Well, there was quite a bit of difference in the tone of the flutes. However, the plastic ones get points for convenience and affordability. I definitely would consider one of these to keep laying around for fun. Thanks for the awesome comparison!
I think plastic instruments are a good thing. They have trombones and trumpets for people to try in a museum in Austria, this flute would certainly be a nice addition. For me the difference in sound was more noticeable during long notes, and also the keys were rather loud. Great video!
I have one of these! They're also good for seniors, like myself, who find that our shoulders and neck tend to cramp up. The J-flute head joint is especially helpful for me. Much more ergonomic than a normal flute. Not just for kids!
@@cristhianpolania I did fine with it for a while, but I find the higher notes (third octave) pretty hard to get, and they don't sound very good. I eventually bought an inexpensive metal flute with a similar curved head joint, and I get a much better range of sound with it. And the action is much faster, as they mention in the video. But the Nuvo does have a very nice sound, rather like a traditional folk flute, in the bottom register.
I have a green nuvo and I love that I can play it outside without worry. For excellent instrumentalist I really can't tell the difference. For myself I hear the difference. Thank you for sharing. 🎶
Thanks for this video, I'm thinking to buy one of these for outdoor summer band concerts in all kinds of weather that normally makes me worried about potential damage to my $3,000 "main flute".
I've been flowing you for a while and I trusted your review. So based on that, I went and bought one. Well quite a difference from my silver flute! I like it! I like those thumb pads, I like the non-slip material that is on the keys. I like how light it is but it feels very robust / solid / well made. It's improved my embouchure a lot, It's so much easier getting a "clean" note. Hey, BTW I'm not a kid. Hard to say nowadays, but this is one purchase I don't regret.
I have hand mobility issues and had given up the dream of learning the flute long ago. I’m going to get one of these and give it a go. Thanks for the review.
I got a bright blue one nearly 5 years ago just because I was so intrigued by it. It's great for a traveling, knock-around fun flute that I don't have to worry about. As for it being waterproof... in 2015 it went to Israel and got baptized with me in the Jordan River. Now, I do have to work a bit harder to get a good sound out of it than the silver flute, and once in a while for reasons unknown it simply refuses to "speak," but a good shake usually solves that problem.
CrankyBeach that is officially the most epic Nuovo flute story I have heard! Baptized in the Jordan river and all 😱 beautiful. Well, I guess important to know it isn’t 100% waterproof but yes, a great wear and tear instrument!
@@TheFlutePractice Here is my review at Amazon, in which I posted 2 pictures; one in the Jordan River, and the other a case I made from fabric and foam. :) www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3GLF1B57YBNNI?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
I play a silver flute. But I think I prefer the slightly more mellow sound of the Nuvo flute. It took me some time to develop my breathing and control to get the low C etc. so that I could play with power and sound depth. It would seem that the Nuvo flute is a good first entry instrument to give confidence to beginners right off the bat so to speak. Great vid. Thanks. I think I will get me one for fun. 😊😊😊😊😊
Listening with my ears, rather than my eyes (Turned the screen around while you were playing), I wouldn't put money on which was which. Good demonstration.
Wow they sound great ! And I couldn’t tell The difference between the Nuvo and silver ( I listened without looking at the screen) . I’ve been playing flute for over 20 years . I think this would be a great flute for newbies and as a back up flute for a pro!
Greetings from Thailand, I'm 46 and I've never played a flute in my life. I think I'm definitely going to drop it a lot of times and even if it's because of you it's a good thing like hyung I'll be able to carry her everywhere, thanks for sharing the clip.
I have a Nuvo flute that I purchased because it was less expensive than fixing a regular flute. It’s great for me since I get contact dermatitis from silver. My only complaint is being able to hear the keys vibrating when air is pushed through, and I can’t get the highest C out. A band mate has a plastic trombone, she said to be careful in the sun. Her trombone melted during an outdoor concert.
