Flute Testing Guide: er
b e c c a F u ll
by : R e
What you are looking for in a new flute:
Ease of playing
Beautiful tone quality
Smooth mechanism
Easier control
Resonation
BEFORE testing:
Inventory packaging
*Take pictures of all* - box, bubblewrap, paperwork, flute case,
cleaning materials, manufacturer/seller paperwork
Inspect case
*Latches, zippers, which direction does it open? Note what is
inside pockets and if/where the anti-tarnish strip is.
Flute specs
*Note brand name and model - Is it what you ordered?
If testing multiple flutes, sticky note the brand/model onto the case
First look at flute
*Instrument should be very shiny and new with no scratches, dents,
or off colored spots.
Trial dates on calendar
*Write your trial dates down on the calendar so you are sure
to return on time.
Learn Flute Online
Flute Testing Guide page 2:
Remove all jewelry and wash your hands well
Assemble flute carefully, do not force any parts on or off (twist)
Feel /Balance - heavy / light?
Novice: Never played flute before?
Join my silver level video series to get you started correctly (wait to assemble flute..
I'll show you how to avoid a first time assembly disaster)
Beginner: Follow the checklist as much as you know how
Long Tones
Your best scale
Fast playing - have a fast piece you know already? Example:
Octave Jumps - easier than it is on your older flute?
Learn Flute Online
Flute Testing Guide page 3:
Beginner continued:
Intonation test:
Use a tuner to move up the Bb scale.. are any of the notes 'crazy' out of tune
compared to the rest?
Trouble notes: Test your notes that are normally harder to get out
nicely: example- high E and low D, C
Favorite Solo: Play what you know super well. Does It sound better
on this flute than your previous one?
If you had to perform today, would you choose this flute?
Re-evaluate all over again. See if your opinion is still the same the
next day.
Rate the flute(s):
On a scale from 0 - 5 where would you rate the flute(s) you are testing:
Overall Sound,
Mechanics, and
0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Likeability
e w f l u te !
oy your n
Enj -Rebecca Fuller
Learn Flute Online
Flute Testing Guide page 4:
Intermediate / Advanced
Remove all jewlery and wash your hands well
Assemble flute carefully, do not foce any parts on or off
Feel /Balance - heavy / light?
Warm-up on your current (older) flute and have It out handy to compare
Long Tones - evaluate ease of tone production on first try
slow chromatics
Your best scale - tongued and then slurred
Chromatic Scale -from the bottom to the top and back down again (slow and fast)
etc.
Fast playing - have a fast piece you know already? Example:
Is the mechanism of the flute nice and quiet? or can you hear clunking?
Learn Flute Online
Flute Testing Guide page 5:
Intermediate / Advanced continued:
Fast Tonguing and Double Tonguing - easier than usual?
Octave Jumps - effortless? or sticky?
Dynamics - crescendo and diminuendo - faded endings
Trouble Notes - which ones are usually kind of ugly on your old flute?
pianissimo - fortissimo (good control?)
Trilling and Other alternative keys - try every trill you know.
Use all of the extra keys and levers. Are they quiet and smooth?
Learn Flute Online
Flute Testing Guide page 6:
Intermediate / Advanced continued:
Harmonics - feel simple?
*Example:
Finger a low G and without changing fingerings, blow the first
octave, slur to the second octave, then the third, .. can you press to
find a fourth without breaking the connection?
Play your most well known solo - Is it easier on this flute?
Use a lot of dynamic range.
Use your Tuner - any extra wildly out of tune notes?
Record Yourself! Your smart phone will work great for this.
Enlist a friend to help listening for subtle differences and highlights.
If you had to perform today, would you choose this flute?
Re-evaluate all over again. See if your opinion is still the same the
next day. Does the flute keep up with you?
Rate the flute(s):
On a scale from 0 - 5 where would you rate the flute(s) you are testing:
Overall Sound,
Mechanics, and
0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Likeability
e w f l u te !
oy your n
Enj -Rebecca Fuller
Learn Flute Online
