$80 (Amazon) vs. $29,000 Flute - Can You Hear the Difference?

Can you hear the difference between an $80 Nickel Plated Amazon Flute with my $29K custom 10K flute. Can you hear any differences between my cheap flute and my expensive flute? Musical excerpt: "Sicilienne" by Gabriel Fauré.
#amazonflute #goldflute #shorts
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[@LanceSuzuki]

To address a few comments, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the old saying goes. In this case, it depends a lot on the needs of the player. For a student/amateur, a custom flute worth tens of thousands may not be worth it. I actually love this $80 Mendini flute and am amazed at how good it sounds. It can be an excellent choice for a beginner or occasional hobbyist...or for marching band. However, as a pro, the resonant sound and quality of the mechanism on my custom flute are everything, especially when I am playing with other fine instruments in orchestral and chamber music settings.

[@emjay2045]

Yes. “Richer sound” But the $80 flute was surprisingly good 👍

[@DROSTraceurADD]

I was thinking, "the difference does not worth 28.920$" but also "I may not hear it". But I didn't think about the orchestra setting. Still I'm really surprised and curious and I hope to reach that level of hearing sometime (or better not, because I'm not rich 🤣🤣🤣)

[@josephduncan6407]

I have a mendini flute because I just started band but I think it varies on the player and how "good" they are.

[@Spiderpig0381]

For $80, that is insane. Probably feels like driving manual, as you have to work more to get a similar quality sound, but honestly: my first flute - $600 Yamaha - sounded worse...

[@eirikheggelund]

They sound nearly identical. The difference in price does not reflect the nearly inaudible difference in sound.

[@MelindaMassie]

Nailed it! But I'll say this, the $80 flute sounded far better than I'd have expected for an instrument of that price.

[@LanceSuzuki]

It’s surprisingly good! Thanks for watching!

[@bqube8901]

@@LanceSuzuki it all depends on the player's skill level.

[@mariettegrange5351]

Exactly!

[@Secretsofsociety]

A good player can any flute sound good.

[@peterhaerens3014]

The cheaper instrument sounds not too bad, only because of this player's abilty to create a very decent sound probably on any flute.

[@justCommando]

Knowing that an $80 flute is capable of being that amazing, I will probably never upgrade from a beginner flute.

[@wowyok4507]

it depends more on the person playing the instrument. an more expensive instrument will help

[@timmura]

as a high schooler that upgraded my flute recently (school got money for new instruments), the difference is night and day. i would say that while my sound hasnt necessarily changed, the playing experience is so much better.

[@James-nr9gm]

I have a Yamaha student-level classical guitar that I got as a part of a kit. I've found strings that sound pretty good on it - not the cheapest but not the most expensive. I have experimented a lot with my nails. I have taken lessons and tried to take it seriously when I am mainlining music as a hobby. I have gotten compliments on my sound from people with far more expensive guitars. I know one day I might upgrade... in like, a few more years...

[@kayleetalkz254]

I know someone who plays clarinet and he said that he couldn’t hit any high notes before upgrading to a better clarinet and now it’s incredibly easy for him just because of that switch.

[@ayshortier]

Maybe some people like the A flute sound better.

[@preykazoom6804]

B had much deeper and full sound than A

[@seashoreslimes9039]

Yup

[@BestKCL]

To me (a non-flutist) it sounded far less clean, so I guessed it was the chap one.

[@MM-pv5tp]

I thought the opposite. A sounded much fuller than B. B sounded more plasticky.

[@rodicapepescu4599]

the notes where different, can anyone actually hear the song changing ?! it scratched my brain the second time !! I liked the first one a lot better, the second time some notes were lower so it changed the song didn't sound so nice anymore

[@dp8460]

​​​@@BestKCLexpensive flutes tends to have texture, darkness and colors to their sound because of the softer metal used. Cheap flutes tends to be plain sounding, smooth and a bit pitchy and the sound feels like its coming from the nose for some reason because of harder metal used. The expensive flute will always be more expressive because of the colors of tones it can produce and quality of metal.

[@puffy9257]

Moral of the story: upgrading an instrument is 99% for the player not the listener.

[@Hinghee123]

it feels beter when you play a better flute

[@AedanBlackheart]

​@@Hinghee123based

[@pablouuuu]

A bad violin sound awful

[@patrickmorgan7913]

Lance, it just goes to show that you’re such a wonderful flautist, you can make any instrument sound wonderful!

[@LanceSuzuki]

Aww..thanks, Patrick!

[@Hinghee123]

Flautist

[@zzcjts]

A good player can make a same sound with different flutes. But the feelings are so different which only the player can tell.