@@gosiajakubowski8905 I have been playing with thie Nuvo flute for a few weeks, the high C never came out (i don't think I am new to flutes. I played bamboo flutes before). Today, I had a chance to use my sister's cheap metal flute and I realised it is easier to high high notes on the 'real' ones. I don't know if you had the same experience?
What a great video, thanks! I could hear a difference between the two flutes but the sound is comparable and not as different as I was expecting. I have been learning by myself on a Nuvo for about 6 months and am just starting on the 3rd octave and I know it's probably mostly my inexperience and lack of proper technique but man, it's hard to get that 3rd D to make a sound! I feel encouraged that it might be partly because it's just a little trickier on this instrument to get the higher notes out. I love the Nuvo for the fact that I just leave it out on my desk all the time and pick it up to practice several times a day without having to worry about dinging it!
I don’t understand why you would be surprised that a plastic flute could have a good tone. The flute is not a resonant instrument- the air makes the sound, not the flute itself. It’s all about the shape of the container. Cut of embouchure and tone holes. They more or less sounded the same to me except for the keywork. The Nuvo sounded way more like a typewriter than the silver flutes. Maybe not ideal for performance but perfect for a learner or poolside practise. :)
Intriguing! I've been wishing I had a "car whistle" (see The Whistle Tutor's practice tips) for my classical flute--something I can put in my checked baggage while flying or leave in a car to sneak in practice while taking kids around town during the week. I just went camping and took a plastic tin whistle along instead 'cuz I knew it could handle being left in a backpack (I also got so excited to see the curved head joints on your website and thought you had an alto one--I would get an alto one just to play around with. You tease! Yes, I followed the sales link before watching the video).
Interesting. The actual sound is quite similar. The main difference I hear is that you are having to work much harder to articulate the notes on the plastic flutes and to tune them. You are top quality players, and I think you are using your utmost skill to get as much as you do out of the plastic flutes. With less skilful players I suspect we'd hear much more of a difference.
You know... I wish this thing had been around when I'd been learning to play back in the 80s. And now I need to somehow justify buying this so I can play it in the bath.
I could tell differences in the sound of the mechanism and intonation as well as tone. I was shutting my eyes in case I was being prejudiced by being able to see what you were playing!
The plastic flutes don't sound the same as the metal ones, but they still make a pleasing sound. That combined with the price and convenience of plastic makes them a great choice.
Greetings from Orange County California. I'm an adult beginner and have recently settled out a used Pearl 500 to start with. Currently I'm a half-assed bagpipe player. At least with something like the bagpipes your initial learning instrument is a practice chanter, and unless you absolutely have your heart set on unnecessarily going with African Blackwood you can get a perfectly fine excellent quality PC for under $100. But with flutes, if you want a quality student model, you're looking at upwards of $550. Again, unless you can get a used one through a reputable reseller. And of course there is rentals, but that's a different track But if you are buying that is quite an investment for something that a beginner may lose interest in or have no talent for. But the thing is, for the beginner, you do want to have a decent quality instrument so at least you know if there's a problem it's due to the player and not the thing being played. So for the price, if these Nuvo flutes could fill that beginner gap of a low-cost starter instrument before making making the larger investment, that's a good thing.
