have been playing less than a year (about 6 months.) I am already in the 2nd best band in school and I have gotten so much better! I wouldn't call this flute great but it is good if you are a beginner. Great video!

[@flutechannel]

Thanks!

[@Light00000]

Coming from someone who hasn't a clue. And never played wind instruments. You certainly make both of them sound great honestly. I hear a lil bit more quality in urs. But it's hard to detect on the first play through. What is noticeable is ur energy. And I noticed that as well in the first review of this flute u guys did. You certainly are amazing. And so the end result i would say is, durability, and quality of certain notes are not there clearly, as not even you could disguise it from me. And that is saying alot considering as you said. Experts on their instruments are great at masking bad sounding instruments sound amazing. I hope all is well for you. And you have a blessed 2019 year. ✊✊✊

[@flutechannel]

thanks so much for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@siena88]

Would you be able to make a video playing the overtones/harmonics on the different flutes? That would be great.

[@flutechannel]

ya that would be fun!

[@caryheuchert]

Great tips. After 3 1/2 years of learning flute, I recently bought a soprano saxophone. It is also an Eastar. The quality seems good, but learning a reed instrument is becoming a whole new challenge.

[@Noitanis]

I would say that the Eastar flute is has a very slightly sharp, tinny tone when it's played compared to the Sankyo flute.

[@hervedesormeaux1478]

Thank you for this video that puts things in focus. Some people, a little disrespectful, make fun of this kind of purchase. yet it allows to start learning this instrument. Everyone does not have rich parents.

[@SpiritWalkerAdventures]

I'm a beginner, but I do own a solid silver Gemeinhardt. I did, however, buy an $80 flute from Amazon because if I am just going to start out on one...I don't want to yet tote around what I consider, to me, to be a Rolls Royce.

[@karinemw]

The higher register on the Eastar EFL -1 sounded weaker and possibly a bit flat

[@pelupelu2a661]

It's Good For Egypte People

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Couldn't tell the difference in sound. I owned a $1600 flute 30 years ago, and a $25 Bundy I bought from a yard sale, I loved the Bundy, and was always complimented when I played, it simply felt like an extension of me. Thanks for the video.

[@flutechannel]

Thanks so much Hortencia for sharing! I hope you will consider watching more of our videos when you can! Thanks again!

[@walt7210]

Very nice video, thanks. FYI the closed hole is now around $85 and the open hole just went up to $109. I will get the closed hole when it gets back in stock and see what happens.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

I could do with a new flute - I bought mine in 1990 and paid about £120 for it (not sure what that is in $$(Can)/(US) ) The one I really want is about £5,000+ Edit - the cheaper flute was OK, but I could tell the difference - yours seemed clearer (to me anyway)! At the end of your video you mentioned servicing your flute - I had mine serviced and it cost the same as my flute cost lol! I would love an open holed flute (the one for £5,000+ has open holes, offset G, split E and a B foot). I should be Grade 6 [ABRSM] but I have no teacher at present and I feel that my flute isn't really up to the standard of Grades 6, 7, 8 because of clarity of tone etc!

[@carpwhisperer1216]

I've been really looking forward to learning the flute one day! I hope I can buy this flute soon since you reviewed. Maybe use it to learn the basics of the flute before I commit to a more expensive one

[@PieCrust200]

Can you make a video on how to single tongue fast

[@ianwattsOfficial]

Saw the first, and you cleared up my question's, So that is great, and every musical instrument should be available to everyone young and old, rich or poor, it is something to enjoy and play...Cheer's from Australia

[@dgwaugaman8636]

Nice presentation. You are so good, it is difficult to tell the difference in the flutes but I don't have the best ear for it.

[@pinguina.e6584]

These videos help me play my flute music and how a play my notes and how my tone should be

[@redneckdruid7185]

I think your comments and conclusions on these cheapies are spot on. They may be useful for beginners, comebackers, dabblers and cash strapped parents who want to experiment before they invest a lot of money in an instrument that could easily end up as a dust catcher on a shelf. The danger is that quality control at this price is neccisarily hit or miss. As long as Amazon's return policy is fair it may be worth the risk, although it will be heartbreaking for a young child to take a bright and shiny new flute out of the case only to discover it is disfunctional. I also agree that these are not worth professional repading and repair. Your suggestion of diving in to fix it yourself is excellent (especially after you've worn it out and bought an upgrade). It aint rocket science, its 18th century mechanics. There are lots of excellent you-tube tutorials on instrument repair. I think I've bought sets of pads on e-bay for 8 or 10 bucks. As a retired machinist and carpenter I enjoy resurecting the dead and have a house full of old bargain clunkers and junkers scrounged from e-bay, thrift stores and flea markets. Horns, woodwinds, strings etc. in various stages of restoration and a few dust collecting wall hangers! A few simple hand tools and a certain amount of "handiness" is required. You do good work and I hope your videos and Chinese cheapies will bring a lot more souls to the soothing therapy of music. This miserable world needs more music.

