Used Musical Instruments

bass flute......?

Q: is it hard to find a bass flute? is it the same fingerings as regular flute? and last, is it hard to play?

thanks!

A: I am a professional flutist who also plays bass flute. I bought an inexpensive one this past year to fool around with, since I intend to get the neck reconfigured, and wanted to do this to a cheaper instrument . I bought a DC Prop of Ebay - you can get an Orpeho from Steve Goodson for about the same money (under a grand). However, the bst DEALS in bass flutes right now are Jupiter - but no tril keys - and the DeMedici, which is a superior instrument. Yamaha makes a BRASS bass flute - a lot more money - over $4K. If you wish to spend BIG bucks, look at Kingma - she also makes quarter-tones bass flutes. Then there are the HUGE double, triple, and quadruple basses by makers such as Kotato and Fukishima. Jelle Hoogenhuis also makes basses (and larger) out of PVC pipe.

Chris Potter is the leading authority on PLAYING the bass flute now - she runs great summer camps, etc. Google her. Robert DIck is one of the best known bass flute soloists. If you like jazz bass flute, then Tony Campisi has a CD out - free from Jupiter if you ask for it.

The bass flute takes much of the same technique as the C flute, but everything is bigger, slower, and *warmer*. Work long tones just as you did when you started flute - those half-step descending slurs will help - as will any slow long-note exercises. The sound of this instrument is warm and lush, and it is fun to play - but TIRING. Get yourself some supports - Chris Potter has some good ones - many of us make our own out of odd stands, etc. I am thinking of getting my bass configured into a not-quite-vertical - the true vertical puts a strain on your RIGHT hand - and am thinking of a 7 neck - like a sax, but sideways. Project for this summer, as soon as I dismiss my last rehearsal of the school year! Good luck with you bass flute playing!

Bass flute story, lesson, and size comparison.

I've created, for your viewing pleasure as well as a way to cure my boredom for a few mins, a short video on the bass flute. I sold it ...