ONE piece of music//TWELVE different flutes (Expensive vs Cheap)

[@satinbarbi]

That was proof that the flutist matters more than the flute. You made them all sound wonderful. If I had to choose one though it would be the Brannen.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you!

[@SachaWF]

I totally agree! Loved the video 😊 Also just wanted to say thank you for all your really helpful videos on helping with emboucher, tone and high notes. I recently came back to playing the flute down lockdown after 20 years from when I learned flute as a teenager for a year or so and have found these so helpful and interesting xS

[@paulbrannum6546]

I would have to agree with you on that.

[@fontexstudios]

​@@TheFlutePractice which one(s) was(were) the easiest to play on? the most forgiven? Vibration and in-hear sound for the flutist is also something you cannot show on a recording. Any thoughts?

[@mquietsch6736]

Which makes it painfully obvious that if my playing sounds bad it's not the flute but me who is to blame. All right all right all right.... *sigh*

[@TheFlutePractice]

😅😅😅 most days I want to blame my flute too. I can say that the better the instrument, the easier they are to play!

[@MonikaStadler-rs5ll]

@@TheFlutePractice Ich würde sagen, je teurer ein Instrument ist, desto besser ist es verarbeitet. Meiner Meinung nach kommt es nur auf die Verarbeitung an, weniger auf das Material.

[@richardcasey7521]

They all sounded very similar to me. The really expensive ones had a slightly prettier tone but not by much. You sound incredible.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you! They are all pretty decent instruments!

[@taffyholvenstot8297]

I agree.

[@nuagejuice3848]

It’s probably more here in person, they sound similar because of mic, sound compression and headphones

[@olive4naito]

It's hard to tell because they sound similar through a mic. It helps to be able to hear it in person so you know how far the sound travels. 🤗 Muramatsu stood out the most to me.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Yes! It’s definitely the one I’m most comfortable on because I also own and play a GXIII. It is sad that some of the audio gets lost through mics

[@chrissyangelaki8057]

I truly loved the first one, the sound was full, I could hear the "wood" it just amazed me. I saw some small differences among them, but the player is the one who has to OWN it. Congrats! 🌻🌻🌻

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you 🙏 the Haynes is incredible!

[@marcmurison]

The Haynes is the clear winner, to my ear (and crappy speakers), followed by the Powell. But what this really shows is that a really good flute player can sound gorgeous on almost any flute.

[@TheFlutePractice]

That Haynes is gorgeous 😍

[@fabioxodo5296]

I have that powell, and I'm super satisfied with it. Considering the price tag, it's a great instrument (even if it needs a lot of air speed to perform well)

[@noelbrucker135]

I’m so glad I found this video! I’ve been playing classical piano for 45 years, but just took up the flute a couple of months ago and just started this piece last week. I’ve listened through 5 times today listening to your interpretation, color, expression…beautiful!! This was really what I needed today :) Listened the first 4 times driving, so without looking at the flute or price, and I must say the ones with the interesting tones that really got my attention were the Muramatsu and the Azumi. Thank you!

[@betsymach2435]

My observation would be that given the condition of the instrument, the quality of the sound may depend most on the artistry of the person playing it. Perhaps someone with more experience would pick up differences but those are not apparent to me. This video is very encouraging to me. Thank you for posting.

[@TheFlutePractice]

I am so glad it is encouraging!

[@kseniafedosova9169]

as a flute beginner I can assure you, that (if you are a beginner) you would feel the difference while playing them. for example, I remember struggling with the unstable F# of the fourth octave on my flute for weeks (well, yeah, I need to admit it is still very sharp), until my teacher gave me her flute just to see if I can play it on her flute. it worked out as a charm from the first try. needless to say her flute was at least 10 times more expensive than mine...

[@jayemarsh6231]

I really like you on the Altus 1701 PS! Lots of ring in the lower partials and the articulations are crisp and varied.

