List some things you've bought lately for $50 but would rather have got a flute instead. I'll start... We spent about $180 on our last grocery run...that's 3 flutes!!!! Who needs food anyways 😂 Here's an affiliate link if you'd rather skip a few lunches and buy a flute amzn.to/3yUWaSR Better yet, check out my Patreon and help me justify an alto sax or baritone to my wife 🙏 patreon.com/chasejamison
The cork grease application part was very sacrilegious. It’s called *cork* grease for a reason, not *metal* grease. The joints on all flutes are precision machined to fit into each other with micrometers of precision, without the need of any lubricants. Adding any substance to the joints will encourage contamination and wear, and the joints will become harder to put together over time.
Yup, others pointed that out too. I'm glad I did this video so I could learn that, I had no idea. Of course, them including cork grease with the flute is a bit suspect 😐
@@MadMusicBand yeah it shows that whoever made the packaging also knows nothing about flutes 😆 but yeah as a director it takes lots of time and experience to lean and remember the nuances of each instrument's maintenance routine.
@@Jwellsuhhuh best thing about putting these videos out into the world is that I get to start filling in some of my knowledge gaps! But yeah... A manufacturer should know what to include in their instrument case :/
I put a little bit of trumpet valve oil on mine because the headjoint tenon is slightly out of round (damage from previous owner), and I don't want to wear down the metal.
My first flute was one of these no-names from Amazon and I was genuinely happy with it as a non-woodwind player. It was definitely good enough for me. Basically just using it to go through "Book 1" beginner book in case I need to show anyone what to do. Then again, I’m okay with tweaking instruments too.
Yup, same! There is definitely room for cheap instruments for people who don't want to make a career out of it. Flute isn't even likely a top ten instrument for me skill wise, so I can't justify hundreds of dollars on one when I'm just using it to better teach my students.
I started learning the flute back in December (2023). I picked up 2 cheap flutes from Amazon. My first one fell apart right out side of the return window. The second one, Cecilio that I purchased was better even though most of these instruments do get a lot of hate. I have found the Cecilio to have a nice tone and a professional flutist here on TH-cam reviewed both the Glory (which was my first one) and the Cecilio and he even said he likes the later better. And yes, the stand that comes with the Cecilio flute is great. I even use it for my clarinet.
@@MadMusicBand played it for a couple of weeks. All is well. Went to play and a key would not close. All screws and sprung for the key were in tact. Possibly could have had a defective one. Happens.
The end caps are usually on a student flute in case they drop the pieces while trying to put it together. It prevents the ends from denting so the three pieces of the flute will still fit together. Also, the "tuning rod" is also the cleaning rod. Back in the day, they never included a cleaning "rag" with a string on the end. You find a suitable cloth (I used to take one of my Dad's brand new handkerchiefs and use that for my cleaning rag.) You would place a small part of the rag through the cleaning rod opening and put the rest of the rag over the end so as to not scratch the inside of the flute. This way, you could clean the three flute pieces without losing your rag in the flute and you wouldn't push against the keys from the inside and damage them if the rag became "stuck" in the instrument. At least, that is how we did it way way back in the day. Also, thanks for being a band teacher!
My 1961 Ambassador flute lasted me all through high school. It came with two end caps. After I lost one I dropped the head joint and the end acquired a dent. My 2024 student level John Parker’s arrived with joints that would not come together. The replacement, an Acadia, had a headjoint that would not connect with the middle joint. I had asked the store that sold it to please check that it worked before shipping it. An instructor added a tiny bit of beeswax, polished it and now it works.
9:51 So the head of the head joint on a flute cannot be properly cleaned by the stringed cloth, which is why the flute came with two cloths. One cloth is for the body and joint, whilst the other one - the one without the string - is tied through the hole on the cleaning stick and is pushed into the head joint so the cloth can get the moisture droplets.
I AGREE WITH THE FINGERINGS. I can NEVER play the B with the extra finger. It's weird, but It works for me and I'm glad I found a band director that thinks the same.
I’ve played this exact flute for over a year now and it’s a good flute, however if you are sensitive to metals/allergic to nickle (like me) it could a problem. Also not too long after playing it (like a couple of months) the nickle plating starts coming off and the flute doesn’t look as good, but it’s still functional. Overall it’s a very good beginners flute in my opinion.
I think that the biggest drawback of a cheap flute is that the student ends up blaming the flute for his mistakes. You have to trust your instrument. On a good day you can make a PVC pipe sound like a Louis Lot flute. On a bad day, you can make a Louis Lot flute sound like a PVC pipe.
Theres a reason why professional musicians often don't recommend super inexpensive instruments. There are good beginner instruments out there that don't cost an arm, leg, and your first born child.
I was also going to say that practice does make a huge difference regardless of the price of an instrument, but often the super inexpensive instruments are made by cutting corners somewhere, often in a manner that makes it harder to play. I think its a good idea to rent an instrument or buy used for kids.
My student model (Yamaha) saxophones and clarinets sound just as good as my professional ones. The professional instruments have more ergonomic keywork and look fancier, but really there's no reason anyone can't get by with a good quality student model instrument.
@@pikachuchujelly7628 there good student instruments that don't cost a fortune, but there are really truly cheap instruments no one should buy and use because they are truly crap. Imo, caution should be used in regards to the low low end instruments. Anyone wanting to learn to play an instrument should be able to do so, which is why there should be affordable instruments, but some companies try to take advantage of uninformed people.
