Established in London in 1979, we have grown from very specialist beginnings servicing and repairing the flutes of professional London musicians to 33 years later, being one of the World’s most prestigious student, conservatory and professional instrument designers and suppliers. Our multi award winning Trevor James flute and saxophone ranges are now regarded as one of the leading brand names in woodwind instruments. We are currently distributing our instruments to 59 countries worldwide and work closely with established musicians and teachers internationally in our instrument research and development programmes.
We also manufacture in limited numbers (only to order) TJ flutes with tubes in fused 9k, 14k with 925 silver TJ 'Recital' handmade flutes. 2- Handmade flute with FMG headjoint / 925 silver body, soldered tone holes. Handmade flute with FMG headjoint / 925 silver body and mechanism, soldered tone holes. 14k gold plating available on all 'Performers' and 'Recital' models. Free blowing alto flutes in different finishes - each with their own unique and beautiful voice - drawn tone holes. Handmade and free blowing instruments - soldered tone holes The fantastic 'Talking Flute' Podcasts with Flute Professor and International flute player Clare Southworth iPhone - Android.
Thank you for such a prompt reply and for the suggestion to call C-S. I assumed that I needed to contact a dealer and all the ones I've called don't answer the phones. As for the reason why manufacture years are important, well, I was under the impression that the newer, the more reliable the technology and condition. My child is a beginner and we tried the rental arrangement last year but feel that it is not a good value. Since we're starting second year band, I felt that we might as well buy a flute. If you have any suggestions on buying a used flute, I am happy to read them.
I followed your advice and called C-S. The rep I spoke with did not sound very knowledgeable however she did answer the question about what year the flute starting with #70. (2000) She said that their website isn't current with info about how to determine manufacture years based on newer model serial numbers. I also found a very helpful (at least it sounds helpful!) for me to read about buying used flutes. In case you're interested, here it is (it's safe): I guess the most important thing about buying a used flute, from what I've read, is to make sure it has been fully reconditioned, especially replacement of the pads and corks.
And to have it tested by an experienced flutist. Oh, and making sure it is a reputable make. Buying a used flute is harder than I thought! Thank you for all your help! That does seem to be a well written and accurate description of what to look for/avoid when buying a used flute. I would encourage you to look at older flutes as well.Age is not necessarily an indicator of how well an instrument will play.
A 70 year old flute that has been well taken care of and has had annual maintainance can play like new, and certainly better than a 5 year old flute that has been mistreated or neglected. One of the major benefits of buying a used flute is that you can get a reputable, name brand instrument for less than a newer one, and as long as it is in good shape (or can be put back in good shape for a reasonable price), there should be no issues with the technology or condition. Thank you for that advice. I called an instrument repair technician in my area and his opinion regarding older flutes is similar. He said as well that he finds the newer flutes, after the '80s, to be less well crafted.
He also said that flute pads should last around 20 yrs. If the instrument has been well cared for. I am therefore looking at older models now. The tech said he would be happy to take a look at any flutes we're considering purchasing. Of course, he does have a business interest, but if we pay less than $100 for an older flute and he fixes it up for $250 or so, that sounds like a good value and secure way to go vs. Buying unseen/uninspected off eBay or an online used flute store. At least to me, a novice buyer of used flutes!
So, thus far I'm of the opinion that one should buy and service locally. I'll try to update with any news.
I have an Armstrong 305B LTD, the serial number is 7116937. I purchased it from a dealer, supposedly new, in December of 2005. I have often wondered just how old the instrument is, since a dealer inventory tag had the appearance of being quite aged (well yellowed and dirty). After reading the posts in this thread I decided to call Conn-Selmer to see what I could find out. The person I talked to said all she could tell me is that it showed up as a model 305B, and that it was sold by Armstrong to a dealer in March of 2000. I've never seen, or heard mention of, a 305B LTD before. Although the instrument showed up in Conn-Selmer's database as a model 305B, this instrument seems to have all the features of a 305B except the barrel is engraved 'LDT' and the flute has a gold-plated lip plate and crown.
The person I talked to at the factory knew nothing of the LTD version, which I find rather curious. Sorry for the long post, I'm just wondering if anyone else is familiar with the Armstron Model 305B LTD. Thank you for the input on the pads. I guess the bottom line is to ask if and when the pads were replaced and to check them out closely.
As a side note, I got back to a seller on Craigslist about a flute he had listed for sale and asked him if I could have a professional evaluate the flute prior to any money changing hands. I was suprised by his reply. He was offended that I asked to have the flute checked out since he was selling it for a low price. I did call up a large dealer and asked about buying new v. Used and inquired about what they had in stock. I almost feel like it's not worth the hassle to buy used. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply!
I hope this info can be helpful to others as well.
Trevor James are huge in England. Although they are made in Taiwan, their higher end range Recitals are assembled in England. They make a great student range like the TXJ10 which are great value for the price (compared to an overpriced Yamaha 211 student flute). I have a Recital II: shaped embouchure; solid.925 silver, extended low B foot joint.
Trevor James Privilege Flute
It's done more than held up since I bought it over 6 years ago - it's outdone itself for the abuse I put it through. No problems with key drift although I get it serviced every 2 years. If you're used to the Yamaha sound, you'll need to go beyond the 711 or its equivalent modern series to outclass the Trevor James for the price - flute player variables aside, or just get a Sankyo to make sure it's better Most of our music ensemble use Trevor James flutes. If you're looking at old inventory, the range updated some time - for instance, the Recital flutes moved from a thin wall to a thick wall (or was it the other way around). The Masters series preceded the Recital series. The TXJ10 series went past it's first, second, and third edition. Their alto flutes are superb too - the black nickel alto flute is just strangely dark in its tone although it's not as colourful as the Michael Allen headjoint version.
Thanks Messy! I appreciate your feedback. Glad to hear that they are thought of so highly.
I guess they just haven't caught on here in the US like they have in the UK- I really only come across them rarely in our Yamaha flooded beginner-intermediate market! Looking at the list of model numbers now, I think these may actually be current models. I got handed the list with the understanding that everything on it is 'old stock', but I'm seeing now that they likely just want to move some of the inventory that has been taking up space on the stock room shelves, even if it's not that old. I have some TJFCAB/TJFCABO/TJFCABOE (sterling hj, open holes, b foot) which appears to be the Cantabile series if I'm not mistaken. There are also a couple TJPIBO (all plated) and TJFVIB (all sterling tube)- Privilege and Virtuoso series. I will actually have them in my hands next week so then I'll be able to know for sure what they are and spend a little time playing around with them! I have some TJFCAB/TJFCABO/TJFCABOE (sterling hj, open holes, b foot) which appears to be the Cantabile series if I'm not mistaken.
Trevor James Flute
There are also a couple TJPIBO (all plated) and TJFVIB (all sterling tube)- Privilege and Virtuoso series. Sorry I don't know the reference numbers, but you can try looking them up on their website, or contact their head office in Lenham, England via email - they keep a serial number and registry of the makes and models and can tell you when they were made. The Cantabile is an upgrade from the student TJ 10X series at a mid-range price. The Virtuoso is best of the pick: it is solid silver head and body (not that this matters) but is better made but it is at the top end of the intermediate market.
It comes with open holes, a B foot joint, and if you are lucky, you can check out the different heads. You don't need a split E gizmo as the intonation is excellent without it.
They make several embouchure styles - you're in a great position since you can check them out. They make some of the best in-house shaped embouchures for the kit price of the flute. I've played with a Virtuoso Series with a shaped embouchure and a B foot - it is very loud and penetrating, and darker (B foot and thick wall, with higher chimney rise) but the shaped embouchure takes some getting used to if you're just a standard embouchure plate player. I find the mechanism very quiet and gentle: the Yamaha system is firmer and taut, if not heavier.
I think the Yamaha system is probably higher quality, but for the specification of a TJ Virtuoso, you would be paying over US$4000 for that. At that price point, it might be better going for a Sankyo or Muramatsu. Pearl flutes.I was nonplussed about. We don't have many Azumi flutes here so I don't know these at all. Be interesting to know how much they are charging for these old stock Trevor James flutes. Once again, thanks for the info Messy. I'm going into the store to check them out later today.
My understanding is that these only have the standard headjoints on them- no upgrades. I like flutes that project well (I play with a very passionate read: 'LOUD' cello player.and we often play unamplified for events), so I may enjoy these- perhaps I'll keep one for myself! As far as mechanisms go, I do quite like the Yamaha mechanism on the 500+ series flutes. The 200-400 series to me is definitely heavier than the same 'level' flutes by Pearl and Azumi but I find that that seems to keep it from getting clicky/clunky with age. I like Pearl's Forza headjoint on the Dolce/Elegante flutes, but the mechanism to me is so clunky and awkward that I just can't play those comfortably!
Plus, those flutes always feel heavy to me. At times when I've had both a 500/600 series Yamaha and a Pearl Dolce/Elegante in stock, I'll pop the Forza on the Yamaha and be a happy camper. Just for the record, I think Jupiter di Medici makes a nice smooth mechanism. But their headjoints (to me) don't keep up. And of course, Sankyo makes great headjoints as does Murumatsu- but I think most of us will agree on that!
