Thoughts on Professional Quality Woodwinds

Too often we are blinded by a stereotype of “THE” brand and model to get.  Also we say too often, I need that “setup” to sound like that.  While there is a truth to this, it should not be the focus of the search.  The focus of the search is to look for a setup that allows you to project the concepts you are working towards.  In the end, the person paying the big bucks to listen to you doesn't care what the name says on the instrument.

For the beginner, an easy playing instrument that is built well and can withstand the normal abuse of a youth is the goal.  Tone quality should be good – but not as much of a focus as lets say durability.

For the intermediate, what I call a “Pitch fixed” instrument I feel is a good choice.  Some of the new foreign made, reputable brands are designed to be well “in tune”.  Tonal Quality starts to become an issue – but chances are that the tonal colors of these instruments are going to be rather stale by professional standards.

For the advanced, I feel there are many options.  At this point you should either know what sound you are looking for, or have a private instructor that is assisting you in a direction.  Vintage instruments have a better tone in general than modern, however they are more difficult to control. 

Here are some suggestions as to what instruments fall into good quality choices - these are not exclusive - just off the top of my head ….

 Flutes:

Clarinets

Saxophones