Usually the little caps that were on the head joint and body are used for protection during shipment, because the flute could dent at the joints, and sometimes, if its bad enough, the flute head joint will repeatedly fall in and out, causing you to be out of tune. You don't need to keep these on when you put it back into the case, but if you really want protection, you can, and it won't hurt your flute or anything. (I'm a five year player, so please don't say "Where's your proof?" I get asked that too much lol)
Meow Mix in the HOUSE! (I use that little ditty for vocal warm-ups, lol.) Loved how you and Jenna worked together (and the adorable photo shoot ambush xD; I pray blessings upon you and your marriage. Happy new year, brother :)
I've been playing my Cecilio flute daily for a few months now and its a workhorse! Stays in tune, keys are crisp and still aligned, no leaks. Sounds amazing. My only gripe is that is tarnishes easily. Enjoy the pure clean silver while it lasts because its quite temporary. Its unstable above the high G, but who plays the highest 3 notes on the flute anyways? (unless its to annoy innocent animals)
Thanks guys, this was great. There are tons of instruments I’d like try and maybe even own, and finding out a USD50 flute can actually be decent is incredibly valuable to me! Keep up the good work! ❤
Hey! If you still want to look for a flute, I really like gemeindhardt! They are well known and not super expensive. I think that’s how you spell it lol
My sister was a multi blue ribbon gold medal winner from solo and ensemble. she had 10 on her band sweater and jingled when she walked. fabulous flute player. I am brass, trumpet, French horn, tuba/sousaphone, baritone, alto and soprano saxes, bells, piano.
this really doesn't sound bad at all!! I'm a beginner flautist, I picked up an old used Suzuki flute on Yahoo Auctions Japan, and I'm slowly learning it. nice to know there's actual cheap flutes out there! -also 50$ is.. really uhh... cheap-
@@MadMusicBand different company, same name lol Suzuki mostly deals in student flutes and recorders in Japanese middle/high schools. as for how I'm liking it, it's pretty nice. I'm by no means an expert since only instrument I knew how to play at a somewhat "professional" level was piano, but I'm slowly learning. can barely play half of a C major scale currently xD
@@squeakyfoxx gotcha. You never know, because Yamaha makes instruments, vehicles, and probably a billion other things too haha. Cool to hear you're starting a new instrument, piano is probably the best jumping off point for just about any of them :)
9:12 so the little screw piece on the head joint does not really affect the tuning. It is actually there to add some weight to the head joint. Just to clarify.
Cecilio is actually a brand name that I recognised when you said it. I think a Cecilio must have been in contention when I was looking for my first violin.
Me again. The B flat thumb key was designed for when one plays the high-test register of the flute to aid with the fingering up there. If you play a B flat in the middle register with and without the B flat thumb key, one should notice the pitch is flatter using the B flat thumb key in the middle register. That is how I was taught and has been my experience as well. :).
I believe you may be backwards. Playing the thumb key b-flat is a bit less flat than the double pointer finger version as you're closing an extra unnecessary hole with the latter, which lowers the pitch.
hi mad music! i’ve been a fan since the trumpet video and wondered if you could do french horn soon. as a horn player, we gotta have more because no one bothers learning it. ALL YOUR VIDS ARE BANGERS❤
I'm thinking alto might be next as it's a bit more useful for me currently at school, but French horn may been soon after! Might put Baritone in there as well if I can find one at the right price....so many instruments!!
@@MadMusicBandthat’s awesome! i have an alto but don’t know how to play it and my friend plays bari. it’s my dads old alto from the 1990’s and hasn’t been cleaned since, so it’s hard to make a sound but at least there is no mice lol
The thumb B-flat is for playing in flat keys where you most are playing B-flats and not B-naturals. in chromatic passages (B next to a B-flat), the Bb lever down in the right hand is what it's for.
8:13 a "head joint cap" is a thing. you can also get one for the body of the flute as well. it is there to protect the parts of the flute that goes in another part of the flute. NOTE: not all flutes come with one but my semi pro flute did.
Hope you do oboe soon, if so I’d reccomend yinfente! I got one to try oboe and I don’t know about others’ experiences, but my oboe has been amazing and I’ve only ever had one problem which was easily fixed. It even got me into district band and a state band audition (super soon and hoping I do well!)
I received for Christmas in 1959 a Gemeinhardt student model flute. It was purchased in "new" condition. Previous owner wouldn't practice. Parents sold it for $50. Wanted more, but mom made the only offer. Yes, it came with a head joint cover and a foot joint cover. This was shortly before manufactures went to rolled edge tone holes on the body of the instrument so I cut up pads pretty badly.
Intonation seems okay for a elementary/jr. high school instrument. Longevity is probably an issue with a $50 flute. Sounds bright, but then again it isn't a silver alloy or plated; definitely a harder metal. How will the pads and springs hold up? This could definitely be a contender for marching band or outdoor gigs.
so i'm just a random 24 yo guy, who played the trumpet through school, but always wanted to learn the flute, i've bought the same one off amazon a lil while back and have been slowly learning to play the b flat scale. I did not realize it from my ignorance of the instrument, but it had the same sticking thumb key! Honestly i seriously appreciate this video as i would have never known or noticed and when the time came i most likely would have blamed myself! For absolutely no reason i have the goal to learn an additional two instruments from my trumpet, and honestly i need more videos like yours!
Meow Mix! I also have this flute, but the headjoint got a little rusty or dark or whatever, so I might have to get another one. I also have the medini trumpet. I am studying to be a band director, so I'll need to get a whole collection of instruments lol
I play bass flute and flute in a flute choir. The end caps are only found ( in my experience) to cover the corks of the bass flute- head joint and the end of the body that attaches to the foot joint. Some other flutes probably have the corks as well - alto flute and wood piccolo but the traditional c flute doesn’t need corks
12:20 PLEASE DO NOT PUT CORK GREASE ON A METAL FLUTE!!! Cork grease is meant to be used on *CORK* not *METAL*. It says in the name. Using cork grease on a normal flute is a *CRIME* since *dirt* and *grime* will manifest. Using cork grease on a corked piccolo is fine, but not on metal connecting joints.
The one I teach is (I believe) technically more in tune. Adding the right hand index finger closes an extra unnecessary hole in the flute which brings the pitch down (flat) ever so slightly. I'd also say that trills would be more common with the index finger, not the thumb as I teach. I could be misunderstanding you there though. I enjoy the discussion though, method books teach the index finger way as default, I just think they shouldn't 😂
@@MadMusicBand i just tested it and it is ever so slightly sharper with no index. But it does add extra movement in the key of Bb onward. Moving from Bb to F is much easier with index and chromatic movement is harder as well.
I actually have an $8 amazon mouthpiece from ages ago and have used it for years, maybe I don't know what I'm missing out on 😂. I got it because it's gold so I can easily tell it from the plethora of other mouthpieces at the school.
Mendini By Cecilio Flutes - Closed Hole C Flute For Beginners, 16-Key Flute with a Case, Stand, Lesson Book, and Cleaning Kit, Musical Instrument for Kids, Nickel with Gold Keys Use this one
Under $50? That's actually not bad. I've played the flute for over 18 years, and I know the struggle with the low C on a bad flute. And, by the way, I've always learned to keep my right thumb as you showed. Good work! ☺️
Also, quoting back to the 'tuning with the head joint' thing, you are not supposed to be able to push up the base of the crown's resting plate on the flute. If you can, get that checked.
As a flute player they say to use b natural and the button above e key because when you play stuff like chromatic scales they dont want you sliding because it can become a bad habit !!
@ yeah i was surprised! It was shiny, came with cleaning stuff, and played the lowest notes REALLY clear and easy. The only problem was the higher notes but that might be bc of me
I play the trumpet. I love playing the trumpet. But listening to the flute solo in the marching show I am in has made me want to start playing the flute. ITS SO PRETTY HOW THE SOUND IS SO SMOOTH Update: I got a flute and am teaching myself the flute now.
If you have flute do not tune it like he did,the thing he said to push on is the cork and if you mess with it could prevent you form play,I know this bc I play flute and I have done it before
information for beginners: if you don't know the flute is a woodwind instrument (I do not play the flute) even I think the flute is a good choice same with the saxophone tuba and clarinet and percussion any questions let me know
I watched this video last night. I went to Amazon and found the same brand flute for 46.99 with a promo code to save 50% from that. So I just ordered it for 24.90! I play saxophone and have always been interested in picking up a flute. We'll see how good this thing is...and if its as good as your video would indicate - I will have a solid flute for LESS THAN 25 BUCKS!!! (and if not, I can just return it)
Woah! Wow, that's so cheap! For $25 it would make a fantastic wall decoration at the very least...I mean, I spent $30 on Mexican on my birthday for my wife and I....shoulda got another flute 😂
@@MadMusicBand ...I received the flute yesterday. I have to say that it seems to be a pretty solid flute. I ran it through the same checks that you did in the video and it was consistent. Chromatic scale and all (as best I could). And the cork grease...I guess I have something for my saxophones. And have a new pair of WHITE COTTON GLOVES!!! Not bad, huh? Oh...and happy belated birthday!
no, don't put your finger on double thumb, if you are playing high octave it is better to use paddle key. In trills that are good to use this paddle key could be a b flat to a, this would make this trill a lot easier.😅
Not knowing anything about this stuff, I enjoyed the duet at minute 22. I cringed at the end when you pretended they were drumsticks. Delicate instruments. Show your wife some love and have her flute serviced.
I’m a flutist and I’ve never seen a fully metal flute with a cap on the end of the head joint. I think usually they are used on flutes that have a cork on the end or piccolos with cork on the end of the head joint. I could totally be wrong though! Also, if I am buying an instrument, it better not be coming with a bunch of accessories, especially if it is $50. I have payed a decent buck for my flute and it didn’t come with anything special, as expected!!
@@ContrabassChris yup, if I could go back and edit/add a note in the video about not cork grease I would :/ maybe I'll do a "what not to do" video in the future.
@@MadMusicBand please please don’t you dare deny me the pleasure of your “cork grease on flute head/foot joint” moments. These moments are features, not bugs.
My friend is going to join band and I'm gonna send this to her. Her family can't afford a really expensive flute so I feel like this would be a good flute for her
the cleaning swab they put in there makes me a little nervous, it's not made of silk so you can't wash it 😬 I had one of those for a while and my flute teacher said to throw it away because it's unsanitary
Just make sure to tighten and upkeep maintenance on that flute. The only issue with cheap flutes is that you have to keep more maintenance up with it. :)
Btw ive heard the gloves are for cleaning without getting fingerprints on it again but they get put photos of playing cause of dumb marketing ig idk if you know this i just wanted to say if you didnt
I have this flute and I think that for 50 dollars is good. The only thing is that you need to be able to do small repairs which is not a problem for me because I've learned and because I like to fix things on my own. Just be careful because at first I didn't know exactly what I was doing and I ended up making my flute leaks worse. But know it plays good and I can learn how to play
My only flute is a turquoise flute €120, so it's cheap but it works just fine and I love the color. Buying a super cheap flute is fine, seeing how well they play and how much a "good quality" flute would be. Afterall a flute will last you at least several years or more.
Your not supposed to use cork grease on the flute it rusts instead i was told to use grafite from a pencil if my joints get sticky/it get hard to put together
To this day, I am still searching for a single band director that was a flute main in grade school 😂 (My elementary and middle school directors both played clarinet. Idk what my HS director played but it definitely wasn’t the flute)
My son is in school band since 4th grade. At first we rented a clarinet for $30 a month cuz band teacher doesn't recommend cheap Amazon instruments. We eneded up getting an used Selmer after a while. This year he wanted to try Saxophone but i looked it up. Rent is like $60 at least. And even Amazon ones are like $300? And i don't even know if that will last? So i just told him to stick with clarinet. I wish school band teachers are more understanding. So maybe u can do a review of chezp Saxophone if u can find one?
8:20 So flute players do not generally put them on their flutes after it arrives. I do as a sort of ritual, but you do not have to. It is not a necessity.
I especially enjoyed your rendition of the Meow Mix song. One question though, did you mainline caffeine before recording this video or are you always this 'peppy'? 🤔
If these cheap flutes will actually play for a year or two then they have served their purpose. A lot of people can’t afford $1,000 or so for a name brand student flute or they don’t want to spend that kind of money up front. I am tempted to get one in a fun color just for fun.
Hooray cheapest flute(: Also edits here while watching the video: 8:18 From what ive seen most have them and as someone who plays flute im almost certain its used to protect the head just in case of something idk
It's an "Amazon budget flute" thing. No intermediate, step-up, or professional instrument would have tenon caps. The theory I guess is that it keeps the tenons from getting bent by "accidental rough play."
Great video! I love the idea of buying crappy instruments and testing them. When I started learning guitar, I only had a crappy $40 one, and it was BAD. Side note, you seem like a great band director. I'm going to college to be one, and you and my high school band director are who I aspire to be like. (From what I've seen of you, at least) Anywho, long comment. Started rambling. TL:DR, Good video!
List some things you've bought lately for $50 but would rather have got a flute instead. I'll start... We spent about $180 on our last grocery run...that's 3 flutes!!!! Who needs food anyways 😂
Here's an affiliate link if you'd rather skip a few lunches and buy a flute amzn.to/3yUWaSR
Better yet, check out my Patreon and help me justify an alto sax or baritone to my wife 🙏
patreon.com/chasejamison
Wait can you please do the cheapest alto saxaphone
@@Skull_CB_TV might be next:)
@@MadMusicBandwait I didn’t even read the full comment before I commented lmao, I didn’t even realize you might get an alto sax
@@MadMusicBandalso clarinet
@@Skull_CB_TV already did clarinet, feel free to check out my channel to see that one :)
The cork grease application part was very sacrilegious. It’s called *cork* grease for a reason, not *metal* grease. The joints on all flutes are precision machined to fit into each other with micrometers of precision, without the need of any lubricants. Adding any substance to the joints will encourage contamination and wear, and the joints will become harder to put together over time.
Yup, others pointed that out too. I'm glad I did this video so I could learn that, I had no idea. Of course, them including cork grease with the flute is a bit suspect 😐
@@MadMusicBand yeah it shows that whoever made the packaging also knows nothing about flutes 😆 but yeah as a director it takes lots of time and experience to lean and remember the nuances of each instrument's maintenance routine.
@@Jwellsuhhuh best thing about putting these videos out into the world is that I get to start filling in some of my knowledge gaps! But yeah... A manufacturer should know what to include in their instrument case :/
@@MadMusicBand for real. good video tho
I put a little bit of trumpet valve oil on mine because the headjoint tenon is slightly out of round (damage from previous owner), and I don't want to wear down the metal.
My first flute was one of these no-names from Amazon and I was genuinely happy with it as a non-woodwind player. It was definitely good enough for me. Basically just using it to go through "Book 1" beginner book in case I need to show anyone what to do. Then again, I’m okay with tweaking instruments too.
Yup, same! There is definitely room for cheap instruments for people who don't want to make a career out of it. Flute isn't even likely a top ten instrument for me skill wise, so I can't justify hundreds of dollars on one when I'm just using it to better teach my students.
The fact that a $50 flute exists scares me
With how expensive everything else seems to be getting, it's nice to see something affordable :p
😂
I actually have a CHEAPER one and i play the shit out of it almost daily.
Mine was 70 the first payment we are renting to buy
@@Itzadditoca that's pretty cool, I intend on getting around to learning every wind instrument, and flute's definitely on that list!
I started learning the flute back in December (2023). I picked up 2 cheap flutes from Amazon. My first one fell apart right out side of the return window. The second one, Cecilio that I purchased was better even though most of these instruments do get a lot of hate. I have found the Cecilio to have a nice tone and a professional flutist here on TH-cam reviewed both the Glory (which was my first one) and the Cecilio and he even said he likes the later better. And yes, the stand that comes with the Cecilio flute is great. I even use it for my clarinet.
Out of curiosity, what happened to the Glory? Agreed on the stand!
@@MadMusicBand played it for a couple of weeks. All is well. Went to play and a key would not close. All screws and sprung for the key were in tact. Possibly could have had a defective one. Happens.
I have tried a Cecilio flute and it wasn't the best. It was quite nice, good sound, but I think I prefer things such as EASTROCK and Eastar.
The end caps are usually on a student flute in case they drop the pieces while trying to put it together. It prevents the ends from denting so the three pieces of the flute will still fit together. Also, the "tuning rod" is also the cleaning rod. Back in the day, they never included a cleaning "rag" with a string on the end. You find a suitable cloth (I used to take one of my Dad's brand new handkerchiefs and use that for my cleaning rag.) You would place a small part of the rag through the cleaning rod opening and put the rest of the rag over the end so as to not scratch the inside of the flute. This way, you could clean the three flute pieces without losing your rag in the flute and you wouldn't push against the keys from the inside and damage them if the rag became "stuck" in the instrument. At least, that is how we did it way way back in the day. Also, thanks for being a band teacher!
My 1961 Ambassador flute lasted me all through high school. It came with two end caps. After I lost one I dropped the head joint and the end acquired a dent.