[@lolasaysyes]

The main thing I learned in this video is that I really prefer the clear, bright sounds of a silver flute over the warmer tones of the gold or woody tones. The Brannen was the closest to my taste (clear and sweet) and the most balanced and consistent . The Muramatsu was lovely, delicate and sweet, but I felt it wasn’t quite as consistent. Altus PS had a little more richness but was still quite lovely. I was surprised that I really did not like the Haynes much at all (too warm and muffled), Powell (clear but seemed to lack personality and had poor resonance), and the Pearl (somehow muffled and airy at the same time). The rest were ok but the Yamaha did seem a bit harsher and more shrill compared to the others. I own a Yamaha and love it though! You made the student flutes sound lovely, and the apprentice flute showed some nice woody tones in the lower register!

[@TheFlutePractice]

I think my least favorite hear was the Pearl. Spot on about the muffled sound. It’s so interesting that you like silver more than Gold and I must say I’m not totally sold on Gold yet either. It’s really why I recommend people try out and listen to others trying out these instruments. You really figure out what you do and don’t love!

[@lolasaysyes]

@@TheFlutePractice agreed and thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s such a matter of taste and personal playing style... I really wanted a gold flute for a while but now I don’t think it suits me. Katieflute here on YT plays a gold Muramatsu and I love the tone of hers, so part of it must be the maker and part must be the player. I will definitely need to visit the Flute Center in the future next time I travel to NYC!

[@MonikaStadler-rs5ll]

Ich habe kaum einen Unterschied gehört. Das bestätigt meine Vermutung, dass das Metall nur wenig Einfluss auf den Klang hat. Ein guter Flötist bringt aus jeder Flöte einen guten Ton.

[@bernhardmeier-limberg5053]

Sehr richtig! Das mit den Goldflöten ist alles Status , Geschäft und Angabe. Der größte Flötist des 20. Jahrhunderts, Marcel Moyse, hat auf einer Neusilberflöte für Schüler zeitlebens gespielt und seine große Klangkunst auf diesem Instrument eindrucksvoll bewiesen. Diese Flötistin hier, spiel erstaunlich schlecht. Keine Atmung, keine Stütze, kein Ansatz., kein Klangvolumen. So spielen normalerweise Anfängerschüler nach 4 Wochen Unterricht.

[@jonhpf07]

I think my favorite was the Pearl Cantabile 18k plated flute. There was something that stood out to me and honestly I think it was the sweeter tone quality but overall yeah I agree you sound great on all of them!

[@coycathode]

My top 5 from this video: Muramatsu GX, Altus AL, Azumi, Yamaha 212, Altus PS. Least favourite were Pearl Cantabile and Powell Custom (the last didn't seem right at all). I did like the Haynes and the Brannen but the GX and AL were my clear favourites. The Just Flutes student flute sounded amazing for what it is and I love their Apprentice.

[@TheFlutePractice]

I completely agree. Those just flutes instruments are quite impressive! Muramatsu is my current instrument (although I played their new one in the video) but it is amazing how comfortable I am on it compared to the others! I also love the Japanese flutes most!

[@coycathode]

@@TheFlutePractice You could hear that you were at home on it. I love Japanese flutes too. I had a GX for decades and loved it. Just Flutes is a treasure trove of fluting goodies. Wonderful videos.

[@fasteagle9959]

I was just gifted a cheap Bundy by Selmer. Your video gives me confidence that it will still sound good. I play guitar. Thank you so much and you sound great bravo!

[@PabloVestory]

My favorite is the part that goes from your heart, your mind, your lungs, your fingers, your oral cavity... all your body to the lips to create so beautiful tone and playing, the rest of the tube is somewhat secondary, great job!

[@TheFlutePractice]

It really is true. Our bodies are the real instrument...but some of those instruments were SOOOO easy to play, it was wonderful!

[@shereflute8681]

You sound beautiful on all of them! I'm a Brannen player so I'm a bit partial to the Brannen, but I'm so impressed how you sound amazing on them all! Bravo!!!!

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you! It is a really gorgeous instrument!

[@Rjbaker83]

You sounded incredible on all of them. I was partial to the Haynes, Brannen, and Powell

[@rygregory]

Powell is my favorite. I like the sweeter tone. Haynes and Brannen were up there for me too.

[@TheFlutePractice]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Oddly, I love the sound of the rose gold plated Pearl.