[@niceguy2171]

Very nice, and thank you for doing this for us. Think the second piece you played on both showed the difference in depth and the overall sonic quality of them more..but again, made much smaller from your skill on the instrument. Still surprising how playable that Flute is though for the $75 it cost, and I like your idea of learning how to do your own work on them changing pads etc.. on the cheaper one. As I work on other instruments, would be something I would be interested in learning to do.

[@nonaubiz8939]

The Eastar EFL-1 sounds pretty good for such an inexpensive flute. The Sankyo sounds better to me in tone and looks much easier to play. However, not only does the quality of the mic recording it matter, but the quality of the speakers used to hear it back with. If someone has much better speakers connected to their computer than I do, they may notice a huge difference, but either way, for the money it is nice. Thanks.

[@siena88]

I have a Trevor James flute. Metal and silver plated mouth piece. I thought , okay , because it's a cheaper flute (£350) , I can't reach 6th and 7th harmonics/overtones. Well - with persistence over about 6 months , I fully well can. Each and every time now. It just goes to show that one must put the effort in first - that is paramount. No luxury material can compensate. I'm a complete beginner , by the way, and I didn't want to spend too much as I was starting. Now that I am seeing (or rather hearing) results, I might do some time in the future. I tried a full silver mouth piece Pearl flute (around £700) the other day and it was a revelation. But had I not put in the effort with the cheaper flute, I guess I would not have arrived there.

[@coleorum]

I bought a cheap chinese flute out of curiosity 5 years ago. I was surprised how playable it was and soon found myself using it for practice and casual playing rather than wearing out my better instruments. It has now had considerable use and has hardly needed any adjustment. For a beginner it would be perfectly good enough to get them to an enjoyable level of playing.

[@franzalex]

Could you please update the video description? I just bought one of these from Amazon (UK) and I got it today (2022-05-24). Thanks for the wonderful video and content.

[@flutechannel]

Sure!

[@Vynyard]

Thank you for part 1 and 2 of this flute. It has really helped me decide.

[@flutechannel]

You're very welcome!

[@simonreyes7594]

I didn’t know what you meant by leaks because I’m planning to get one because I’m a begginer

[@edwardgrabczewski]

I'd say that since the cheap flute has saved the buyer $8930 (the cost of your professional flute) then you can certainly afford to maintain it when the pads wear out. An instrument technician can improve the entire feel, flatten the pads, get rid of leaks and maybe replace the odd spring (ie. regulate it) for about $100, which brings it up to the level of a decent Yamaha flute. Go for it and don't throw it away! The worlds resources are too scarce to throw away a well-designed metal body.

[@sarahl1461]

some technicians wont touch these. Basically because the cost of fixing them is more than the cost of replacing them with a Yamaha. replacing pads is expensive -- but that isn't all that is wrong with these flutes. The scale is wrong, the metal is soft and bends out of shape, meaning it will often leak, and be hard to maintain it (you can hear the leaks int he video by what it does to her tone). Trying to keep one of these in playing condition is a bottomless pit of funds. I agree that a performer could survive without a $10,000 flute, but it does depend who you are competing with. If you are competing for a job in the top orchestras then the difference that the better flutes make actually matters. IF you are auditioning for the school high school band then a Yamaha 221 is an absolute winner. My son uses the Yamaha 481, and will be able to use this up to diploma or university level. I use a $10,000 sankyo - but unless I start competing for performing jobs, the Yamaha 481 would have been sufficient. However, my flute is a lot less clunky, and a much richer tone than the Yamaha.

[@randyking9489]

If you can find someone to replace the pads and adjust the instrument for $100, please let me know. Local music store wants $125 just for 4 pads and $50 for adjustments. Checked with Music and Arts store, and that's about the going rate today

[@richieb7692]

I found the original film by random reccomendation . I just had to see the follow up one. It's such a great set, I just had to subscribe

[@flutechannel]

thanks for watching and subbing Richie!