My 2024 student level John Parker’s arrived with joints that would not come together. The replacement, an Acadia, had a headjoint that would not connect with the middle joint. I had asked the store that sold it to please check that it worked before shipping it. An instructor added a tiny bit of beeswax, polished it and now it works.
This channel's been a pleasure to watch, feels nice to have been here before the number of subs inevitably skyrockets, your quality is top notch!
Thanks so much! It's been a lot of fun making the videos and interacting with everyone as well. :)
9:51 So the head of the head joint on a flute cannot be properly cleaned by the stringed cloth, which is why the flute came with two cloths. One cloth is for the body and joint, whilst the other one - the one without the string - is tied through the hole on the cleaning stick and is pushed into the head joint so the cloth can get the moisture droplets.
The pictures you took while your wife was blindly playing were gold. 😂
Haha, I enjoyed it too 😂
That lady does not look like she wants to be there.
I AGREE WITH THE FINGERINGS. I can NEVER play the B with the extra finger. It's weird, but It works for me and I'm glad I found a band director that thinks the same.
i knew i needed to find a good music channel, but i did not know how much i needed a Mad Music channel. 😅🔥🔥🔥
😂
I’ve played this exact flute for over a year now and it’s a good flute, however if you are sensitive to metals/allergic to nickle (like me) it could a problem. Also not too long after playing it (like a couple of months) the nickle plating starts coming off and the flute doesn’t look as good, but it’s still functional. Overall it’s a very good beginners flute in my opinion.
I'm glad it has worked well for you! The fact it even works at $50 still baffles me
I think that the biggest drawback of a cheap flute is that the student ends up blaming the flute for his mistakes. You have to trust your instrument. On a good day you can make a PVC pipe sound like a Louis Lot flute. On a bad day, you can make a Louis Lot flute sound like a PVC pipe.
Yea, but how satisfying would it be to roll up with your $50 flute and show all those $800 flute wielding kids who don't practice what's what ;)
Theres a reason why professional musicians often don't recommend super inexpensive instruments. There are good beginner instruments out there that don't cost an arm, leg, and your first born child.
I was also going to say that practice does make a huge difference regardless of the price of an instrument, but often the super inexpensive instruments are made by cutting corners somewhere, often in a manner that makes it harder to play.
I think its a good idea to rent an instrument or buy used for kids.
My student model (Yamaha) saxophones and clarinets sound just as good as my professional ones. The professional instruments have more ergonomic keywork and look fancier, but really there's no reason anyone can't get by with a good quality student model instrument.
@@pikachuchujelly7628 there good student instruments that don't cost a fortune, but there are really truly cheap instruments no one should buy and use because they are truly crap. Imo, caution should be used in regards to the low low end instruments. Anyone wanting to learn to play an instrument should be able to do so, which is why there should be affordable instruments, but some companies try to take advantage of uninformed people.
Usually the little caps that were on the head joint and body are used for protection during shipment, because the flute could dent at the joints, and sometimes, if its bad enough, the flute head joint will repeatedly fall in and out, causing you to be out of tune. You don't need to keep these on when you put it back into the case, but if you really want protection, you can, and it won't hurt your flute or anything. (I'm a five year player, so please don't say "Where's your proof?" I get asked that too much lol)
I have a cecilio open hole flute and love it. Best $75 (at the time) I spent. So good for students to learn on.
I ordered this same flute and it arrives tomorrow thanks to this video i can feel a little better about how i just spent my money
Let us know how it is when you get it!
I’m absolutely love everything you do. Thank you for doing TH-cam and being an inspiration to so many young musicians
Meow Mix in the HOUSE! (I use that little ditty for vocal warm-ups, lol.) Loved how you and Jenna worked together (and the adorable photo shoot ambush xD; I pray blessings upon you and your marriage. Happy new year, brother :)
I've been playing my Cecilio flute daily for a few months now and its a workhorse! Stays in tune, keys are crisp and still aligned, no leaks. Sounds amazing.
My only gripe is that is tarnishes easily. Enjoy the pure clean silver while it lasts because its quite temporary.
Its unstable above the high G, but who plays the highest 3 notes on the flute anyways? (unless its to annoy innocent animals)
Yup, I never play that high haha. I haven't had any issues playing all the notes I need, so I can't ask for much more personally
The random pictures while she was playing 😂
Thanks guys, this was great. There are tons of instruments I’d like try and maybe even own, and finding out a USD50 flute can actually be decent is incredibly valuable to me! Keep up the good work! ❤
My pleasure! I'm also excited at finally having a good ish flute, and $50 is crazy cheap.
Hey! If you still want to look for a flute, I really like gemeindhardt! They are well known and not super expensive. I think that’s how you spell it lol
really enjoy those videos
Thanks!
My sister was a multi blue ribbon
gold medal winner from solo and ensemble. she had 10 on her band sweater and jingled when she walked. fabulous flute player. I am brass, trumpet, French horn, tuba/sousaphone, baritone, alto and soprano saxes, bells, piano.
this really doesn't sound bad at all!! I'm a beginner flautist, I picked up an old used Suzuki flute on Yahoo Auctions Japan, and I'm slowly learning it. nice to know there's actual cheap flutes out there! -also 50$ is.. really uhh... cheap-
Oh nice. I haven't heard of Suzuki flutes before, how are you liking it? I've heard of their vehicles :p might be a different company though.
Literally cheaper than getting my Yamaha flute serviced
@@MadMusicBand different company, same name lol
Suzuki mostly deals in student flutes and recorders in Japanese middle/high schools. as for how I'm liking it, it's pretty nice. I'm by no means an expert since only instrument I knew how to play at a somewhat "professional" level was piano, but I'm slowly learning. can barely play half of a C major scale currently xD
@@SobrietyandSolace it's crazy right :p
@@squeakyfoxx gotcha. You never know, because Yamaha makes instruments, vehicles, and probably a billion other things too haha. Cool to hear you're starting a new instrument, piano is probably the best jumping off point for just about any of them :)
9:12 so the little screw piece on the head joint does not really affect the tuning. It is actually there to add some weight to the head joint. Just to clarify.