[@laurakilmer8652]

damn you pllay great. You sounded good on all of them. I was a sax player but I took flute lesson from Wm T Gower ( whos father wrote the Rubank method books for woodwinds.) He was the Orchestra conductor but he played sax, flute, clar. and oboe very well. I learned enough to help me teach much better but I never considered myself any real good flute plalyer. I really enjoyed hearing your comparisons. Great idea. thanks.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you 🙏 that is so interesting. Those are such great books. I actually have another one on its way. I just need to edit it!

[@andrewquirey7364]

Onless it's my hearing they all sounded the same to me. Though they all had great response which is down to yourself bringing that out. Liked the first one which was the haynes custom.

[@Sue-op1di]

The Yamaha stood out for me, its timbre slightly warmer for that price range - i am a tenor recorder player so my ear was biased by that sound.

[@MaryLTabor]

Your playing, so incredibly gorgeous. I know this may seem predictable, but the Haynes had, for me, both the deepest, roundest, sweetest and most resonant tones of all. Only the Yamaha--and I own one I'd like to sell--and replaced it with a pre-owned Brannon rose gold--had fabulous volume--though now it is not my favorite though a terrific intermediate or starter flute. The sweeter, much more expensive Brannon has my heart. My Yamaha is professional with heavy wall and in perfect condition.

[@TheFlutePractice]

That Haynes really is something else! I had some other footage of me playing around on it and oh boy, it was just so cool to hear!

[@jorisArt]

You sound gorgeous! I wanted to run from my device and play as it was inspiring! Good headphones let me hear quite a few differences… I too loved the Muramatsu the most. I’m not sure I like the gnarly sound of some of the American flutes-a lovely sound sometimes but not all the time… Now going off to play! Thanks!

[@CraigMansfield]

I couldn't tell tell the difference, but I think you're a lovely player. For some reason I keep thinking I might like to play the flute....

[@BrentCraig7]

I played a $40 flute once. It was probably worth 10x that at the time. I've played more expensive ones since then. I think hearing oneself playing them is different from hearing soneone else play them. I noticed the more expensive ones seemed to play more sweetly than the lower priced ones, but, again, like others have said, any good player, like her, can do well with most any flute.

[@sariecisme]

Powell, it just had a lower end warmth and crisper high end. Good thing I was drawn to that one because I actually own a 2100. :)

[@hervesanchez1462]

I thought you made the GX sound best. Thank you for your videos. You rock!

[@TheFlutePractice]

It’s actually the flute I currently play on so that does make sense!

[@dangonda7304]

It must have been fun to play with all of them and figure out how to get the best sound from them. I noticed the difference in the higher register response and tone, but you only hit those spots with the Atlus, Miyizawa, and the Yamaha.

[@anabelsierras14]

The 2nd one 🎵💙

[@maf9314]

The sound of flute 12 is honestly not bad at all. I also think that it is the person who can make anything sound great!

[@Jwellsuhhuh]

It sounds so much brighter and richer than the others lmao

[@Jwellsuhhuh]

It sounds so much brighter and richer than the others lmao

[@loztheviolinist]

I love Just Flutes, and buy nearly everything from them because the finance company they use are brilliant. I got my first Piccolo from them, and I then treated myself to my Altus 1107 open hole flute last January, which I’m still paying off but it will paid off this year. You sounded fabulous on all of the flutes you played xx

[@MrsDallimore08]

I still love the sound of Muramatsu over all the others

[@TheFlutePractice]

Yes! It’s definitely the one I’m most comfortable on because I also own and play a GXIII.

[@dirkboriskestel8499]

Concerning you playing it: Brannen would be my choice for you! What so hear is a big step down between 3 and 4, surprisingly 6 and 7 and of course 11 and 12. In the low budget area I am surprised that Yamaha isn‘t that much prior to JF. But my experience is with students, that most of the time they have difficulties to make those very cheap ones sound good,- for a pro like you that’s easier...

[@carlosaugustohernandezdelg2534]

Me parece que el sonido es muy parecido de un instrumento a otro. La mejor explicación para los altos precios de algunos instrumentos musicales es que , cómo algunos relojes, son más joyas preciosas que instrumentos.

[@thenewhindemithians8629]

The last one had a nice sound.