[@rlynn6658]

Great video! I had no idea I could get a flute so cheap. I had to stop playing because I ruined my jaw with TMJ, during a time when I had to perform on the piccolo all the time. But now I'm thinking maybe I can slowly try the flute again, and in this case, if it doesn't work, I don't be out a lot of money. I can definitely hear/sense the extra "effort" as you call it, but it still sounds great! This was very informative, thank you so much.

[@PAR0812]

I'm a drummer and I saw a similar video about drums (600 Dollar drum set vs 6000 Dollar drum set ^^). At the drums I heard a big difference (especially on the snare drum). But not 10 times better. But here I can hear only a small difference. :D But I'm sure it would be a bigger difference when you hear it live.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

How do we measure happiness? By quantitative analysis, $70 v. $9,000? Or qualitative analysis, acceptable sound quality v. acceptable .. gratification? Unlocking boundless joy in individual happiness? Thank you so much for making the comparison. The videos are at once exhilarating and educating.

[@MaccaLives]

I bought this flute for exactly the reason mentioned: to start playing. I've been unable to play the low C and C#. It cuts off after the 3rd octave A, as well. Mind, you, I have only been playing for 4 weeks, so much of this is my inexperience. The flute has served its purpose: to get an idea of the instrument and to get me to a point where I feel confident investing in a step-up model. I'll have little choice, as I am also very allergic to the Eastar. People looking to buy it should be aware of the nickel lip plate, which will cause problems if you have a nickel allergy. It's a nice flute, though, and it does produce a very lovely and rich tone once you get the hang of it.

[@flutechannel]

Some people out a stamp or lip protector on the lip plate and it minimizes the allergic reaction for some people. Happy your enjoying the flute!

[@MaccaLives]

@@flutechannel Oh, that's a great tip! I wasn't sure if something like that existed, but it'll definitely allow me to save up longer for a new flute. Thanks!

[@haileypan1510]

I KNOW THE EXCERPT!! It’s Entr’acte from Carmen by George’s Bizet!!!

[@masonruffin259]

That first excerpt you played was the first part of a trumpet duet that was featured in one of my marching band's shows. I heard the first 3 notes and I almost screamed

[@flutechannel]

Wow awesome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@何-l1w]

Hi I don't know if u remember me but yeah :) Of the problem I told u a while ago I got a new and better flute, so the problem for fixed.It turned out my flute was really messed up yeah and ur tips really helped me thx :)))

[@westsidebilling]

You make both flutes sound wonderful. Thanks for the information.

[@flutechannel]

My pleasure William! Happy practicing!

[@N4BGZ]

They both sound the same to my old ears.

[@psaubrey72]

My concern is that you're a pro and going to get a great sound out on anything. Would a 10 year old have that same success? Who's going to adjust it for them properly out of the box? The inherent issues that the cheap flute has can be instantly overcome by a pro, but what about by a beginner?

[@HeadCannonPrime]

I've never seen a music instrument that sounded perfect out of the box, expensive OR cheap. ALL brand new flutes will probably need adjustments, its just that they will do it in the music shop before you leave. They also periodically need adjusting just from weather, use, and environment changes.

[@kseniafedosova9169]

no, they wouldn't. as an example, beginners usually have WAY more problems with the third register on cheaper flutes.

[@yukidango6730]

What flute would you recommend to an intermediate flute student who can't spend too much money?

[@flutechannel]

all depends how much your willing to spend and stick to that budget.

[@sarahl1461]

Yamaha!!!!!!! one of my students did her diploma on the bottom Yamaha -- obviously I would have loved her to have a better flute, but she got brilliant marks despite. The Yamaha is capable of it. once you get into higher price brackets there are others you can consider, but at the bottom -- Yamaha is the best.

[@mrupholsteryman]

Thanks for your professional input. I just purchased a 99 dollar flute from a store called Lidls. Any experience wirh these? It was an impulse purchase for my daughter who has interest in the flute now as well as sax and recorder...this is after 8 years and counting of piano! Wondering if the Amazon way may be better. I am open to your input. Thanks! 😇😎

[@nathansealey6270]

Its quite a nice sounding flute, doesn’t have the same resonance/depth as yours but for what is cost its brilliant

[@retro-face-sally3771]

vous expliquez vraiment bien j’aime beaucoup vos vidéos

[@raftal6746]

the Eastern flute it's not a playable flute for beginners. It's almost imposible to play low notes. I changed it to a Yamaha 311 and i played a low C (!) with amy efort. Thank you for your review.

