How to Buy a Good Used Flute

There are many reasons to consider buying a used flute rather than a new one, including the simple desire to save some money. You can get a good flute at a good price if you know how to shop. Here are some tips to help you determine whether the instrument is in good condition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a student model, which is the least expensive type of flute. Look for one that is silver-plated, rather than nickel-plated. The silver-plated student model flute is only slightly more expensive, and it has a better tone.

2. Examine the parts. A metal flute consists of the head joint, the body joint and the foot joint. The cork in the head joint should not be too loose. You shouldn't find nicks or scratches on the mouth hole or dents in the head joint.

3. Check the condition of the pads (inserts in the keys) in the body and foot joints. The pads should not be torn, yellowed or dried out. There should be no air leaks between the pads and the tone holes. If you have to press harder on the keys to make the flute sound better, it probably has leaks.

4. The keys should move freely, and you should not hear any key clicks. The springs should be strong enough so that the keys snap back to their resting position, but not so stiff that the keys are hard to press. The spring tension should be even from key to key.

5. Check how the joints of the flute fit together. They should fit together snugly, but not too tightly.

6. Test several flutes before buying one. Every flute is different, as is every flute player. Even if you are testing several great flutes, you will like some better than others.

Tips & Warnings

• Many music stores will allow you to rent an instrument, which can be a great option if you decide to discontinue playing the flute. It is also a great way to test a specific flute to see how well you like it. You may be able to apply the amount of the rental to the purchase later.
• If you do not know much about flutes, bring along someone who does when you go flute shopping. If this is not possible, bring the flute to an instrument repair shop or a flute teacher for a professional evaluation.
• You can find some great bargains in flutes that need repairs, but make sure that the price you pay takes the repairs into account.
• Although a beginner doesn't need a top-notch flute, it is important that the flute works properly. You cannot get a good sound from a flute that isn't in good working order.

Resources

• The Flute Exchange, Inc.

[flutestar123]

on 4/9/2009 Wow! Nice article. I always buy my flutes used. I like the steps when checking the flute for it's condition. Useful article!

[alieannie]

on 9/29/2008 Visit www.theflutemarket.com for quality used flutes at reasonable prices.

[Multitech]

on 6/10/2008 Very informative article, Lori. One thing to note, however, is that many student level flutes are set-up with yellow pads (both from the factory and out of repair shops like mine). I would definitely be concerned about excesssively worn (fuzzy looking bladders [the pad 'skin'] or pads with obvious holes) and excessively dirty pads which will often hide excessive wear and make a smacking noise when being released as you play.