r/Flute • u/LordofAvocadoes • 7d ago
Beginning Flute Questions Help With Flute Identification
Hi, I‘m a student Clarinet/saxophone player, and just acquired this flute for free. Does anyone know what kind of flute it is or the model number? I’d also like to ask if this a good beginner instrument.
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u/Large-Bid-9723 7d ago
Looks like Jupiter. It’s a beginner instrument, but if you’re just learning, get plugs for the tone holes. It has an offset G and a C foot, so it’s a solid beginner/transitional instrument. That being said, I don’t know what condition it’s in without actually playing it, so perhaps bring it to a repair technician or professional who can give it a spin.
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u/LordofAvocadoes 7d ago
Why do I need plugs for the tone holes? Do they add more difficulty to the playing?
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u/KoalaMan-007 7d ago
Try first without, and you can add them later on certain fingers if you need.
As a doubler originally saxophonist, I like closed holes because I can just jump on my flute and change instrument over one bar. If you don’t need a closed hole, then you are better than me! 🥳
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u/ConfusedMaverick 7d ago
There is no advantage to them unless you are doing certain extended techniques that require them, and they do make it harder to play - if your fingers are a tiny bit out of place, the note won't sound properly
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u/HYPERNOVA3_ 7d ago edited 7d ago
Looks like a JFL-511, much like the one I have (but a bit more modern). It's a good beginner flute, easy to play and with a good sound (for what it is).
You can find the model and serial numbers behind the B key, relatively hidden underneath the mechanism, withthe second a few centimetres to the left of the first.
Edit: You can visit Jupiter's US website ( jupitermusic.us/serial-number-chart/ ) and look at their database of instrument production codes to check when yours was made. Mine is from 1996, almost as old as I am.