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Armchair Bronco
07-04-2006, 08:21 PM
I've been playing the flute off and on for almost 35 years. I also used to play alto sax for about 10 years back in day.

My one and only flute is the original student Artley flute my parents bought back in the early 1970's. I've taken good care of this flute, and have had it re-padded and re-springed a couple of times. But it's a no-frills flute with closed keys, so I'm looking for some recommendations for an upgraded flute.

In no particular order, here's what I'm looking for:

1. I plan to use the flute almost exclusively for playing Blues, R&B, and Classic Rock (stuff like Zeppelin, David Bowie, Yes, The Wipers, Nirvana Unplugged, etc.).

2. I want open holes.

3. I want a low-note foot.

4. I don't mind buying something used off eBay (as long as I think I can trust the seller).

5. I'd also like to get something rugged enough so that my kids (who are 10, 8, and 7) could play this flute if they decide to go in that direction.

6. Given #5 above, I don't want to spend a ton of money but I do want to get something that's a definite upgrade. My price ceiling would be around $400 to $450.

7. Finally, it might be fun to hook up some kind of pickup or other electronics to the flute. Don't know if this would make a difference in any recommendations.

Thanks for any suggestion about the right flute for the job.

sunburstbasser
07-04-2006, 08:34 PM
The only kind of pickup you can mount to a wind instrument is a microphone. A good mic can cost quite a bit, especially a small one if you intend to mount in on the end of the flute. However, with a mic you can run lots of cool effects, ala Jeff Coffin of the Flecktones. He runs his saxes through things like envelope filters!

If you like your Artley, you might try finding a higher-end model. My older sister never found a flute she liked more than her Artley! Do they make an open-hole model?

With wind instruments being the beasts they are, $450 probably won't get you a much better flute new. However, a used 15-20 year old horn could be in that price. And if it has some wear on it, that reduces the price a bit further. Plus, if its a little worn, you might not mind letting your kids play it!

Armchair Bronco
07-04-2006, 08:41 PM
How much do you think I'd have to spend to get a good quality (but used) open hole flute?

I suppose I should just start watching some eBay auctions. At least with the flute, there will probably be less chance of "Zero Feedback" bidders artificially inflating the prices of used flutes! I recently wanted to buy a used Fender Mustang or Fender JagStange but there were way too many fake-o-ramma bidders for my tastes, so I ended up getting a Squier JagMaster II instead.

Epiprone
07-04-2006, 11:16 PM
http://larkinthemorning.com/search.asp?dt=11&showall=1&t=f&f2=29&sb=2&x=22&y=11

Armchair Bronco
07-05-2006, 02:03 AM
I spotted an eBay auction for a used Artley open hole flute with a low B foot. The seller claims he is a retired college woodwind professor, and that the flute was only used for gigging. (You can't make this stuff up, folks!) Anyway, it has a $200 starting bid. Seems reasonable, and I like Artley's.

Unfortunately, I'll have to YEARN for a while...in the last month, I've dropped over a grand on electric *and* bass guitar rigs (including two Roland modeling amps).

mebooty
01-31-2008, 01:41 PM
When you're ready, I have an open-hole Artley I can't play due to asthma. Bought it around '78. Made in '74. These days I have to settle for playing around with my Rick bass. No wind needed. An instrument I can't play is just being wasted. ;-)

Armchair Bronco
01-31-2008, 10:33 PM
When you're ready, I have an open-hole Artley I can't play due to asthma. Bought it around '78. Made in '74. These days I have to settle for playing around with my Rick bass. No wind needed. An instrument I can't play is just being wasted. ;-)

Too bad about your asthma. An open-hole flute is still on my list of "Things I'd Like to Own...Eventually", but guitar- and bass-related GAS is higher on the list. I just got an SG Classic and an Orange Tiny Terror for Christmas. Now I'm jonesing for some kind of short-scale SG Reissue bass and maybe an Ampeg bass amp.

When those "needs" are fulfilled, I'll probably turn my attention back to flutes! :thu: