Jupiter bass flute too cheap to be true?

[Ivy]

I've been looking around for a bass flute. I went to the NFA convention and tried all kinds of bass flutes which are normally selling from 4000$ to 7500$. The Jupiter bass was selling for around 2400$. I almost bought one when I heard the price. The instrument played well enough except for hard to get low d, c# and c. I could play these notes but not easily as other flutes. Unfortunatley I didn't test the intonation with a tuner. I just found out that woodwind and brasswind is selling these for 1795$. That's dirt cheap!

Question: has anybody tried these and have you had any experience with Jupiter flutes. How are they made? Mechanically and intonation tendencies? Appreciate any info. Gordon NZ, have you worked on Jupiter flutes. Thanks.

Ivy

[Gordon (NZ)]

I've worked on about 50 soprano flutes.

Typical comments from my notes:
Tone/volume: Ho-hum. Very variable from instrument to instrument. Tone usually 'fuzzy'.
VERY soft body metal.
Sloppy pivots (i.e pivot tubes) are common.
Regulating screws too close to pivot axis.
The metal of the key stops is too strong, making regulation difficult.
The glue for the key felts does not strand solvent cleaning.
Failed soldering used to be common.

In other words, typical Taiwan-made problems. One could expect some unreliability, and difficult of maintenance to make it, and keep it reliable.

I suspect that if the 3 low notes are poor then there are significant leaks, or poor design of embouchure /head area.

It seems that you get what you pay for.

However Jupiter flutes are gradually improving. They have a good reputation for parts service, not that this is particularly important for flutes.

[Bootman]

The Pearl Alto is a much mor erobust sounding flute than the Jupiter Alto. I would expect that in the Bass flutes that the Jupiter would have a light weight sound. I have played several and own an Artley Ogilve model Bass. Check out to see what the American companies are offering too. The Robert Dick model Emerson has been getting a lot of positive reviews too. The Hammig is yet another option as is the Yamaha.

[Ivy]

Thanks guys!! I have been looking around for a used Armstrong but haven't run into any bass flutes on ebay. There had to be a downside to the extremely low price of the Jupiter. The best bass flute I've tried at the convention was the Eva Kingma- wow. Easy to play, strong tone, beautiful keywork, open hole w/ B foot, 7500$. She also had contra bass flutes.

The emerson Robert Dick model had really unusual finger placement- it was too awkward for me but perhaps not for Robert Dick (he was at the convention).

[Bootman]

Ivy,
My guess is that the Robert Dick model may be designed for larger hands. I have the Artley and it is fine for my large hands.

I have never plaeyd the Eva Kingma model, although by all accounts they are supposed to be great. There is also an Altus Bass Flute too.

[Gordon (NZ)]

Some people have been impressed with the Di Medici alto. The bass may be worth looking at.