I’m totally #TeamBassFlute trying to get my hands on one as well. I love playing Alto too, I just have such trouble finding music for it, which is why I don’t play it more :/
The cut is what give it that edgy sound. Very different than a KGM. Probably an N1 cut. Even a J cut would be very different. The Voce cut has a sharp dropoff, like the Pearl Forte cut. It's what I like, actually, I don't like TJ head joints either. I would get it in case I had to play open holes or a B and still use my Miyazawa headjoint.
The KGM has an H1 cut. That is interesting that you say it’s similar to the Forte, I still don’t like the Forte but I can kinda see what you mean. Initially I liked the Voce and the Forte but as I started playing more (on both) the Voce was definitely more stuffy. I felt like the Forte was too open though, like I couldn’t control the air very well and would run out quickly. I do want to play with some Miyazawa headjoints though, even some Mankes cause I know a bunch of people like them.
I have never tried a Trevor James Alto Flute, but with their C Flutes, they just didn't feel right for me and playing wise, I felt like I was trying a little more than I usually use for my sound (I am also a Gemeinhardt enthusiast). As a low reed player that does play flute some, the TJ flutes are stunning not going to lie, but felt more like what you said, they seemed airy and I had to really try to finding how to find my sound on it. Now, I would LOVE to try both the C and Alto in the Copper Alloy just because they are gorgeous to look at! For my specs, my C Flute is a Gemeinhardt KCG Limited 3B (or whichever the model is for the KCG lines) and my piccolo is (don't judge me) a cheap chinese picc that looks and feels like a Di Zhao and honestly plays very well. When I did have a Gemeinhardt piccolo, it was a 1960s 4P and I LOVED it!
Agreed. I thought the Trevor James were beautiful and seemed to get high praise, plus these were different which is why I wanted to try them. I really wanted to like them. I am definitely a Gemeinhardt fan, but I’ve recently upgraded to a Yamaha 684 (and splurged on a professional handcut headjoint, the Yamaha type A) and have noticed my sound on the Gemeinhardt was a little muffled. The Yamaha is much crisper, projects better, wider range for dynamics, and the low end is so much bolder. It took me going to FluteWorld and trying, probably 20-30, different headjoints to find one that worked for me. I still love my KGM, but I’ll be honest, I haven’t really picked it up since finding my Yamaha combo. But Gemeinhardt is so much easier to find and better on the wallet that if it works for you, especially as a doubler, then totally no shame in that. I also have no issue with Chinese Knockoff piccolos. I had a blue one for the longest time when I first started playing them before I finally upgraded to a 4SP. You’ll get no hassle from me on that. I’m a firm believer that if it works for you, then keep doing it. However be careful with it because they generally aren’t made as robust as even a lower end brand flute name.
@@blondewithaflute I definitely agree on what you said about the Chinese knockoff piccolo I have. I'm careful with it every time I use it. I do plan to hopefully get a 4P and the Chinese knockoff to be my backup. If I really had it my way, I'd get a Powell 9k Gold Aurumite Conservatory C Flute with an off set G. I tried one a couple years ago and I just fell in love with it and even had some people stop and tell me that it sounded beautiful when I was playing. If only it wasn't $10k+. 🤣
@@Guardmuscian2013 RIGHT!? Definitely have some sort of gold flute as the end goal. I’m so picky with headjoints I’ll have to just pick the body I like then get a headjoint to go with it that works best for me. Even more money doing it that way but 🤷🏼♀️
I've had the TJ copper flute a few years now. Seems more like a thin copper plating over brass, is that possible? Having a few areas where plating seems completely worn away now, really ugly. Also, it needed some key adjusting and even body straightening when I first got it but decided not to risk sending it back to Flute Center of New York and had my local guy fix it. And after some time trying to get used to its headjoint, I'm not a fan and wonder, can you recommend a different jeadjoint that would fit this flute? I'm a doubler and need something a lot more "user friendly" tone-wise. Thanks!
@@ronrobbins2737 I did hear that it is a copper body with a gold type of plating over top. I have seen some mention in flute groups of it wearing fairly easily as well. As for headjoints, they are a very personal preference based on your playing style and will be slightly different for everyone. I actually went to FluteWorld and tried at least 20 different headjoints before I picked a top 3 that worked for me. I’d definitely recommend going to a Flute Store if possible, if not, at least trialing headjoints in your price range. As a doubler, I can’t imagine you want to spend much on a headjoint and the people at Flute Center or FluteWorld are wonderful at trying to figure out your best option for your budget.