[@dominiclawson2249]

Lovely video Tatiana, you are always so inspiring. Love from Cardiff wales

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you!

[@hage528]

My favorite is............................................... you!

[@MrsKlausen]

I prefer you on the Powell! Seems the amount of air and habits in your playing matches that flute very well!

[@TheFlutePractice]

Very interesting! It’s amazing how different each instrument is!

[@michael-flute]

All sounded great because of your skill, but I liked the Brannen for its warmth, the Muramatsu for its overtones, and the Powell for its dark timbre! I may be biased though...I play on a Muramatsu GX and use a Lafin 15/85 head sometimes... :)

[@TheFlutePractice]

I also play a Muramatsu. Imagine we could just have a range of different instruments to pick and choose from 😍😍😍

[@ManCalledMif]

they all sound great. which felt best to play?

[@lovermuzak]

Good video,you sounded good on all of them but I really liked the top 5 or 6 flutes. I thought the 18k gold-plated Pearl was interesting because I didn't even know they had flutes like that and makes want to look at their brand again.

[@acidforblood]

A very skilled flutist can make the cheapest flutes sound like they're $35k+ instruments. Part of the fun starting off with my Yamaha 222 will be playing it till I improve to the point of actually needing an upgrade. Whether this takes 3 years to 10 years the fun will be seeing how far I can improve on a beginner flute. Then again I eventually will want to learn on an open hole flute. No rush though just enjoy the journey.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Yamaha is such a solid choice. I played on it for a good 5-6 years when I started!

[@acidforblood]

@@TheFlutePractice Would you recommend staying with Yamaha for the intermediate level upgrade 5-6 years down the road? I keep hearing that some flutes play better than others except when it would come to open holed flutes I would have very little basis for comparison so I feel I wouldn't miss as much staying with Yamaha. I think I'd be in a better position if I was at the intermediate level getting a professional flute after playing an intermediate level flute for a few years in order to try different brands as I would have the experience needed to make a proper comparison. Not sure if that makes sense.

[@reneblom2160]

From the selection of the more expensive flutes, I feel that #3 (Altus 1807), #6 (Pearl 'Cantabile') and #8 (Miyazawa PB-402) played with a more open sound than the rest (the student models being omitted from this comparison). The Haynes and Azumi flutes played with an almost "muffled" sound quality.

[@TheFlutePractice]

It’s so interesting to me how everyone hears and enjoys these instruments differently! Interestingly the Azumi has an Altus head, but it’s the budget version and looses a lot of the craftsmanship of the Altus. I this the Miyazawa really surprised me! It’s gorgeous.

[@Luvvzty]

Do you have a recommended flute for students going to high school band, so it can last a long time and can play beautifully?

[@blak3brutus229]

Is the pricing just from the metal? They truly sound all amazing, im sure a noticeable difference is there with the 10000 dollars plus ones and even the 1k-10k range has a noticeable impact when playing, but as a master, how does the sound get impacted?

[@bensen3325]

No difference because you are playing wery good.😍

[@TheFlutePractice]

Ahhh... thank you!

[@quaheemqunku7414]

You can pickup a splintered hole piece of Wood and make It sound Good Teach 🌹

[@retiredusmc9090]

When a pro plays them, they all sound amazing. But sound wise to me, the cheaper the flute, had more accented sharp notes and slightly breathy tones to them.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Interesting!! You have a good ear!

[@retiredusmc9090]

Thank you, I do not play though, I was researching Flutes for my grand daughter. @@TheFlutePractice

[@jazznutz]

Have you ever played Di Zhao flute and if so, your opinion? Mine was about $900 I was sold on the ease of low tones, but I'm constantly blaming the tone hole for how un forgiving the higher notes are. I need a one on one with you. In the past I played a Yamaha that was so easy to play. I'm my mind I'm always wish I had searched Yamaha. My local music store pushes the Di Zhao.

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I thought the Pearl sounded airy. I liked the Azumi Roseus and Muramatsu (that one's above my budget though). Did not care for the Yamaha, surprisingly. The first Just Flutes one was nice too!