I´m seriously considering buyig one of those Nuvo flutes as a spare, and a instrument you can take to "dangerous" environments without worrying so much about it. I´d like to ask at what point in the 3rd octave it becomes very hard / almost impossible /impossible to play a high note? Thanks, great video! :)
Hello Tatiana, Thanks for another cool vid ! Question to the manufacturer : could you play that flute in a Finnish-style sauna ? Actually I bought a Nuvo flute when I picked up flute as self-taught adult about 9 monthes ago. There is a great method coming with it (which you can download for free on the manufacturer's website, including MP3 tracks). As it's made by talented professional music education professionals, it makes reading notes accessible to (former) sheet-music-illiterate people like me :) Eveyrthing is explained in a clear and simple, step by step, in a very reassuring way. Perfect for adults who, like me, were not sure about their ability to take the challenge. After a few weeks, I knew I were both able and willing to :)So thanks Nuvo for that :) As their method is playful and easy going, it gave me self-confidence and was an ideal way to begin. Another great feature you did not mention is that it's very forgiving if you drop it etc. as it is solid hard plastic material and the build quality is excellent. This is important for children and/or clumbsy people like me. I bought a "real" metal flute a few weeks after that one. Like you said, it demands a bit more effort in the lower reigster (which is the one the method teaches you at first) but this is certainly not a bad thing to begin this way. I was planning to sell mine but you convinced me to keep it, as I want to try to play in the shower or under the rain :) summary : Pro's: affordable, great for beginners of all ages, VERY STURDY, good as a 1st instrument and back-up for later, waterproof, very low maintenance. It's deffo a proper flute and not a toy. Cons : few if you consider it as a beginner's instrument. Of course a high-end metal flute will sound better and will be more satisfying to play/feel.
Hi, Tatiana! thank you for your video! Helped me a lot! One question: do you know if I can use the headjoint from my silver flute on this Nuvo flute? Or even a wooden head joint? I mean, do the Nuvo flute body adapt to other headjoints? Thank you in advance!
What is the diameter difference in the head piece of the nuvo vs silver flute? I have an extra flute saved to teach my daughter and wonder if I could use a nuvo curved head (sold separately) on a silver flute rather than purchasing another flute for the short time till her arms grow.
I have been playing flute for about seven years now and I hear barely any difference but the plastic ones seem to click a lot with their keys. Also, they sound like they take a lot more air, do they?
Actually, you can buy a copper (maillechort and cupro-nickel keys) flute with open plates for 55 € (shipping inclued) AliExpress. I bought one, easy blowing and precision are on rendez-vous ! It's better than plastic...for the Earth too.
I have a nuvo flute and I am finding it to be very difficult to get a 3rd octave "e" as opposed to other 3rd octave notes. Is it the flute or is it me. The other 3rd octave notes are coming in quite clear now. Other harmonics seem to crowd out the E!
thanks I appreciate it. I have found an alternate fingering though. Seems to be working for me for now. I greatly learn and enjoy your vid's. Thanks again!
Well, there was quite a bit of difference in the tone of the flutes. However, the plastic ones get points for convenience and affordability. I definitely would consider one of these to keep laying around for fun. Thanks for the awesome comparison!
Where was this waterproof flute during my band camp years? So fun!!
We do not speak about... b a n d c a m p
I think plastic instruments are a good thing. They have trombones and trumpets for people to try in a museum in Austria, this flute would certainly be a nice addition. For me the difference in sound was more noticeable during long notes, and also the keys were rather loud. Great video!
yep definitely. my metal tin whistle got rust on it and it smells horrible now. (clarke meg fyi)
Silver flute sounds more crisp and resonate more while Nuvo flute sound is more dull
The plastic flute has a warmer sound: more like the sound from the original flutes, made, of course, from wood.
As a flutist, I was stunned that I preferred the plastic flute - the regular is a bit too piercing. Funny.
I have one of these! They're also good for seniors, like myself, who find that our shoulders and neck tend to cramp up. The J-flute head joint is especially helpful for me. Much more ergonomic than a normal flute. Not just for kids!
@@cristhianpolania I did fine with it for a while, but I find the higher notes (third octave) pretty hard to get, and they don't sound very good. I eventually bought an inexpensive metal flute with a similar curved head joint, and I get a much better range of sound with it. And the action is much faster, as they mention in the video. But the Nuvo does have a very nice sound, rather like a traditional folk flute, in the bottom register.