@@blondewithaflute thanks so much! I've asked Flute Center for more particulars as I bought the TJ from them 2 years ago. I don't think there is any special plating over their copper alloy, I suspect the thin plating that's rubbing off IS the copper alloy! I'm playing lately with a high-end Latin jazz group doing mostly flute but trumpet and sax also. Switching back to flute after lips swell from trumpet seems to be my biggest challenge so I need the "most forgiving" embouchure hole possible without sacrificing tone; I know it's a challenge!
@@blondewithaflute Just got my new TJ Copper Alloy Flute! wondering how to clean it? I've read different things!! To use a micro-fiber cloth ... and I have the electrostatic placement things for the touch points ... but around the edges of those it has left marks!! and kind of gooey stuff around those ! I took off and it's really hard to get that off!! Is there some kind of liquid to use? I've looked online but the copper cleaners all say to NOT use on lacquered surfaces! which this flute has! So 'm at a loss of what to use! HELP!! HOPING I GET A REPLY TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT CONCERN!! THANK YOU!
@@familyoffinn3170 like I said in my original comment, these were just trials. So I am unsure about longevity of these instruments and what will happen to the finish over time. I personally just buffed with a standard microfiber cloth. I also have no clue what electrostatic things you are talking about. It would probably be best to reach out to TJ Flutes themselves, either through here on RUclips, on Facebook or Instagram with your question. They would have better guidance for you than I do.
I love alto flute. It’s probably one of my favourite to play on so much fun. I love the dark rich sound. I’m just hoping I get a bass flute soon.
I’m totally #TeamBassFlute trying to get my hands on one as well. I love playing Alto too, I just have such trouble finding music for it, which is why I don’t play it more :/
Grate video carry on the good work
Ooooh. That’s pretty.
The cut is what give it that edgy sound. Very different than a KGM. Probably an N1 cut. Even a J cut would be very different. The Voce cut has a sharp dropoff, like the Pearl Forte cut. It's what I like, actually,
I don't like TJ head joints either. I would get it in case I had to play open holes or a B and still use my Miyazawa headjoint.
The KGM has an H1 cut. That is interesting that you say it’s similar to the Forte, I still don’t like the Forte but I can kinda see what you mean. Initially I liked the Voce and the Forte but as I started playing more (on both) the Voce was definitely more stuffy. I felt like the Forte was too open though, like I couldn’t control the air very well and would run out quickly.
I do want to play with some Miyazawa headjoints though, even some Mankes cause I know a bunch of people like them.
Do you mean Forza (not Forte)? My Pearl has a Forza, which has a sharp dropoff
If it's a copper alloy, what are the other metals in the alloy?
Agree. Airy
I have never tried a Trevor James Alto Flute, but with their C Flutes, they just didn't feel right for me and playing wise, I felt like I was trying a little more than I usually use for my sound (I am also a Gemeinhardt enthusiast). As a low reed player that does play flute some, the TJ flutes are stunning not going to lie, but felt more like what you said, they seemed airy and I had to really try to finding how to find my sound on it. Now, I would LOVE to try both the C and Alto in the Copper Alloy just because they are gorgeous to look at! For my specs, my C Flute is a Gemeinhardt KCG Limited 3B (or whichever the model is for the KCG lines) and my piccolo is (don't judge me) a cheap chinese picc that looks and feels like a Di Zhao and honestly plays very well. When I did have a Gemeinhardt piccolo, it was a 1960s 4P and I LOVED it!
Agreed. I thought the Trevor James were beautiful and seemed to get high praise, plus these were different which is why I wanted to try them. I really wanted to like them. I am definitely a Gemeinhardt fan, but I’ve recently upgraded to a Yamaha 684 (and splurged on a professional handcut headjoint, the Yamaha type A) and have noticed my sound on the Gemeinhardt was a little muffled. The Yamaha is much crisper, projects better, wider range for dynamics, and the low end is so much bolder. It took me going to FluteWorld and trying, probably 20-30, different headjoints to find one that worked for me. I still love my KGM, but I’ll be honest, I haven’t really picked it up since finding my Yamaha combo. But Gemeinhardt is so much easier to find and better on the wallet that if it works for you, especially as a doubler, then totally no shame in that.