[@TheFlutePractice]

You could also look into a Muramatsu EX that may be in budget. I played on a Yamaha, then Azumi now Muramatsu GX and planning to upgrade soon 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TracyKMainwaring]

@@TheFlutePractice thanks. I'll look into those. I don't really "need" a new flute (especially right now, I can't practice with everyone home and band is on hold), but hopefully by the end of the year. I would like to change from an inline open hole G... my hands are getting old

[@yishihara55527]

Honestly I think you sounded best on the last one. The sound opened up more.

[@francocarraminana]

Difícil escoger una flauta. Por física, lo que suena es la columna de aire, por ende, el material no reviste importancia, entendiendo que todas las flautas tienen las mismas medidas en todas sus partes. Lo que sí noté es que en las primeras flautas (las más caras) el sonido era más redondo, más cálido mientras que a medida que iban pasando las flautas, el sonido se iba volviendo más seco, pastoso, no con tanto cuerpo. De todas formas, el músico debe adaptarse a la flauta ya que un mínimo cambio puede marcar la diferencia en cómo el intérprete siente al instrumento. Por ejemplo, alguna vez tuve una flauta Armstrong 103 pero encontraba que era una flauta dura de sacarle sonido, sobre todo en el registro alto o agudo/sobreagudo. Por contraparte, también tuve una Gemeinhardt 72SP y era una flauta bastante cómoda en los registros agudos y sobreagudos pese a no contar con mecánica de mi partido. De ahí la importancia de probar diferentes flautas para adquirir una que sea cómoda para cada intérprete.

[@jimmynicolas4602]

😁💕 nice...

[@ChibiMonika01]

One thing that I can clearly tell is that it’s way more quiet as it gets cheaper

[@danroul]

Miyazawa ❤

[@natalieaungier5058]

I'm naming the last one the candy cane flute lol

[@Mossy179]

I feel like a $1200 flute sounds every bit as good as the 30K flute.

[@siena88]

I learned recently that the Azumi flutes come with differently cut mouth holes - is there much of a difference to be felt? From a picture, I could not visually make out the difference between a V and Z cut (but I am a beginner on the flute).

[@jodimerusi3250]

Hi, I bought an Azumi 3 with the Z headjoint (more of a square opening) and I have to be honest I'm having a great deal of trouble getting a clear sound. I played a Gemeinhardt from the late 1960's until July 2020. It has a round "classic" cut. I had a clear sweet sound on it, you had to have a more "focused" embouchure. New flute always sounds loud and full (upper and lower notes come out easily and clearly). It also seems to need more air to play and as a 65 year old with asthma that's difficult. 😔 I may have to pay for a few lessons once this pandemic eases up a bit so I can get some tips on how to get my sweet sound back.

[@gruntymeatshield]

Check out JustAnotherFlutist's video on the Altus 907, she covers the different headjoint cuts that Altus offers, and has a closeup shot of the three embouchure holes side by side so you can visually compare them. The Z cut has a very defined rectangular shape compared to the V. The lipplate of the V also has a steeper angle to its profile. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWKaXmibdpKofac

[@DanaHigbee]

I thought she sounded the most comfortable on the Muramatsu.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Spot on! It’s definitely the one I’m most comfortable on because I also own and play a GXIII. Good observation!

[@byejustalice]

Guys any opinions on Jupiter (pls be nice mine was around 1000€)

[@backmatthew7992]

For me to buy a $30000 flute it would have to be made of Ophir's fine gold, to play alone, teach me how to play, influence the brain frequency of the listener, play perfectly every scale possible in speed, frequency and superultrahypersubsonic dynamics all the possible songs that I can imagine with quantum nano-technology.

[@nightingalehollow]

The muramatsu sounded best, didn't it? Are your a Muraplayer?

[@TheFlutePractice]

Bingo!!! I am. Definitely the instrument I am most at home on!

[@eveline1986]

Haynes

[@Kira-fb2sl]

What's the titel of this beautiful melody?

[@zengier9191]

This only proves to me that the flute doesn't matter that much in terms of tone. Its really about the flutist. But j guess the ease of mechanism and control can only be judged by the one playing

[@farrier53]

The real question is ; which flute did you enjoy playing ? Which was the easiest to play ?

[@davidfarrar2454]

They all sounded the same to me.

