Pearl Quantz 525E flute
Pearl https://www.rosehillinstruments.co.uk/p/PF-525E/woodwind-for-starters/pearl/pearl-quantz-525e-flute£ £738.00
Ref: PF-525E
0 in stock
If you are purchasing a beginner's instrument for the first time and would like further advice, our showroom staff will be pleased to give all the guidance you need.
The Quantz 525 steps up from the baseline Pearl student model with the addition of a solid sterling silver lip-plate. It retains all the features of a standard student flute including closed-hole keys, an offset G and split-E mechanism.
Uniquely among flutes in this price range, all Pearl student flutes have French-pointed keys (with a pointed key arm extending to the centre of the key cup), a feature more commonly found on intermediate and professional instruments. They also benefit from other unique design features which contribute to a smooth and reliable key mechanism.
- Sterling silver lip-plate
- Silver-plated nickel silver headjoint
- Silver-plated nickel silver body, footjoint and key mechanism
- Closed-hole keys
- Offset G and split-E mechanism
- French-pointed key design
- Made in Taiwan
| Model | Series | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 505E | Quantz | Closed-hole keys; silver-plated; straight headjoint |
| 505EU | Quantz | As 505E but with a curved headjoint. |
| 525E | Quantz | As 505E but with a sterling silver lip-plate and riser. |
| F665E | Quantz Forza | As 505E but with a sterling silver ‘Forza’ headjoint. |
| F665RE | Quantz Forza | As F665E but with open-hole keys. |
| 695RE | Dolce | As F665RE but handmade. |
FAQs
A closed-hole flute has keys that completely cover the tone holes. An open-hole flute has holes in the centre of some keys, which the player’s fingertips must cover to prevent air escaping. Most student instruments supplied in the UK are closed-hole.
An offset G positions both G keys slightly out of alignment with the other keys and closer to the ring finger of the left hand. This can offer a more comfortable playing position, particularly for players with smaller hands. Many flutes have an offset G, but both offset and inline designs are well-established; the choice is down to an individual player’s preference.
High E can be an insecure note on the flute, particularly when played softly. A split E mechanism modifies the flute’s keywork so that the second G key closes automatically when the high E fingering is used, making the note more secure. It can be identified by a small arm between the second G and F-sharp keys and is a normal feature of most student and intermediate flutes.
Flutes are made with varying levels of precious metal, ranging from silver-plated instruments through to flutes made almost entirely from solid silver, with gold and platinum used in some high-end professional instruments. As the amount of precious metal increases, so does the cost, generally reflecting a progression towards a better instrument. This progression may include a silver-plated body with a solid-silver lip plate, followed by a solid-silver headjoint, a solid-silver body tube, and eventually a flute constructed extensively or entirely from solid silver. Each step can bring differences in tonal character, response and feel, although the overall design and craftsmanship of the instrument remain important.
Manufacturer’s website: pearlflutes.de
Buying tips: Nowadays all starter flutes have similar specifications including split-E mechanism, offset G, and closed-hole keys. The most significant choice, determined by the build of the player, is between a flute with a straight or a curved headjoint. A curved headjoint helps a smaller player adopt a more comfortable posture, which of course makes practising more pleasurable. Price is a good indicator of quality; very cheap instruments are difficult and costly to maintain. A fully serviced pre-owned instrument from a reputable manufacturer is always a good low-risk choice for a beginner. Click here to see our current stock of pre-owned flutes.