I think I may need to call TJ to confirm the years these flutes were made. There are a few Privilege flutes, a few Cantabile and one Virtuoso (some inline, some offset, some with e mech). That much I know. But the model numbers may not be exactly the same as what TJ is making now- I'm not entirely sure.
Honestly, they use so many darn letters in their model numbers that it's hard to tell! The ones I have on the list here have model numbers with letters in different orders than what I've seen online! Hollywood movie in hindi. And Messy- pricewise, the Cantabile will be from around US $975-$995, though offers are always welcomed. Not sure on the price of the others yet. Will update with my take later post play-test!
And if you've owned one, does the mechanism get clicky over time? I find this happens with Pearls quite a bit. Not at all in my (admittedly limited) experience. The TJ flute I bought s/h from All Flutes Plus over a decade ago still plays smoothly and (shamefully, perhaps) I haven't had it serviced even once. It's an open-hole TJ 21 with a solid silver head-joint, if that means anything to anyone and I imagine it would count as an 'intermediate model'. I am ridiculously ignorant about flutes but I do know I liked it out of a range of comparable instruments (Yamaha/Gemeinhardt etc) I tried at the time and it has never, ever let me down, which I can't say for any of the saxes or clarinets I have owned in the last decade, and they've all been pretty regularly serviced.
So, I gave a Cantabile a whirl and I was quite satisfied with what I found. For the price, I agree with you, Messy- they are a very nice quality instrument. The sound was bright and focused and the mechanism definitely felt stronger than that of a Pearl or Azumi (which sell for roughly the same price).
It does seem like it would hold up, just like RootyTootoot has experienced. I liked the sound better than that of a Yamaha 200-400 series flute- I think it was clearer and easier to articulate, though perhaps not as dark (if you like dark.). I think I still prefer the feel of the Yamaha 500+ series flutes, but of course, those are considerably more expensive. So all in all, with today's play test and the feeback you all have given me, I officially give Trevor James a thumbs up!:P. I think the TJ 21 is earlier than the Cantabile model.
If you've not serviced it, that's pretty good going (provided you're playing with it ) That's a great price for the Cantabile! In the UK, it's the same price in £££.! The range has really updated with grenadilla risers and other wooden ones. I prefer a wooden sound to the metallic btw. The Trevor James heads are great, although the wooden headjoint upgrades really project. I got a flute headjoint upgrade from: Seder is a small Hungarian flute headjoint specialist.
I'd never heard of them and wasn't thinking much of it until I was blown away trying their headjoints against the Bigio, Worrell, Abell and Mancke. Only the Mancke really flipped me head over heels but its cost was double the Seder and it wasn't anywhere double as good. The wooden headjoint really darkens and projects the TJ Recital flutes beautifully. Good luck with your testing PS - no one goes for in-line G's these days, do they? I still like offset Gs, even if it's an open G! So, I gave a Cantabile a whirl and I was quite satisfied with what I found.
For the price, I agree with you, Messy- they are a very nice quality instrument. The sound was bright and focused and the mechanism definitely felt stronger than that of a Pearl or Azumi (which sell for roughly the same price). It does seem like it would hold up, just like RootyTootoot has experienced. I liked the sound better than that of a Yamaha 200-400 series flute- I think it was clearer and easier to articulate, though perhaps not as dark (if you like dark.). I think I still prefer the feel of the Yamaha 500+ series flutes, but of course, those are considerably more expensive. So all in all, with today's play test and the feeback you all have given me, I officially give Trevor James a thumbs up!:P Hey - that's really cool.!
You've tested it already Oh.you didn't get to test the Virtuoso? This is the one I'd have gone for of the bunch (unless you can get your hands on the Recital.).
The Yamaha 711 is the one I really wanted (which imho outclassed the Trevor James Virtuoso) but the cost was about 2.5x more.and I wanted to learn alto flute ll. It is darker, but it's amazing how much darker you can get if you go for a traditional wooden headjoint on a standard Cantabile or Virtuoso. For the cost of a Yamaha 711, I ended up with a Trevor James Recital series flute; a wooden headjoint upgrade, and a vintage Rudall Carte wooden flute (dark is dark!!) I'm much happier with this combination than a single Yamaha 711. Well, today was just a short stop, so I just tried the one flute back to back with a Yamaha 461 I was picking up that I just had serviced- it was nice to directly compare. This coming week when I go in again, I'll probably have them dig the Virtuoso out for me, and will hopefully be bringing a flute or two back to my studio for my customers to demo (I have a small biz selling pre-owned flutes).
Ya know, I still like my inline G open hole flute! Everyone wants offset now. I think I'm actually going to suggest discounting the inline TJ's more than the offset just to move them quickly, if possible. I find inline extraordinarily hard to sell these days. Messy, your choice to go with MANY flutes/headjoints that you like, instead of just one, is a good one in my opinion! It sounds like you made out pretty well!
