Trevor James 10XP Curved Head Flute

What we say

We've always recommended the 10x model for its quality of build and sound, as well as the price point. The new 10XP is a big step up from its predecessor with the pointed key arms adding an extra touch of class. Traditionally, student flutes used Y-arms on all the keys but the addition of pointed arms doesn't just look good - with the pressure now on the centre of the key, the pad is able to seat (and therefore wear) more evenly.

The TJ 10XP flute is a very free blowing instrument meaning that you are not struggling with making a sound so you'll be able to play your favourite tunes much quicker, and then work on developing and perfecting your tone. The slightly shaped lip plate might feel odd at first if you're used to a standard one but after a few minutes your lip will adjust and you'll be able to find a richness in the lower notes that may not have been there before. The use of .925 sterling silver on a student flute is uncommon as well and this extra sparkle adds a touch of warmth to what can very often be a bright sound on silver plated instruments.

The addition of the curved headjoint option allows a shorted reach which is great for younger and smaller players. By decreasing the amount of stretch, strain is reduced in the shoulders and wrists making practice sessions more comfortable. When you're ready, you can then switch to the traditional straight headjoint without having to splash out on a whole new instrument!

While the 10XP is made in Taiwan, all TJ instruments are checked over and set up in their workshop in Kent and, if that's not enough, our specialists here in store check them over again to make sure nothing is left to chance.

What they say

This wonderful 'first' flute for the new player or those returning to the instrument after a few years away is now benefiting from some of the design improvements that we have introduced on the step-up and professional TJ flute models. Launched in June 2022, the new TJ10x flute continues to be a very free blowing and high-quality silver-plated instrument with a .925 silver lip plate and riser.  It now benefits with having the pointed key arm mechanism instead of the traditional ‘Y’ arms.

Silver Lip Plate and Riser

The 10XP flute has a specially shaped lip plate & riser that gives the player the benefit of having an immediate & free blowing sound, especially in the lower tonal range. The lower notes are notoriously hard for the new player but this shaped lip opens up the lower register and gives a huge advantage over other student flutes because it’s not only easier to play in general, but it’s actually easier to get a great tone too. Plus, the .925 silver delivers a warmer sound and an extended range of tonal possibilities. It’s unusual for an entry level flute to have a .925 silver lip plate and riser due to the extra cost of the additional precious metal content, however as flute specialists, Trevor James flutes understand the need to invest positively in your first flute as it is your ‘sound’ which is the single most important factor in your development as a musician.

Key Mechanism

The new 10XP flutes feature French-style pointed key arms which were traditionally reserved for much more expensive flutes. French-style pointed key arms feature an arm that extends to the centre of the key and helps to strengthen the mechanism, making for a stronger and tighter key placement, which means no leaks and squeaks. These key arms also result in excellent note intonation, reward speedy playing, and aid the development of faster techniques - so you’ll be well-placed to take on those more challenging pieces.

Professional Grade Materials

Trevor James flutes use Japanese tubing which is known for both its structural integrity and resonant quality. Generally only used by the premium, professional Japanese flute brands, this tubing forms the very core of each TJ flute, and along with the headjoint, explains why the 10XP flute is widely regarded as the best sounding student flute available. The TJ10XP flute benefits from the same high-quality Italian ‘Pisoni’ pads that are usually the preserve of much more exclusive and expensive flutes. Using such high-end pads, and ensuring they are seated correctly in the key ‘cups’, guarantees that sound production is more immediate when each key is depressed. Plus, ‘Pisoni’ pads have a significantly longer life span than some others often found on student instruments, which translates into a better, more reliable tone for a much longer period.

Silver Plated Beauty That Lasts

You can be safe in the knowledge that each unlike other student flutes, the 10XP has a triple plated finish on its tubing. Needing to ensure that the de-plating often associated with lower-cost flutes was never an issue, we developed our own method coating 10XP flutes. After much research we discovered that by copper-plating the nickel tubing first, the subsequent two layers of silver-plate are rock solid, giving you the most durable finish of any student flute.

Specs

Headjoint: Silver plated nickel silver - curved and straight

Lip plate and Riser: .925 Sterling silver - shaped lip plate

Body and Footjoint: Silver plated nickel silver with C foot

Key mechanism: Silver plated nickel silver with pointed key arms

Key style: Closed hole, offset G, split E

Tone Holes: Drawn

Accessories: Hard case and case cover with shoulder strap, cleaning rod, inner cleaning gauze, polishing cloth