Choosing a first flute or recorder
Choosing a first flute or recorder
The first instrument decides whether there is a second one. An instrument that will not speak reliably at the top of its range convinces a beginner they cannot play, when in fact the instrument cannot.
Recorders first
The recorder has a reputation problem, largely earned by very cheap school instruments. A properly made recorder is a real instrument with a genuine repertoire, and it is the most efficient way into wind playing: the note sounds as soon as you blow, so all the effort goes into fingering and breath rather than into producing a sound at all.
Soprano in C is the standard starting size and the one most method books assume. Plastic instruments from reputable makers are durable, stable in changing humidity and often better in tune than cheap wooden ones.
Baroque or German fingering
This is the specification most beginners miss. Baroque (English) fingering is the standard almost everywhere and is what published methods use. German fingering simplifies one early note and complicates several later ones.
Buy Baroque unless a teacher has specifically asked for German.
Concert flutes
The flute is harder to start because the note has to be created by the player’s embouchure before any fingering matters. Expect a few weeks before the sound is reliable. That is normal and it is not a sign of a bad instrument.
Closed-hole versus open-hole
Closed-hole (plateau) keys have a solid key cup. Open-hole (French) keys have a hole in the centre of five keys, which the finger must cover exactly.
Beginners want closed-hole. Open-hole demands precise finger placement, allows advanced techniques a beginner will not use for years, and produces frustrating leaks in the meantime. Many open-hole flutes ship with plugs for exactly this reason.
Offset G and split E
An offset G key sits slightly out of line and is easier for most hands to reach comfortably. A split E mechanism makes the top E speak more reliably. Both are helpful for a beginner and both are commonly found on student instruments.
C foot or B foot
A C foot joint is standard and lighter. A B foot adds one low note and a little weight. Student instruments are almost always C foot, which is correct for a beginner.
What should come in the case
A cleaning rod is essential — a flute must be swabbed after every session. Joint grease, a cloth and a case are the other basics. Where a set includes gloves or a stand, that is convenience rather than necessity.
Our listings say what is in the case, because the difference between an instrument and a complete outfit is easy to miss when comparing prices.
Practical checks before ordering
- Recorder: soprano in C, Baroque fingering.
- Flute: closed-hole, offset G, C foot for a beginner.
- Check a cleaning rod and cloth are included.
- Expect a few weeks before a flute tone settles — that is the instrument working normally.
- Where a maker describes an instrument as student level, take that as accurate rather than as a criticism.
Where this sits in the shop
Everything discussed above comes back to one part of the shop: Electronic Wind Instruments, which currently holds 5 listings between $56.35 and $259.99. The whole of it is picked and packed at Venuti's Music Store & Studios, 2539 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, during Tue, Thu–Fri 2pm–7pm, Sat 11:30am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon and Wed — so anything written here can be checked by phoning the counter on ((215) 336-2698.
From our shelves
- SUNRISE MELODY M1 Electronic Wind Instrument, Beginner-Friendly Digital Saxophone with 26 — $119.00
- KONIX Electronic Wind Instrument, DC02 Pro Digital Wind Instrument with 10 Musical Tones — $59.99
- MK EWI, Performance-grade Electronic Wind Instrument, Wind Synth With Bulit in OTG — $259.99
What we get asked about this
How long will my order take?
Handling takes 1–2 business days and carrier transit is normally 3–7 business days, so most orders land in 4–9 business days. Tracking is emailed as soon as the label scans.
How much is shipping?
Orders of $49.00 or more ship free inside the United States. Below that, a flat $5.99 covers packing and carrier handling, whatever the box weighs.
Read next
- Tin whistles: keys, and why D is the default
- Electronic wind instruments: practising at two in the morning
- Cleaning and swabbing a wind instrument
Ordering from Venuti's Music Store
Orders of $49.00 or more ship free anywhere in the United States, and a flat $5.99 covers everything below that. Handling takes 1–2 business days and carrier transit is normally 3–7 business days. Unused items can go back within 30 days, and if the mistake was ours we pay the return postage.
Questions about anything above go to [email protected], answered within 1 business day, or call (215) 336-2698. Full detail is on the Shipping Policy and Refund and Returns pages.