[@alyssaann1515]

B has a much more rich lower end. Your tone and playing so gorgeous regardless!!

[@deadgrass2299]

i find it interesting that the "cheap" flute sounds way better to me

[@Blokfluitgroep]

I liked it too. The high notes sounded almost like a dizi (the chinese? flute with a membrane)

[@Aerixes.]

exactly

[@JesusAlways1st]

They both had a wonderful sound. The second had rich tones. Actually, I favor the first one. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder maybe music is in the ear of the listener. ❤😊

[@matinde.]

Same🤷🏿‍♂️

[@yoonginterlude]

Flute player here, I got it right! I also played that piece, it's called Siciliana. The b flute had a more defined and deeper sound and I could really sense the texture of the sound.

[@nightowl3868]

Is not just about the sound quality, it's about construction, durability and quality of materials.

[@christinaschramm-n.3156]

Oh noo....for me, the first one was the expensive one. Amazing the way you play it! ❤️

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks, Christina! ❤️

[@Alex-iu7dl]

I thought the sound of A was more pleasant to hear smh

[@o_o8140]

@@Alex-iu7dl its all opinion, but B was more clear and the low notes were full

[@Blokfluitgroep]

Maybe it's just the recording, but B really sounded more harsh for me (I used earphones). A however, sounded very nice. So, well played, that you can make such a "cheap" flute sound so nice. 😊

[@mashw]

​@@BlokfluitgroepI would agree, I also thought A was the more expensive one as B almost seemed like it had some sort of distortion/resonance as if it were made from a cheaper or less dense material. I wouldn't be surprised if B sounded better in person.

[@Maruiti]

I heard the first one and was like "ok this is the expensive one" then I listened the second one and was like "ok, this the expensive one, but this guy is so good he can make $80 sound like $29000"

[@thomasdonio2129]

The second had more of roundness and warmth of tone. With that said, your playing--tone, pitch, phrasing, and texture were exemplary on both flutes.

[@ahabsbane]

The second was much warmer and very rich, that's a beautiful instrument you have!

[@alexloveday6430]

You can hear the keys clicking on the $80 flute 😂

[@adamstampley7207]

That was biggest difference I noticed was the key slaps. 🙌

[@ashlynn1946]

The second one had such a full sound and you couldnt hear the air like you usually can. I wish i could do that lol

[@Nymeria0]

I can hear the difference. Much darker and richer sound. The note changes were also more fluid. However, you do a brilliant job of covering up and making up the difference. Very impressive 😊

[@brunonif4328]

Wow, usually there’s a small difference in these price comparison videos but i didn’t expect such a big resonance difference, even at the price range.

[@Timeisirrelevant]

2 just had so much more resonance. I could tell, but you made the cheap one sound great! I also love this test!

[@liamearnest315]

I feel like a good flute is also better as in the amount of work you have to use to produce a good sound

[@LanceSuzuki]

Very true!

[@shreck9980]

You make them both sound like amazing couldn’t tell great job 👏

[@teeniekat4865]

This is one of my favorite flute pieces, it was such a happy surprise to hear it!

[@eastmarvista3267]

I always enjoy your flute comparisons! This one is very creative and imaginative. I have a smirk on my face because I purchased a inexpensive flute and inexpensive piccolo and love them. I'm a self-learning beginner flute student since September. You know you're the best!

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much! ❤️ I’m glad you enjoyed. I certainly had fun making it!

[@Timeisirrelevant]

I can hear it in the resonance. But because you play so well, you make the cheap flute sound much more expensive than it is!

[@Mr_Rockzz]

Bro spent his whole life savings on a flute

[@leejoycechung2162]

I think most beginners can start with inexpensive flute to get started but in the end I did notice slightly the more expensive one. But don’t let that stop you from starting your flute experience as I enjoyed both. I’m not a flute person....just love this channel. ❤️

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks, Lee!

[@cl-optix]

The first flute played, I thought sounds great. Then you played the second, 'nah, that's the $29k'. Shows how beautifully you play.

[@kuberansara3724]

The B has a very concentrated sound

[@razorwhipqueen8972]

*squints* Sicilienne by Faure! Had to do that for a Solo performance this year :D

[@cynax7757]

Wow. That changes perspective. ❤

[@lisahinds4785]

Yes, I did guess correctly. The richness of the tone of your custom made flute is delightful!

