Why Are Professional Flutes So Expensive? Flute Center Sponsored

Professional flutes are well worth the money because they are such a joy to play.
But why are they so expensive?
Read my Blog for the full rundown where I look at 8 categories: metal, maker, mechanism, headjoints, tubing, pads, extras, and maintenance. I will point out if and where you can compromise, and what that will cost you in dollars and performance value.
Why Are Professional Flutes So Expensive?
doctorflute.com/why-are-profe...
Here is a description and link to the flute and headjoint demonstrated in this video:
Powell Handmade Custom Flute in Sterling Silver
Sterling silver body and mechanism, Powell pinless mechanism, soldered silver tone holes, silver rings, ribs, and posts, modern Powell scale, French (open hole) model, pointed key arms, white gold springs, Straubinger pads, 0.014”/0.35mm tubing, A=442, inline G, C# trill key, D# roller, B foot joint.
Handmade in USA.
Verne Q. Powell Sterling Silver Handcut Headjoint - Sterling silver (.925) tube, lip plate, riser, and crown. 0.014”/0.35mm thin wall tubing, Philharmonic cut. Handmade in USA.
flutecenter.com/collections/c...
If you are serious about trialing a professional model flute, please contact my friends at the Flute Center, and use my code for some special perks: DRFLUTE
To start your flute trial, you'll first want to go to flutecenter.com and fill out the form. Here’s the link:
flutecenter.com/pages/trial-form
Then put my code: “DrFlute” in the box labeled “Influencer Code.”
This code gives you these extras with some exceptions:
*3 extra days to try your flute - that’s a 10-day trial instead of only 7 days
*6 extra months of warranty on your new flute - that’s 18 months instead of only 12 months
*Free Shipping of up to three flutes, piccolos, and/or headjoints at a time for trial!
*10% off sheet music
*Free domestic shipping on instrument purchases
Plus, when you purchase a new flute using my code, FCNY will pay me a small commission. Thank you!
Thank you, Flute Center of New York, for sponsoring this video.
Why Are Professional Flutes So Expensive? Flute Center Sponsored
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[@havocmangawip]

Just stepped up from a Gemeinhardt 3SB purchased and played on since 1991. The Sonare 705 hit the sweet spot. I will probably upgrade the headjoint

[@michaelschonauer7238]

It's pretty astounding the cost of a new flute in 2024 vs 1985 when I got my Powell. In 1984 when I placed an order for my new Powell custom, soldered tone holes, C# trill, low B, with 18K embouchure, the final price was $5400. Now that same instrument is nearly four times as much. Financing also wasn't an option then either, so despite the huge investment nowadays, at least there are options for flutists looking for their dream flute.

[@DoctorFlute]

True, I got my first professional model Haynes in 1988 and had to take out a loan but it was only $2000. Today that is $10000 and up. You are right, The financing does allow for it to work for people.

[@CrankyBeach]

Yeow. I am a classically-trained flutist but I decided not to pursue a professional career. In 1974 (on the recommendation of my teacher at college) I upgraded from my student model to a slightly-used 1970 Armstrong Heritage C-foot, at the time a top-of-the-line instrument, for all of $550. It has some tuning quirks, but I know them so well after all these years that I automatically adjust on those notes. It's a thin-walled model and was pronounced "a real honker" by my repair technician (also a flutist). It's certainly a very good instrument for an amateur like me, and hopefully I won't ever have to replace it and suffer the sticker shock of today's prices!

[@DoctorFlute]

Wow that sounds like you got a great instrument. Yes, that sticker shock!!!!!!

[@sobrikey]

Hello, thank you, very interesting, I'm especially interested in intermediate models, how low can we go in price and have something playable.

[@DoctorFlute]

I think generally in the $1000 range. Price isn’t the issue you just need to make sure you have a solid silver headjoint. That is what makes biggest difference.

[@antoniolamacchia848]

hi, thanks for your videos, which powell model are you playing? I bought a Signature and I'm really happy with it, especially with the mechanics, thanks again for your videos, have a nice day.

[@DoctorFlute]

This flute is a sterling silver professional model. I agree that the signature is also a really nice flute as an intermediate model. You have a nice day as well!

[@achaley4186]

Question please, I got a $99.00 Amazon flute during the pandemic, and then graduated to a $300.00 Jean Baptiste flute from Sam Ash…I do now play on average twice a month at assisted living facilities ( for pay)…whether that make me a pro or not…but not being a person of big means..what would you suggest as a next step up? I did recently have the better flute serviced and it helped….thank you for your thoughtful videos, 🙂⭐❤🙏🏼

[@DoctorFlute]

You are welcome. I think it’s fantastic that you play so often at these facilities. The residents love it so much. If you could move to an intermediate model in the $1000 range you would probably notice a big difference. But if you can’t afford that it sounds like what you use is working for you.

[@dcallan812]

So many things go into the cost of pro. flutes, But if you are making a living playing you can justify the extra cost. Depending on the location sometimes you can claim the tax back (Self employed in the UK The tax currently on musical instruments in the UK is 18%) I got real value for money with my Pearl flute. I contacted Pearl and found out it was hand made in Japan in November 1984 early in the history of Pearl flute making Great video . 👍👍

[@DoctorFlute]

I bet your Pearl sounds fantastic!

[@antoniolamacchia848]

I forgot...you think it is possible to use your code for the flute center from Italy? Thanks again

[@DoctorFlute]

Unfortunately not, they ship internationally but they don’t do flute trials so my code wouldn’t help you.

[@gabrielbotsford791]

uff...I am still looking for my flute....wish I was a flutist.

[@DoctorFlute]

You can always begin!

[@havocmangawip]

Just stepped up from a Gemeinhardt 3SB purchased and played on since 1991. The Sonare 705 hit the sweet spot. I will probably upgrade the headjoint

[@DoctorFlute]

Beautiful!