Yes! I think eventually a silver flute may be necessary. 🎶
I have a green nuvo and I love that I can play it outside without worry. For excellent instrumentalist I really can't tell the difference. For myself I hear the difference. Thank you for sharing. 🎶
Thanks for this video, I'm thinking to buy one of these for outdoor summer band concerts in all kinds of weather that normally makes me worried about potential damage to my $3,000 "main flute".
I've been flowing you for a while and I trusted your review. So based on that, I went and bought one. Well quite a difference from my silver flute! I like it! I like those thumb pads, I like the non-slip material that is on the keys. I like how light it is but it feels very robust / solid / well made. It's improved my embouchure a lot, It's so much easier getting a "clean" note. Hey, BTW I'm not a kid. Hard to say nowadays, but this is one purchase I don't regret.
I have hand mobility issues and had given up the dream of learning the flute long ago. I’m going to get one of these and give it a go. Thanks for the review.
I got a bright blue one nearly 5 years ago just because I was so intrigued by it. It's great for a traveling, knock-around fun flute that I don't have to worry about. As for it being waterproof... in 2015 it went to Israel and got baptized with me in the Jordan River. Now, I do have to work a bit harder to get a good sound out of it than the silver flute, and once in a while for reasons unknown it simply refuses to "speak," but a good shake usually solves that problem.
CrankyBeach that is officially the most epic Nuovo flute story I have heard! Baptized in the Jordan river and all 😱 beautiful. Well, I guess important to know it isn’t 100% waterproof but yes, a great wear and tear instrument!
@@TheFlutePractice Here is my review at Amazon, in which I posted 2 pictures; one in the Jordan River, and the other a case I made from fabric and foam. :)
www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3GLF1B57YBNNI?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
I think in a blind test 99 out of 100 people couldn't tell the difference.
Beautiful song Haydn nice trio!
I play a silver flute. But I think I prefer the slightly more mellow sound of the Nuvo flute. It took me some time to develop my breathing and control to get the low C etc. so that I could play with power and sound depth. It would seem that the Nuvo flute is a good first entry instrument to give confidence to beginners right off the bat so to speak. Great vid. Thanks. I think I will get me one for fun. 😊😊😊😊😊
Listening with my ears, rather than my eyes (Turned the screen around while you were playing), I wouldn't put money on which was which. Good demonstration.
Nice I'd say. Decent sound. Durable. Washable. Accesories. COLORS.
Win!
Wow they sound great ! And I couldn’t tell
The difference between the Nuvo and silver ( I listened without looking at the screen) . I’ve been playing flute for over 20 years . I think this would be a great flute for newbies and as a back up flute for a pro!
Greetings from Thailand, I'm 46 and I've never played a flute in my life. I think I'm definitely going to drop it a lot of times and even if it's because of you it's a good thing like hyung I'll be able to carry her everywhere, thanks for sharing the clip.
Pleasure! Thailand is beautiful! I was visiting friends there is April 🇹🇭
I’m not a kid and I have one. I love it. I like that you can keep it out of the case and it’s there ready to play.
What are their pads like? Are they just some sort of rubber that covers the plastic holes of the tubes?
actually they are made of silicone
Thanks. Very helpful review. I have always wanted to play the flute & this seems perfect to play outside hanging out with my horses.
I have a Nuvo flute that I purchased because it was less expensive than fixing a regular flute. It’s great for me since I get contact dermatitis from silver. My only complaint is being able to hear the keys vibrating when air is pushed through, and I can’t get the highest C out. A band mate has a plastic trombone, she said to be careful in the sun. Her trombone melted during an outdoor concert.
Erin Heenan I could not make a sound on the regular flute at all! Is this one any easier to make a sound ?
Gosia Jakubowski I don’t think so. It’s easy to overblow on the Nuvo.
@@gosiajakubowski8905 I have been playing with thie Nuvo flute for a few weeks, the high C never came out (i don't think I am new to flutes. I played bamboo flutes before). Today, I had a chance to use my sister's cheap metal flute and I realised it is easier to high high notes on the 'real' ones. I don't know if you had the same experience?