I too love the sound of wood, though I don't own any wooden headjoints myself. I'm actually not playing as much as I used to due to some health issues, but if improved health is in the cards for me, a wooden headjoint is up there on my wish list! Speaking of Yamaha 700 series, I do have a 621 here now that's pretty great (also new old stock). I believe it is now called model '724'. A wonderful sounding instrument.
And just so easy to play! No fighting needed to make it sound awesome.
I'll be sad when someone buys this one! I don't really notice the space between my ring and middle finger at all, though I think this space is probably different on every flute make/model. I've also been playing on inline for years. But if I were to complain about not being able to cover holes, it would be about the right hand. I find it very hard to cover the F and D key when reaching for a low C/B. The left hand keys, even with inline G, are fine for me.
I'm sure if you do a search here on this forum you'll find lots more opinions on inline/offset- my guess is that there are several threads on this exact topic! Regarding my shop, I mainly sell pre-owned beginner and intermediate model flutes (so these TJs fit nicely in my inventory!). I'll dabble in the lower priced 'pro' instruments, but that's about as far up as I typically go. My primary customers are local students (and sax players!), though I do ship all over. All that said, with my client base, there isn't too much demand for wooden headjoints/wooden flutes. I get the occasional person asking about one, but it maybe only comes up about once or twice a year.
Perhaps someday I'll get some in. One never knows what the future shall bring. My guess is that there is someone on this forum who sells wooden flutes, though, if you ask around.
I'd be curious to hear what kind of interest there is in those from someone who carries them as well. I actually got into selling pre-owned flutes when being indecisive about what I wanted for myself- I couldn't just stop at two either.!! That's fascinating.I have the same issues you describe with the low C/low C roller keys. Just trying to pounce on it to get a solid note is tricky.
It's like I need a mega large low C/B roller the size of a hair permer to avoid missing it lol. This is one reason why I like the Rudall Carte wooden flute - it seems to be ergonomically better, although it is about 100 years older (strangely). It has a weird open G sharp (which gives a clearer 3rd octave E) and the second and third octave C and C sharp notes are very clean - much better than the Boehm ones as they are properly vented. The fingering hold also means doing a C sharp note in second or third octaves does not risk dropping the flute. Having said that, it is quite eccentric fingering, and takes some practice to get used to compared to standardised Boehm fingerings.
I'm a big wooden flute fan - anyone who likes Karen Leitner's playing on her mega-$$$ wooden Yamaha flute will understand the special tone that only a wooden flute offers. She puts down the penny whistle: Listen to the tone carefully (or carelessly!) - you'll hear a striking smoothness without the shrillness of a metal flute. Someone here sells wooden flutes?! If it wasn't for the alto Boehm flute, I'd probably abandon the silver Boehm flute and to a wooden keyed flute altogether.
That sounds like a fascinating shop. It must be very rewarding seeing students click with a flute, go away and come back playing masterpieces I'm trying not to buy 'yet another flute' lol. See, for me, even with a huge roller, I still don't think I could cover those holes when I'm reaching down for those low keys! Lungi dance background music mp3 download. Maybe my fingers are just spaced weird or something!:P Agreed. The sound of Karen's flute is quite amazing (once I get past the dry ice machine.lol). I love that earthy smooth sound.
I'd kill for a flute like that! I'm actually a piano player turned flutist who started 'flute' on a wooden fife I picked up in gradeschool on a family vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia (think colonial America fife and drum corp stuff.I begged my parents to let me get it at the gift shop!). I later picked up a Renaissance style wooden 6 hole flute at a Renaissance festival while traveling in high school to visit a friend who'd moved away (no parents there to dissuade me!). It was that year (after much borrowing of friends' flutes) that my parents finally realized it was time to make the investment.
That Christmas earned me my Gemeinhardt 2SP which I played for YEARS. So yes, having started on wood (even if it was just a fife!), has always kept me loving that organic sound! The Rudall Carte sounds fascinating.
I'd be curious to see pictures of it. I don't know for a fact if anyone here sells wooden flutes, but I do know there are a number of instrument vendors on here. There may be someone who either sells them or knows a reputable person who does (not that you're looking to buy another one or anything!) And yes, I do love working with students! It truly is rewarding to see the smiles form on their faces when they hear what they can sound like on a 'step-up' flute! I still remember this one high school student who came in a year or so ago- Upon trying the Yamaha 481 her parents were surprising her with (they didn't tell her where she was going until she walked into my home studio and I handed her the flute), her eyes lit up while she exclaimed, 'Now THIS is a flute I can go somewhere with!!!'
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