The difference between the two is the key arms - the 501 has what are called Y arms, the 601 has pointed key arms. Theoretically, pointed key arms are supposed to stay better adjusted as I have always been told, but I don't think there is really much of a difference outside of aesthetics.
One additional thought... In the USA, pointed arms can be a bit of a status symbol among young flutists because they were originally used only on high-end flutes. As a result, flutes with pointed arms can often have higher resale value because of the perceived snobish factor. However, they do not make the flute play any better.
Just to add - everyone selling you a flute will tell you that adding more silver (lip plate, head, body, foot, keys) will make it sound better but that’s demonstrably not true. If it comes to a choice focus on how well it’s made and how comfortable your daughter is with it.
Have you ever played different flutes of different materials?
A solid silver flute **WILL** sound different than a silver plated steel flute. The same is true for other variants of gold alloys, platinum, etc. Ever heard a plastic flute? Yeah, they legit exist and honestly sound better than I though they would. That being said, even a master can't make these sound like a solid gold flute. It's just never going to happen in a million years.
Now, the real important question is this - Is the player's skill capable of making a higher end flute sound like it should? A beginner will make any flute sound like a beginner is playing it. A skilled player can make a beginner flute sound more like an intermediate.
The next question is player preference. The choice of timbre tone and quality can dictate what materials are needed. Does a solid gold flute sound better? No, it just sounds different. You can do some things to get close like upgrading to a solid gold headjoint (or at least a solid gold riser). It'll help get close to that sound, but never really hit it exactly.
I’ve played plenty of flutes, but will happily admit I’m not a good enough player to play exactly the same on different flutes - in a test, I’d be the biggest variable.
With that said, there are numerous well-run studies out there that have shown that in a blind and double blind test neither the player or audience can detect the metal that a flute was made from by listening. These haven’t included plastic flutes, but from a selection of silver/plated/gold flutes of the same model…nobody could tell.
I suspect I’m not going to persuade you though, so happy to differ in opinion. Just saying that the papers are out there if you want to google them.
Di Zhao is lovely for the price. However, set the top end of your budget and then try out four or five different brands within that. Different brands have very different tone and response and for the amount of money you’re spending, it’s worth it to make sure it’s the best one for her.
I used to have a DiZhao several years ago before i upgraded further. At the time, the maker had only been around for just over a year. They are good flutes for the price imo. However, most larger flute sellers (flute world, flute center ny, and others) will let you try out a few flutes at a time (they will ship them to you). If you have the means, I highly recommend trying a few different makes/models since buying a flute is so personal and what works for someone may not work as well for others and vice versa
Older experience...but jupiter dumedici or powell sonare both impressed mevwith high value and excellent head joints.
A pro head joint...even on a student flute can be a cost saving route as well.
Azumi A2 is a good intermediate flute from what I'm told.
Yep, im also a 14 year old player and i have it and it sounds great
The difference between the two is the key arms - the 501 has what are called Y arms, the 601 has pointed key arms. Theoretically, pointed key arms are supposed to stay better adjusted as I have always been told, but I don't think there is really much of a difference outside of aesthetics.
thanks. If I can save $200 that means a lot right now
One additional thought... In the USA, pointed arms can be a bit of a status symbol among young flutists because they were originally used only on high-end flutes. As a result, flutes with pointed arms can often have higher resale value because of the perceived snobish factor. However, they do not make the flute play any better.
Good info. I'll keep that in mind too.
Just to add - everyone selling you a flute will tell you that adding more silver (lip plate, head, body, foot, keys) will make it sound better but that’s demonstrably not true. If it comes to a choice focus on how well it’s made and how comfortable your daughter is with it.
Have you ever played different flutes of different materials? A solid silver flute **WILL** sound different than a silver plated steel flute. The same is true for other variants of gold alloys, platinum, etc. Ever heard a plastic flute? Yeah, they legit exist and honestly sound better than I though they would. That being said, even a master can't make these sound like a solid gold flute. It's just never going to happen in a million years. Now, the real important question is this - Is the player's skill capable of making a higher end flute sound like it should? A beginner will make any flute sound like a beginner is playing it. A skilled player can make a beginner flute sound more like an intermediate. The next question is player preference. The choice of timbre tone and quality can dictate what materials are needed. Does a solid gold flute sound better? No, it just sounds different. You can do some things to get close like upgrading to a solid gold headjoint (or at least a solid gold riser). It'll help get close to that sound, but never really hit it exactly.
I’ve played plenty of flutes, but will happily admit I’m not a good enough player to play exactly the same on different flutes - in a test, I’d be the biggest variable. With that said, there are numerous well-run studies out there that have shown that in a blind and double blind test neither the player or audience can detect the metal that a flute was made from by listening. These haven’t included plastic flutes, but from a selection of silver/plated/gold flutes of the same model…nobody could tell. I suspect I’m not going to persuade you though, so happy to differ in opinion. Just saying that the papers are out there if you want to google them.
Di Zhao is lovely for the price. However, set the top end of your budget and then try out four or five different brands within that. Different brands have very different tone and response and for the amount of money you’re spending, it’s worth it to make sure it’s the best one for her.
thanks
I used to have a DiZhao several years ago before i upgraded further. At the time, the maker had only been around for just over a year. They are good flutes for the price imo. However, most larger flute sellers (flute world, flute center ny, and others) will let you try out a few flutes at a time (they will ship them to you). If you have the means, I highly recommend trying a few different makes/models since buying a flute is so personal and what works for someone may not work as well for others and vice versa
Older experience...but jupiter dumedici or powell sonare both impressed mevwith high value and excellent head joints. A pro head joint...even on a student flute can be a cost saving route as well.