Erin Heenan I have a similar problem with silver, and the gold pleated flute is just too expensive.
Wow! Very good way to demonstrate these flutes. You 2 sounds amazing together with whichever one you are playing.
What a great video, thanks! I could hear a difference between the two flutes but the sound is comparable and not as different as I was expecting.
I have been learning by myself on a Nuvo for about 6 months and am just starting on the 3rd octave and I know it's probably mostly my inexperience and lack of proper technique but man, it's hard to get that 3rd D to make a sound! I feel encouraged that it might be partly because it's just a little trickier on this instrument to get the higher notes out.
I love the Nuvo for the fact that I just leave it out on my desk all the time and pick it up to practice several times a day without having to worry about dinging it!
I like both of the flutes and they play beautiful!
I don’t understand why you would be surprised that a plastic flute could have a good tone. The flute is not a resonant instrument- the air makes the sound, not the flute itself. It’s all about the shape of the container. Cut of embouchure and tone holes. They more or less sounded the same to me except for the keywork. The Nuvo sounded way more like a typewriter than the silver flutes. Maybe not ideal for performance but perfect for a learner or poolside practise. :)
Playing in the shower and outdoors in the rain.. I'm sold! Why didn't you tell this little me decades ago? :D
An interesting way to trick some youngster into becoming involved with music. Is it in the proper key?
Intriguing! I've been wishing I had a "car whistle" (see The Whistle Tutor's practice tips) for my classical flute--something I can put in my checked baggage while flying or leave in a car to sneak in practice while taking kids around town during the week. I just went camping and took a plastic tin whistle along instead 'cuz I knew it could handle being left in a backpack (I also got so excited to see the curved head joints on your website and thought you had an alto one--I would get an alto one just to play around with. You tease! Yes, I followed the sales link before watching the video).
Interesting. The actual sound is quite similar. The main difference I hear is that you are having to work much harder to articulate the notes on the plastic flutes and to tune them. You are top quality players, and I think you are using your utmost skill to get as much as you do out of the plastic flutes. With less skilful players I suspect we'd hear much more of a difference.
It plays beautifully I want one!
I have this nuvo flute. The low C and low #C is not easy to play.
Both flutes sounds are good.. 🎵🎵🎵 Thanks both of you
Thanks for the unbiased review.
You know... I wish this thing had been around when I'd been learning to play back in the 80s. And now I need to somehow justify buying this so I can play it in the bath.
I could tell differences in the sound of the mechanism and intonation as well as tone. I was shutting my eyes in case I was being prejudiced by being able to see what you were playing!
The plastic flutes don't sound the same as the metal ones, but they still make a pleasing sound. That combined with the price and convenience of plastic makes them a great choice.
These would be quite good for playing whilst processing outside. Sometimes I do this with a dance team and dread getting rain on my silver flute.
Greetings from Orange County California. I'm an adult beginner and have recently settled out a used Pearl 500 to start with. Currently I'm a half-assed bagpipe player.
At least with something like the bagpipes your initial learning instrument is a practice chanter, and unless you absolutely have your heart set on unnecessarily going with African Blackwood you can get a perfectly fine excellent quality PC for under $100.
But with flutes, if you want a quality student model, you're looking at upwards of $550. Again, unless you can get a used one through a reputable reseller. And of course there is rentals, but that's a different track
But if you are buying that is quite an investment for something that a beginner may lose interest in or have no talent for. But the thing is, for the beginner, you do want to have a decent quality instrument so at least you know if there's a problem it's due to the player and not the thing being played.
So for the price, if these Nuvo flutes could fill that beginner gap of a low-cost starter instrument before making making the larger investment, that's a good thing.
Great Video and information. Thank you!
This is my practice flute ❤️
Oh yes! Playing flute in the bath!
