SHOULD I RENT A FLUTE?
So your child has decided to play the flute and you are wondering about the best way to find an instrument. There are a few different options but it is best to be informed about the pros and cons. Here we deal with the options, renting a flute, borrowing a flute or buying a flute.
RENTING
Should I rent a flute? – Most schools have the option to rent instruments either directly from the school or from a Music Service, sometimes provided through local councils in the UK.
Renting can be a good option initially to see if your child is likely to keep playing. There are a few things to be aware of however before deciding to rent.
- Renting can become expensive. Renting a flute can cost around £25 a month. If this is only for a couple of months then this is fine, but a good used instrument might only be £200 and so it is best to only do it for the short term.
- Quality of flutes being rented can vary. Local music services that offer rental instruments generally only service them every now and again and not to a high standard.
- Check that you are insured and how much you are liable if the flute gets lost, stolen or damaged.
Rental companies such as Music Corner, Ackermans or Normans are relatively well known.
BORROWING
Schools quite often have a music department that lends instruments to pupils. This is of course a great idea if available but there are similar issues with the standard of the instruments. Generally, flutes that have been borrowed and tried many times are not necessarily in good playing condition or particularly good makes. You might find that your child struggles with the flute for the wrong reasons i.e. it needs adjustment and has not been looked after.
BUYING
This is of course the more permanent solution and if your child is keen, then look to buy an instrument earlier rather than later. Buying their own instrument will at least mean that you can make sure only your child is playing it and looking after it, however there are pitfalls when purchasing a beginner flute. Here are some of the main points to consider but also visit my other blog to learn more – Buying a second hand Yamaha flute.
Questions to ask:
- CONDITION – Check that the flute has no obvious damage – Look for obvious dents (especially on the lip), check the pads to see they are not torn.
- SERVICING- Has it been serviced recently and is ready to play. Flutes need checking regularly, especially if they have had a number of owners.
- BRAND – There are a lot of poor quality flutes on the market, mainly from China. Make sure that what you are purchasing is going to last as it will cost you in the long run if it is constantly in the workshop. The most recommended student makes are Yamaha and Pearl. Other makes that are worth looking at are Trevor James, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Azumi and Armstrong.
London flutes have a range of beginner and intermediate flutes that are all serviced and ready to go. Check our stock HERE and if we don’t have any to suit then please Contact us and we can let you know if any are coming. Beginner flutes are always in demand and so are sold quickly. If in doubt, ask a specialist flute shop as they can tell you if the flute you are considering is a decent choice.