I also have no issue with Chinese Knockoff piccolos. I had a blue one for the longest time when I first started playing them before I finally upgraded to a 4SP. You’ll get no hassle from me on that. I’m a firm believer that if it works for you, then keep doing it. However be careful with it because they generally aren’t made as robust as even a lower end brand flute name.
@@blondewithaflute I definitely agree on what you said about the Chinese knockoff piccolo I have. I'm careful with it every time I use it. I do plan to hopefully get a 4P and the Chinese knockoff to be my backup.
If I really had it my way, I'd get a Powell 9k Gold Aurumite Conservatory C Flute with an off set G. I tried one a couple years ago and I just fell in love with it and even had some people stop and tell me that it sounded beautiful when I was playing. If only it wasn't $10k+. 🤣
@@Guardmuscian2013 RIGHT!? Definitely have some sort of gold flute as the end goal. I’m so picky with headjoints I’ll have to just pick the body I like then get a headjoint to go with it that works best for me. Even more money doing it that way but 🤷🏼♀️
Amazing review! Where did you get your fireplace? Looks mesmerizing
Dollar Tree! It’s in the “Plus” section. Pretty sure it was $5. Don’t forget batteries.
I don't even play flute but here I am! I play clarinet so the algorithm isn't a million miles off 😊
I've had the TJ copper flute a few years now. Seems more like a thin copper plating over brass, is that possible? Having a few areas where plating seems completely worn away now, really ugly. Also, it needed some key adjusting and even body straightening when I first got it but decided not to risk sending it back to Flute Center of New York and had my local guy fix it. And after some time trying to get used to its headjoint, I'm not a fan and wonder, can you recommend a different jeadjoint that would fit this flute? I'm a doubler and need something a lot more "user friendly" tone-wise. Thanks!
@@ronrobbins2737 I did hear that it is a copper body with a gold type of plating over top. I have seen some mention in flute groups of it wearing fairly easily as well. As for headjoints, they are a very personal preference based on your playing style and will be slightly different for everyone. I actually went to FluteWorld and tried at least 20 different headjoints before I picked a top 3 that worked for me. I’d definitely recommend going to a Flute Store if possible, if not, at least trialing headjoints in your price range. As a doubler, I can’t imagine you want to spend much on a headjoint and the people at Flute Center or FluteWorld are wonderful at trying to figure out your best option for your budget.
@@blondewithaflute thanks so much! I've asked Flute Center for more particulars as I bought the TJ from them 2 years ago. I don't think there is any special plating over their copper alloy, I suspect the thin plating that's rubbing off IS the copper alloy! I'm playing lately with a high-end Latin jazz group doing mostly flute but trumpet and sax also. Switching back to flute after lips swell from trumpet seems to be my biggest challenge so I need the "most forgiving" embouchure hole possible without sacrificing tone; I know it's a challenge!
what do you use to clean it?? i just got one!!
Those were just a trial, but I used a microfiber cloth to clean them in between uses.
Me too. I found the pads really sticky until it had been played for a couple of weeks. Love it.
@@blondewithaflute Just got my new TJ Copper Alloy Flute! wondering how to clean it? I've read different things!! To use a micro-fiber cloth ... and I have the electrostatic placement things for the touch points ... but around the edges of those it has left marks!! and kind of gooey stuff around those ! I took off and it's really hard to get that off!! Is there some kind of liquid to use? I've looked online but the copper cleaners all say to NOT use on lacquered surfaces! which this flute has! So 'm at a loss of what to use! HELP!! HOPING I GET A REPLY TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT CONCERN!! THANK YOU!
@@familyoffinn3170 like I said in my original comment, these were just trials. So I am unsure about longevity of these instruments and what will happen to the finish over time. I personally just buffed with a standard microfiber cloth. I also have no clue what electrostatic things you are talking about.
It would probably be best to reach out to TJ Flutes themselves, either through here on RUclips, on Facebook or Instagram with your question. They would have better guidance for you than I do.
@@familyoffinn3170 TJ has a manual on their site on how to take care of your copper flutes