This sounds awesome! Other suggestions : in the sauna, in the steamroom, in a swimming pool, under a waterfall, on the beach while walking in water
I´m seriously considering buyig one of those Nuvo flutes as a spare, and a instrument you can take to "dangerous" environments without worrying so much about it. I´d like to ask at what point in the 3rd octave it becomes very hard / almost impossible /impossible to play a high note? Thanks, great video! :)
3:09, I hear what you were going to do. I subbed cause of that. Respect from the USA
Love these Tatiana! They sound great too!
Hello Tatiana, Thanks for another cool vid ! Question to the manufacturer : could you play that flute in a Finnish-style sauna ?
Actually I bought a Nuvo flute when I picked up flute as self-taught adult about 9 monthes ago. There is a great method coming with it (which you can download for free on the manufacturer's website, including MP3 tracks). As it's made by talented professional music education professionals, it makes reading notes accessible to (former) sheet-music-illiterate people like me :)
Eveyrthing is explained in a clear and simple, step by step, in a very reassuring way. Perfect for adults who, like me, were not sure about their ability to take the challenge. After a few weeks, I knew I were both able and willing to :)So thanks Nuvo for that :) As their method is playful and easy going, it gave me self-confidence and was an ideal way to begin.
Another great feature you did not mention is that it's very forgiving if you drop it etc. as it is solid hard plastic material and the build quality is excellent. This is important for children and/or clumbsy people like me.
I bought a "real" metal flute a few weeks after that one. Like you said, it demands a bit more effort in the lower reigster (which is the one the method teaches you at first) but this is certainly not a bad thing to begin this way.
I was planning to sell mine but you convinced me to keep it, as I want to try to play in the shower or under the rain :)
summary : Pro's: affordable, great for beginners of all ages, VERY STURDY, good as a 1st instrument and back-up for later, waterproof, very low maintenance. It's deffo a proper flute and not a toy. Cons : few if you consider it as a beginner's instrument. Of course a high-end metal flute will sound better and will be more satisfying to play/feel.
Adje Van Patatje is it easier to produce the sound that the ordinary flute?
Hi, Tatiana! thank you for your video! Helped me a lot! One question: do you know if I can use the headjoint from my silver flute on this Nuvo flute? Or even a wooden head joint? I mean, do the Nuvo flute body adapt to other headjoints? Thank you in advance!
What is the diameter difference in the head piece of the nuvo vs silver flute? I have an extra flute saved to teach my daughter and wonder if I could use a nuvo curved head (sold separately) on a silver flute rather than purchasing another flute for the short time till her arms grow.
Do you know about Bansuri ( Indian bamboo flute) ?
I have been playing flute for about seven years now and I hear barely any difference but the plastic ones seem to click a lot with their keys. Also, they sound like they take a lot more air, do they?
Actually, you can buy a copper (maillechort and cupro-nickel keys) flute with open plates for 55 € (shipping inclued) AliExpress. I bought one, easy blowing and precision are on rendez-vous ! It's better than plastic...for the Earth too.
Hopefully we will hear more street musicians playing these instruments.
What song is that, that you played
Hadyn- London Trio #1, 1st movement
I have a nuvo flute and I am finding it to be very difficult to get a 3rd octave "e" as opposed to other 3rd octave notes. Is it the flute or is it me.
The other 3rd octave notes are coming in quite clear now. Other harmonics seem to crowd out the E!
The E is typically a really nasty note, especially if you don’t have spilt E mechanism. Lots of air, stay open and let the belly stay expanded
thanks I appreciate it. I have found an alternate fingering though. Seems to be working for me for now. I greatly learn and enjoy your vid's. Thanks again!
The recorder has been ungraded!
How much??
$200 US
Best of two , to third worlds , children's want it, young guys lost it, man's spend agains , with happy faces.....low cost , easy replacement.
Wondering, Why am I in love with you?
Nuvo sound more "recorder"-y to my ears