[@jonhpf07]

I felt that the excerpts were equally played both in musicality and tempo so the consistency was spot on. I have come to have maybe a more refined ear and tend to like flutes or headjoints that have depth of sound and voice like qualities. I knew instantly the second one was the more expensive one...but, I feel one can go really far with a student flute especially ww doublers who might need a more manageable price tag to go along with their various other instruments. Great job Lance :)

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much. Excellent assessment. I agree that a cheap flute is a great solution for many. However, at the end of the day, nothing compares to a fine instrument. Thanks for watching and for your thoughtful comment! ❤️

[@janetkile1690]

as many have said, you sure made the $80 flute sound decent- the B is rich and colorful :)

[@arlenegarcia5127]

Awesome flutist ! Regardless of the price, you can produce beautiful tone from both flutes. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@kilo3989]

I don't play flute and listened with my eyes closed, so I didn't realize you had switched instruments! It's most important for people to pick instruments that they like the sound of and will let them express themselves as they'd like, I think. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@exceptionaltalentspc4954]

I'm so enchanted by the sound of the flute!!

[@MrJshsedgwick]

The second one had way more body and depth to the sound.

[@JustDoItpls451]

The $80 sounded better than expected but it is still a easy to tell difference

[@traingirl09]

I am getting my first flute this week and plan on watching your videos as my main source of lessons. You have given amazing reviews and you just flute amazingly!

[@Akii9809]

Wow $80 sounded surprisingly really good! Great option for someone on a budget

[@yvonneburdine670]

I guessed right. The resonance on the expensive flute comes through ever so slightly to my ears. Fun video!

[@LanceSuzuki]

👍 Thanks, Yvonne!

[@FlyWithSergio]

You play so good. I am a musician and I didn't realize which is which. But I gess I'm not use to hear the differences. Nice job

[@jorgefernandez9010]

I did, but you are a hell of a player! You’d make anything sound great!

[@SOUPDUMPLING9]

B it has a lot of emotion out in to it

[@erinsaviation1964]

I have an Altus 901E from 1994 £3000, It plays like a beauty, I also have as a backup a £500 Yamaha student flute and they feel super different

[@nathan94251]

Could not believe it. I was jaw dropped at the crisp sounds coming from the 80 dollar flute and I guessed wrong. After listening a second time I could hear the airiness of the first flute. You definitely did the instruments justice!

[@Doglove08212]

I ACTUALLY THOUGHT B WAS THE AMAZON ONE. THATS AMAZING!!!❤❤

[@osirisone6019]

That epicanthic fold is poppin bro😊

[@vincentpollack]

Its crazy how the other one sounds more expensive. Like its hard to define how expensive sounds but somehow you know

[@Thatonek1d123]

You can just tell by the sound the golden flute is way more lower

[@savagecalibre5178]

the second is refine tone ang has perfectly Good Control in Dynamics

[@luisdiaz6409]

Yes I can appreciate a quality professional flute sound

[@ziwelufefe8943]

I think it's a testament to the player. How good you make the Amazon flute sound

[@provedevilwrong]

This was by far the cleaver way to identify best instrument.

[@ertyjko9188]

I personally thought the first one was more expensive!😅😅 I think the $80 still sounds better...😂😂

[@Flavourgirlie]

The sound is mush warmer and rounder. But still the tone you can produce on both, respect

[@BenjaminHodges]

I got it right because you can hear the presses on A.

[@Honestly_Speaking_Gods_Truth]

You’re an amazing flutist. My goodness. I think you’re the cheat code hear. However the key smoothness was the main thing for me. I could hear it in the cheaper flute. The expensive one actually sounded keyless. Beautiful playing

[@flutemegan708]

I could tell Right away. The expensive one has a richness that comes with solid craftsmanship and precious metal.

[@Richard-si3sr]

U made both sound perfect

[@koipenny]

Wow I couldn't figure out which one is better. All good. Coz u r awesome

[@davidfinell3357]

There is a famous poem called “The Old Violin -The Touch of a Masters Hand”. You have demonstrated that the perceptively cheap and unworthy can be elevated to a tool worthy of respect and admiration. You fooled me. Well done.

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much, David! ❤️

[@goblinmoblin4869]

Woa, that custom flute sounds almost like an oboe

[@SittingWithDogs]

I’m serious this is amazing information thank you

[@tchaikovskyfanboy2928]

Ahh I just love Gabriel Faure

[@Rodrigo-is1hw]

is that song name

[@tchaikovskyfanboy2928]

@@Rodrigo-is1hw Gabriel Faure is the composer. The title of the work is the "Sicilienne"

[@Altoclarinets]

The difference is clear, but you make them both sound very good!