Cecilio is actually a brand name that I recognised when you said it. I think a Cecilio must have been in contention when I was looking for my first violin.
Yea, they have a large share of the "cheap instruments" market. I'll probably try a cheap violin sometime, though my string skills are...real bad.
Me again. The B flat thumb key was designed for when one plays the high-test register of the flute to aid with the fingering up there. If you play a B flat in the middle register with and without the B flat thumb key, one should notice the pitch is flatter using the B flat thumb key in the middle register. That is how I was taught and has been my experience as well. :).
I believe you may be backwards. Playing the thumb key b-flat is a bit less flat than the double pointer finger version as you're closing an extra unnecessary hole with the latter, which lowers the pitch.
As a five year flute player, I just thought it was an alternate fingering. I never knew there was a difference, and that's so cool!
hi mad music! i’ve been a fan since the trumpet video and wondered if you could do french horn soon. as a horn player, we gotta have more because no one bothers learning it. ALL YOUR VIDS ARE BANGERS❤
I'm thinking alto might be next as it's a bit more useful for me currently at school, but French horn may been soon after! Might put Baritone in there as well if I can find one at the right price....so many instruments!!
@@MadMusicBandthat’s awesome! i have an alto but don’t know how to play it and my friend plays bari. it’s my dads old alto from the 1990’s and hasn’t been cleaned since, so it’s hard to make a sound but at least there is no mice lol
@@SWAYXElol haha, no mice is always a plus
The thumb B-flat is for playing in flat keys where you most are playing B-flats and not B-naturals. in chromatic passages (B next to a B-flat), the Bb lever down in the right hand is what it's for.
I agree, beginners typically play in flat keys so I think teaching that first is more useful.
8:13 a "head joint cap" is a thing. you can also get one for the body of the flute as well. it is there to protect the parts of the flute that goes in another part of the flute. NOTE: not all flutes come with one but my semi pro flute did.
Hope you do oboe soon, if so I’d reccomend yinfente! I got one to try oboe and I don’t know about others’ experiences, but my oboe has been amazing and I’ve only ever had one problem which was easily fixed. It even got me into district band and a state band audition (super soon and hoping I do well!)
I received for Christmas in 1959 a Gemeinhardt student model flute. It was purchased in "new" condition. Previous owner wouldn't practice. Parents sold it for $50. Wanted more, but mom made the only offer. Yes, it came with a head joint cover and a foot joint cover. This was shortly before manufactures went to rolled edge tone holes on the body of the instrument so I cut up pads pretty badly.
Dang, $50 is still a good price for a flute that works, good get 👍
Wasn't ready for you to start playing meow mix on flute
No idea why but it always pops in my head when I play flute lol.
Intonation seems okay for a elementary/jr. high school instrument. Longevity is probably an issue with a $50 flute. Sounds bright, but then again it isn't a silver alloy or plated; definitely a harder metal. How will the pads and springs hold up? This could definitely be a contender for marching band or outdoor gigs.
Agree, it would make a fantastic secondary instrument for marching band or even one to leave home for practicing.
the part on top of the mouth piece is called a crown
This great content for only small amount of subscribers 😢 you definitely deserve more
so i'm just a random 24 yo guy, who played the trumpet through school, but always wanted to learn the flute, i've bought the same one off amazon a lil while back and have been slowly learning to play the b flat scale. I did not realize it from my ignorance of the instrument, but it had the same sticking thumb key! Honestly i seriously appreciate this video as i would have never known or noticed and when the time came i most likely would have blamed myself! For absolutely no reason i have the goal to learn an additional two instruments from my trumpet, and honestly i need more videos like yours!
That's awesome to hear, good luck on the flute! Learning to breathe for that is definitely going to help your trumpet breathing 😂
Meow Mix! I also have this flute, but the headjoint got a little rusty or dark or whatever, so I might have to get another one. I also have the medini trumpet. I am studying to be a band director, so I'll need to get a whole collection of instruments lol
I love watching yours videos.
I have that one and its actually really good!!
DON’T EVER APPLY CORK GREASE TO A FLUTE
You are correct, no idea why they included it... I was hoodwinked :/
Yah... why did they?
Exactly
*wait we cant do that-*
I play bass flute and flute in a flute choir. The end caps are only found ( in my experience) to cover the corks of the bass flute- head joint and the end of the body that attaches to the foot joint. Some other flutes probably have the corks as well - alto flute and wood piccolo but the traditional c flute doesn’t need corks
I didn't think so, but I suppose they're easy enough to get rid of. I already lost mine 😂
12:20 PLEASE DO NOT PUT CORK GREASE ON A METAL FLUTE!!! Cork grease is meant to be used on *CORK* not *METAL*. It says in the name. Using cork grease on a normal flute is a *CRIME* since *dirt* and *grime* will manifest. Using cork grease on a corked piccolo is fine, but not on metal connecting joints.
Yup, I failed haha. They tricked me by putting it in the case 😭
Fr this literally had me crying cuz I'm a flute player 😭😭😭😭
The reason we teach the Bb with the right index is because the one you teach changes the tuning a little and is primarily for trills
The one I teach is (I believe) technically more in tune. Adding the right hand index finger closes an extra unnecessary hole in the flute which brings the pitch down (flat) ever so slightly. I'd also say that trills would be more common with the index finger, not the thumb as I teach. I could be misunderstanding you there though.