[@Sidekick_Snowman]

Maybe it's my computer speakers, but same.

[@TheFlutePractice]

Definitely try listen with a headset, but yes, the differences are small!

[@edigabrieli7864]

The sound is only part of what makes a good flute. In choosing one the mechanics play an important part and how they respond to your finger, nothing worst than an instrument that fight you no matter its sound.

[@PixieDixie-r5v]

The qustion is: What difference you FEEL in each flute?

[@ofiterpunte]

You can hear the difference in the smoothness of the sound. De gustibus, of course, but it should not too buzzy, not too flat, not too eager, not too sluggish. Basically, air sticks to the tube, which either amplifies the vibration (resonates with it), or dampens it (ever played a conical flute?). In a good flute you feel the air being cut by the edge of the hole, turned from air to vibration, you can feel it in your fingertips. In a fantastic flute, that vibration goes back into your mouth and resonates with your lungs. It's hard to describe. It becomes a voice in itself, your "other" voice. So I could recognize the Muramatsu in an instant. I can taste that sound. There is an eagerness and slight buzz to it. Some might prefer a more silky feel, which is where gold comes in. So with cheap flutes, you feel that you blow into something. For more expensive ones, you begin to feel that crunchy/smoothy taste in your chest as if it's sucking air out of you.

[@susanmontierth]

Muramatsu GX

[@flashypigeon]

first lol! Love ur vids

[@user-in1ev1sp1k]

Altus AL

[@MonikaStadler-rs5ll]

Ich habe überhaupt keinen Unterschied gehört. Meiner Meinung nach hat das Metall kaum einen Einfluss auf den Ton sondern die Verarbeitung. Meine alte Neusilberflöte hat einen genauso guten Klang, wie meine Vollsilberflöte. Allerdings war sie viel preiswerter weil man weniger Wert auf die Verarbeitung legte. Die Mechanik klapperte schon ziemlich früh, sodass sie nur noch als Schlechtwetterflöte für draußen zu gebrauchen ist.

[@stefanocannetta8327]

The sound is the same on the different flutes .

[@laplayplay]

I strive for my playing to be that pretty...

[@TheFlutePractice]

Thank you! You will get there 💪🏼

[@uhmme4717]

we played that piece for region 💀

[@estherdecharme348]

I was seduced by the N ° 5 Silver flute EXTRA then the 6 Pearl then the JAPAN N ° 7 Here in any case my choices. I studied the flute for 5 to 6 years and the solfege for 7 years Conservatory level. With a federal exam every year. michel. but that 25 years ago. I still play a little but I lost a lot of finesse. I play on YAMAHA silver plated coast two Paye of technical workman....michel.of France.

[@starckwest6358]

Brannen more suave

[@fingerhorn4]

Well, you've unintentionally destroyed the notion that £££££ more cash does not deliver any significantly better sound quality. There might be subtle differences but you've confirmed what any sensible person knows: That 95-99% of the sound quality comes from the player, not the flute, provided the instrument is decent and in tune. Actually the curved apprentice flute sounded remarkably good at a 100th of the cost of the most expensive flute you played!!

[@Jenifer.flute20]

I could’t hear much of a difference between any of them… until you got to the two least expensive, and even then it’s not very obvious to my ear.

[@sevencostanza3931]

I am just a listener, not a musician..BUT the expensive flutes while being 10x more expensive than cheaper flute, are NOT sounding 10x better. Perhaps the quality of the pads etc make up for the expensive flute in less repairs in future.

[@ChasR8]

Yamaha stuck out like a sore thumb.

[@TheFlutePractice]

It has a really open sound but definitely not as refined!

[@danibosnjak2902]

They all sound the same. Obviously the flute player makes the difference

[@excalibur1812]

Play something fast and double-tongued, you'll notice the difference right away. And what's up with the strange articulations???

[@IDontWantThisStupidHandle]

"Expensive ($30,000) VS Cheap ($300)" Looks over at my (student) flute: $100 ... Well, then...

[@TheFlutePractice]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 I started on a second hand Yamaha that was about $100 will all the plating coming off.

[@IDontWantThisStupidHandle]

@@TheFlutePractice the plating is definitely chipping off mine xD haha