[@AIejandrino]

I just so admire the way you make sound both of them. The way you touch it, it's exquisite how the warm sound of them caress your ears. At the same time, it's quite hard to guess properly. May I ask what is the name of the piece that you are playing?

[@LanceSuzuki]

Aww thanks! ❤️ This was Sicilienne by Fauré.

[@willistaylor4077]

Goodness ! You make both Flutes sound Beautiful ! 💕💕🎵🎵

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@LeadVinyls]

The sound of the expensive flute is more defined and clear, the notes sound stronger but soft at the same time

[@PuddleBottom63]

b sounds like a flute they would play for a movie

[@LouisFrayser]

That's amazing. I actually chose the 1st one because I think you played them a little differently. I'm still on the fence about whether to maintain a higher quality flute or to just buy the cheapos which usually sound better in the lower register, and last longer before needing maintenance.

[@bill6662]

As a flute player , I could feel the vibrations of the instrument on B. More as A sounded like a marching instrument

[@freedom_arts_]

The expensive flute had more volume & “fullness” to it. Slightly, but it was noticeable. Both sound exceptionally well.

[@amenhotepreed4430]

The expensive one causes my spirit to vibrate in my chest. I felt the correct answer.

[@patrikberti]

The sound was WAY more warm and clear in the second one, it was an obvious difrence :)

[@loafofcorgi8225]

To be fair, Sicilienne is such a beautiful piece and can sound amazing on any flute with the right player.

[@ryeanj.3693]

The custom was warmer but both sound great with a great flutist

[@tomilolarukayat8847]

I love the tone

[@amber.joness]

It's not how it sounds it's how it feels

[@SnowCone1970]

me watching for the first time: theres no way A is the amazon flute that shit sounds too clean, im gonna go with B him: A is the amazon flute... *spits out cereal* WHAT

[@0miyage]

No, the tone of B was too dark, too rich/full/warm to be a cheap flute one. A is clean but B sounds like gold.

[@JesusAlways1st]

Honestly, I thought it was very close.

[@havocmangawip]

I am just glad I had a really nice 3SB Gemeinhardt to train on. And wear out. Beyond excited to have a Sonare 705 now.

[@maglev_]

amazing piece btw one of my favs hyouka introduced me ngl

[@jadamane]

The no blinking with the state creeps me out , but thank you for the comparison

[@lunabeans9152]

Of course there would be a difference! This is a bottom of the barrel flute vs a professional custom flute. I'd like to see a comparison between the custom and like a 2000 dollar flute.

[@Bandetta_]

As a flute player I thankfully did! Seeing the keys gave it away, but simply just the sound. I could tell with B you’d be able to do the micro tones, multi phonics, and slides on it.

[@sarahspector5294]

I did guess correctly. But you make them both sound beautiful.

[@hadin2993]

Yesss nailed itt

[@flutistayush6603]

It's not about cost of flute its about the experience and passion regarding playing flute ❤❤

[@Desmond4052]

Can tell it right away. The second one is much resonant with much more overtones. Nice playing for both videos of course

[@prism223]

IMO it's easier to tell the difference in sound in person, as it seems like most microphones can't quite preserve the frequency distribution and dynamics.

[@user-ks9ue2lw1f]

I play the Violin and listening to this since the start, I understood one key difference, just by ear, not even looking at the video, I successfully identified the expensive one because of the tiny fluctuation of resonance that I heard, the expensive flute had a kind of small reverb, which is you play more attention makes it sound a tad bit deeper

[@bluejay9638]

Ahh scililienne, my favorite piece of all time such a gorgeous piano part. Faure is no joke. Also, B for sure

[@redangrybird7564]

"Is not the flute, is the master player, Grasshopper."

[@crustycheese6873]

Nice playing. Im working on Sicilienne on Tenor Sax

[@J4r4m1ll0_j]

Yes you can, the expensive flute usually has a deeper and richer sound

[@DrillForAbsentee]

First, this video is a testament to how the player makes the instrument. He is a very fine flautist and he can make an $80 flute sound amazing. Second, musicians will tell you that a lot of what you pay for isn’t tone but action on the keys. This was a slow piece. I’d like to hear him play flight of the bumblebee on both.

[@knappertsbusch]

Quite easy to notice that wonderful warm tone in the lower register. But sound is only one part of the story - the main difference is usually in the feel/feedback the instrument gives back to the player - and a cooperative/flexible instrument is nothing but pure joy to the player - which leads the musician to automatically explore all those tiny inexhaustible tones/moods. A positive feedback loop, if you will.

[@timmura]

B has a darker and warmer tone color, but i think that's because its gold. Both sound amazing and would be suited for different things.