I enjoy the discussion though, method books teach the index finger way as default, I just think they shouldn't 😂
@@MadMusicBand i just tested it and it is ever so slightly sharper with no index. But it does add extra movement in the key of Bb onward. Moving from Bb to F is much easier with index and chromatic movement is harder as well.
Could you try reviewing those really cheap trumpet mouthpieces online? Some people don’t realize how much a difference a mouthpiece makes.
I actually have an $8 amazon mouthpiece from ages ago and have used it for years, maybe I don't know what I'm missing out on 😂. I got it because it's gold so I can easily tell it from the plethora of other mouthpieces at the school.
Lowkey do a percussion set from amazon it will be good. I just joined patron. Please do the last at the end of the video
I'm sure I will eventually :) I'll probably accidentally break it 😂
End caps for the joints do come with recorders, for what its worth.
Nice review, was fun to watch, even when I don't even flute. You could review the cheapest recorders, for something really cheap :D
....I've actually just got some in the mail, great minds think alike :)
I really love amazon band instrument reviews and ur channel i think you should try to review a saxophone 🎷 next👍
Thanks! I may just have a saxophone on the way 😉
@@MadMusicBand thanks to you
Mendini By Cecilio Flutes - Closed Hole C Flute For Beginners, 16-Key Flute with a Case, Stand, Lesson Book, and Cleaning Kit, Musical Instrument for Kids, Nickel with Gold Keys
Use this one
I play cecilios clarinet in marching band and it’s actually really good 😭 I think their wind instruments are pretty decent to be honest!
Under $50? That's actually not bad. I've played the flute for over 18 years, and I know the struggle with the low C on a bad flute. And, by the way, I've always learned to keep my right thumb as you showed. Good work! ☺️
Also, quoting back to the 'tuning with the head joint' thing, you are not supposed to be able to push up the base of the crown's resting plate on the flute. If you can, get that checked.
As a flute player they say to use b natural and the button above e key because when you play stuff like chromatic scales they dont want you sliding because it can become a bad habit !!
I just bought a $30 flute from eBay, its coming on Wednesday wish me luck 😭🙏 ill update u
Oh the one i bought is cecillio too! So was the $35 clarinet
Good luck! 🤞
was it a good flute
@ yeah i was surprised! It was shiny, came with cleaning stuff, and played the lowest notes REALLY clear and easy. The only problem was the higher notes but that might be bc of me
@ congratulations! i have the cecilio one too but i cant get more than a C out of it lol
Do bass clarinet next 🔥😎
Ha, we'll see 😜
I play the trumpet. I love playing the trumpet. But listening to the flute solo in the marching show I am in has made me want to start playing the flute. ITS SO PRETTY HOW THE SOUND IS SO SMOOTH
Update: I got a flute and am teaching myself the flute now.
Yup! Flute is a fantastic instrument, especially when it's played by someone better than me :)
Yes the cap is sometimes used when I'm storage
If you have flute do not tune it like he did,the thing he said to push on is the cork and if you mess with it could prevent you form play,I know this bc I play flute and I have done it before
information for beginners: if you don't know the flute is a woodwind instrument (I do not play the flute)
even I think the flute is a good choice same with the saxophone tuba and clarinet and percussion any questions let me know
For flutes, we never use cork grease unless it’s a piccolo or if it’s a wooden flute
Yup, I had no idea but now I know!
I watched this video last night. I went to Amazon and found the same brand flute for 46.99 with a promo code to save 50% from that. So I just ordered it for 24.90! I play saxophone and have always been interested in picking up a flute. We'll see how good this thing is...and if its as good as your video would indicate - I will have a solid flute for LESS THAN 25 BUCKS!!! (and if not, I can just return it)
Woah! Wow, that's so cheap! For $25 it would make a fantastic wall decoration at the very least...I mean, I spent $30 on Mexican on my birthday for my wife and I....shoulda got another flute 😂
@@MadMusicBand ...I received the flute yesterday. I have to say that it seems to be a pretty solid flute. I ran it through the same checks that you did in the video and it was consistent. Chromatic scale and all (as best I could). And the cork grease...I guess I have something for my saxophones. And have a new pair of WHITE COTTON GLOVES!!! Not bad, huh? Oh...and happy belated birthday!
@@curtisrhoades7805 that's awesome, glad it's working for you, can't beat that price!
I only wish I had a band director like you when I was in school. I graduated HS in 1969.
Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully my students feel the same 😂
we need a cheap oboe next
Haha, we'll see ;)
I'm holding out for Bassoon or English Horn.
@@MrSweelinck bassoon will be intense haha. I know so little about that instrument.
50 dollar oboe, am I going crazy?!
Good job as usual!
Thanks! Now I get to start seeing if I can put together a video with all that footage from Japan 😂
@@MadMusicBand Outstanding!
thoughts on doing a euphonium in the future?
I plan on it! Trying to justify the cost and hoping for a really good price on one :p
Your vids are so entertaining 😊
Thanks so much 😊
no, don't put your finger on double thumb, if you are playing high octave it is better to use paddle key. In trills that are good to use this paddle key could be a b flat to a, this would make this trill a lot easier.😅
Not knowing anything about this stuff, I enjoyed the duet at minute 22. I cringed at the end when you pretended they were drumsticks. Delicate instruments. Show your wife some love and have her flute serviced.
I’m a flutist and I’ve never seen a fully metal flute with a cap on the end of the head joint. I think usually they are used on flutes that have a cork on the end or piccolos with cork on the end of the head joint. I could totally be wrong though! Also, if I am buying an instrument, it better not be coming with a bunch of accessories, especially if it is $50. I have payed a decent buck for my flute and it didn’t come with anything special, as expected!!
Ha, yea, it's a bit sad when they throw in extras you shouldn't even use on the instrument (like cork grease, I've now learned...)
