Is there a difference between silver and sterling silver?

Does a sterling silver flute make a difference in sound?

• I think a sterling silver professional flute makes a difference because i own one and i also own a standard student flute for marching season. I noticed the difference right when i received my professional flute. What do you think?

• Answer:

  Yes, a silver flute will in general have superior sound to a plated one - but there are many exceptions. If you own a silver Gemeinhardt ( ick . . ) it will be beat in a NY minute by a plated Altus. When comparing flutes of a similar level of workmanship and quality, then most solid silver flutes (and that means keywork,too - not plated) will have superior craftsmanship; their HEADJOINT will also be of superior design and cut, often having overcutting and undercutting, or a precious-metal air-reed (strange name for back-wall material). So - what brands of flutes are you playing? Hate to burst your bubble - but just because a certain manufacturer calls their best flute *professional* does not make it so. Those of us who ARE professional flutists play brands that 9 times out of 10 do not make ANY student flutes - they only make what we want. It's a whole 'nuther world . . . .go explore on www.fluteworld.com. Good luck with your flute studies