[@CanadianArchivist]

I learned through high school years ago. Borrowed one from them for a while. Ended up getting a better one for a family member. Spent money replacing the pads. Then stopped playing. Still want to play. The Amazon versions brought up curiosity. I obviously won’t play professionally, just for fun. I jammed playing Celtic music and music from bands like Supertramp (which dates me in age). That being said... I find that your flute has a richer warmer tone and more resilient with the notes resonating much better. It. The sound carries further. That’s the difference between expensive and cheap. The same can be said with how the finger keys react For beginners and hobbyists I think the cheaper ones are a good start. Not all families can invest in good equipment at the beginning. But having a lower price instrument to gain interest is good, and invest when the person learning is more experienced.

[@flutechannel]

Well I hope you get back into it. It's a great pass time for so many!

[@savpattinson1415]

I wouldn’t buy it, but I bought the Yamaha one it was 600 dollars but worth it! Some reviews said it lasted 30 years, hoping for mine to last as long. :)

[@andrewseburn]

Only difference I noticed was in the staccato play, the EFL seemed to have more air noise coming through. Not as crisp.

[@nicklieto4222]

that excerpt is definitely The Entr'acte from Bizet's Carmen!

[@BrawlStarsFromTheStart]

As a sound engineer, I feel the difference on the richness of the sound. As more solid and better is the metal, richer and fulfilling will be the sound. Even so, for some music genres and for easy recordings and samples (for example, a Hip hop beat, LoFi...) a cheap flute can be good enough. The difference will be noticeable mostly in live concerts of classical music or similar, but I guess someone who is playing at this level will go for a better flute :) Thanks for the review!

[@frontprochproduction]

Maybe I'm just hearing things, but I swear I could hear a little of the "leakage" of the pads on some of the notes when she was playing the legato part. Also, to me, the separation of the notes on the faster piece she place seemed more precise on the expensive flute. Having said both of those things, her talent makes either instrument sound amazing. The expensive flute just allows her talent to shine a little brighter...

[@Must_not_say_that]

You make both flutes sound good, but there is a fuller, cleaner and better sound with your flute. But you make a very good point that even a cheap flute can sound good. So it is for the player to strive for that, and perhaps therefore, without that even the best flute would not sound good.

[@azurehydra]

Basically, accessible to everyone. BUT I can definitely hear the difference. The professional one has a richer vibration, sharper notes, and the switching between notes is cleaner. A really good flute would have no leaks what so ever and as you mentioned, I can imagine it makes playing much easier. I practice yo-yoing and it's the same thing. It's FAR FAR easier to pull off tricks or learn new techniques with a highly expensive yo-yo vs an affordable one. Night and day difference once you've practiced with both. Nice video!

[@flutechannel]

Thanks Azure, I loved your comment! thanks so much for watching!

[@azurehydra]

@@flutechannel I'm really loving the beginner's edition scales and fingering poster. Got it framed and have been referencing it as I practice this past week. :)

[@flutechannel]

love it! if you want take a picture of it in your room and tag us on instagram!@@azurehydra

[@idontknow-hj9yw]

In 6th grade I got my first flute, (Mendini $50) and it lasted about a year before it fell apart, but I was able to fix it & I still have it after almost 4 years but it's out of tune and some screws become loose after playing for a few minutes. In 7th grade I got a student flute that only cost about $100. By the middle of 8th grade I became a lot better and I realized there were a lot of leaks and the cork was loose. I went to get it fixed but it turns out the flute was poorly made so not much could be done. I played every single day for hours in eighth grade but now I rarely play because I can't do much with it anymore. I can't really afford anything else which sucks 😞 i wish i were still in band

[@yudisanchez8517]

I got a flute for like 70$ or 60$ in Amazon like 2 years ago, I know how to like make a weak flute sound some what strong and have a good tone, but the flute it’s self is really fragile, when I accidentally hit it w my stand the 2 foot joint key dented towards each other😔

[@MetalMann-de3xi]

I'm just curious if you could compare this $70 flute vs the $300 flute.

[@flutechannel]

will try that eventually