@@MadMusicBandwas searching for an acknowledgment of the cork grease situation. Thank you.
@@ContrabassChris yup, if I could go back and edit/add a note in the video about not cork grease I would :/ maybe I'll do a "what not to do" video in the future.
@@MadMusicBand please please don’t you dare deny me the pleasure of your “cork grease on flute head/foot joint” moments. These moments are features, not bugs.
@@ContrabassChris 😂😂😂
My friend is going to join band and I'm gonna send this to her. Her family can't afford a really expensive flute so I feel like this would be a good flute for her
the cleaning swab they put in there makes me a little nervous, it's not made of silk so you can't wash it 😬
I had one of those for a while and my flute teacher said to throw it away because it's unsanitary
Just make sure to tighten and upkeep maintenance on that flute. The only issue with cheap flutes is that you have to keep more maintenance up with it. :)
Also another dude that reviewed this flute also said there was a screw issue and that seems to be the only common issue with it.
I play clarinet but i loved this video 😊
Btw ive heard the gloves are for cleaning without getting fingerprints on it again but they get put photos of playing cause of dumb marketing ig idk if you know this i just wanted to say if you didnt
Yea, I've noticed how... interesting... the marketing on these cheap instruments can be.
I have this flute and I think that for 50 dollars is good. The only thing is that you need to be able to do small repairs which is not a problem for me because I've learned and because I like to fix things on my own. Just be careful because at first I didn't know exactly what I was doing and I ended up making my flute leaks worse. But know it plays good and I can learn how to play
Yup, being able to do simple repairs helps a ton.
Enjoying the video. It is crazy the price somebody can make a musical instrument that actually works (when it’s manufactured in China).
Yup, it's pretty crazy seeing as everything else is so expensive :/
China is actually well known for their instruments. Some of the best company's are in China. Regardless of their mass manufacturing in other things.
This is such a good channel. Why are your subscribers so low? Is this channel fairly new?
Only been posting about 6 months, gotta start somewhere! :)
Your awesome keep up the good job.
Wow you are a good flute player kinda and I’m a flute player so that’s saying something 😮😮😮😮😮
Thanks! It's probably one of my worst band instruments to be honest. Not counting double reeds...not sure I'll be able to make a sound on those 😂
My only flute is a turquoise flute €120, so it's cheap but it works just fine and I love the color. Buying a super cheap flute is fine, seeing how well they play and how much a "good quality" flute would be. Afterall a flute will last you at least several years or more.
I've been bummed that none of the cheapest instruments so far (except the plastic trombone)have been any cool colors. I'd dig a pink clarinet 😂
You should do the Amazon piccolo next lol
I'll try and get to it eventually, I know my wife wants one 😂
Just discovered your channel. Now i want a cheap Amazon flute, saxophone and an ewi. 😂
Haha, sorry about that! ;)
Dude I love your videos I wish I had money to donate, your energy is amazing and I love watching your videos
Thanks so much! :)
Your not supposed to use cork grease on the flute it rusts instead i was told to use grafite from a pencil if my joints get sticky/it get hard to put together
To this day, I am still searching for a single band director that was a flute main in grade school 😂
(My elementary and middle school directors both played clarinet. Idk what my HS director played but it definitely wasn’t the flute)
That's a good point, they do seem pretty rare for some reason.
My son is in school band since 4th grade. At first we rented a clarinet for $30 a month cuz band teacher doesn't recommend cheap Amazon instruments. We eneded up getting an used Selmer after a while. This year he wanted to try Saxophone but i looked it up. Rent is like $60 at least. And even Amazon ones are like $300? And i don't even know if that will last? So i just told him to stick with clarinet. I wish school band teachers are more understanding. So maybe u can do a review of chezp Saxophone if u can find one?
I've got one I plan on unboxing and reviewing tonight! Hopefully I'll get the video out soon :)
@@MadMusicBand thanks! I am looking forward to that video!
Love this yeaaa
I love this so much
Glad you enjoyed it :)
8:20 So flute players do not generally put them on their flutes after it arrives. I do as a sort of ritual, but you do not have to. It is not a necessity.
That’s little thing at the end it called the crown 😭
I especially enjoyed your rendition of the Meow Mix song. One question though, did you mainline caffeine before recording this video or are you always this 'peppy'? 🤔
Both! ;)
There is now a 46$ Celia flute you should get that one
If these cheap flutes will actually play for a year or two then they have served their purpose. A lot of people can’t afford $1,000 or so for a name brand student flute or they don’t want to spend that kind of money up front. I am tempted to get one in a fun color just for fun.
My thoughts exactly
Hooray cheapest flute(:
Also edits here while watching the video:
8:18 From what ive seen most have them and as someone who plays flute im almost certain its used to protect the head just in case of something idk
Yea, I think it's just one of those "extras" they throw in that you don't actually need.
It's an "Amazon budget flute" thing. No intermediate, step-up, or professional instrument would have tenon caps. The theory I guess is that it keeps the tenons from getting bent by "accidental rough play."
My flute is a gemeinhardt student flute and 50 dollars is wild to me still.
i use the 100 dollar piccolo from this brand and lowk it plays so… no complaints
Nice! My wife wants me to get a piccolo soon 😂
Great video! I love the idea of buying crappy instruments and testing them. When I started learning guitar, I only had a crappy $40 one, and it was BAD.
Side note, you seem like a great band director. I'm going to college to be one, and you and my high school band director are who I aspire to be like. (From what I've seen of you, at least)
Anywho, long comment. Started rambling.
TL:DR, Good video!
Thanks! I hope some of my students feel the same :) Good luck on your schooling! I'm sure you're a much better musician than I was at your age 😅
You were lucky, the cheapest one I can find is 119 and the material looks cheaper than your