I have barely any money but i want to play the flute. Where can I get a a used flute extremely cheap?

Answer 1

Before I comment on where to get a flute, I think there are a few things you should look out for when shopping for a flute, especially if you are going to look at used flutes.

The first thing you should check is the condition of the pads and springs. The pads are located underneath each key on the instrument. All keys will have them except for one and that key doesn't seal a hole, so it should be easy to spot. The pads should seat flat over the hole and shouldn't be missing or appear cracked or discolored. (A pad is generally white or yellow depending on the manufacturer). A bad spring is easy to spot because if you press a key, it won't raise or return back to the original position.

Second, I would recommend an instrument that is at least silver plated. Speaking as someone with a high acid content in my skin, nickel plated ones seem to tarnish really quickly. Inspect the instrument for dents. A small dent, might not affect too much but lots of dents or one that has a big dent will generally affect the intonation of the instrument.

Third, gently tug on the crown of the instrument. This is the tuning cork and when it is bad, it will easily slide out. You should not be able to pull it out, Many times when they're bad they will be green in color. They are cheap to replace (under $20.00) so if that is the only trouble with the instrument, it might be worth buying.

The last thing and probably one of the most important is this. Some of the keys on the instrument control other keys. If other keys are activated when you press a key, make sure they go down simultaneously and don't have any gaps when they are fully pressed. Any gaps (even small ones) will change the pitch of the note you are trying to play.

Most flutes also come with a tuning rod and case. I would also recommend getting a padsaver. You can pick this up at your local music store. You put it inside the body of the instrument when you store it. It will generally draw the moisture away from the pads so that they won't rot as fast.

Now, where to get a flute. There are some good deals to be had on E-Bay; however, I wouldn't bid unless I knew the condition of all of the things I mentioned above. Bid from a reputable seller who has at least a 98% positive rating. Many people listing flutes don't know a thing about them, so make sure there are plenty of pictures.

Pawn shops can be a good source, but sometimes even they are pricey. The advantage you have there is that at least you can see the instrument in person.

Check your local music stores. Many of them have used instruments that have come back from a rental. Usually they are pretty good about making sure they are in playable condition when they go to sell them.

I have seen the ones at Wal-Mart and Sams and have play tested one and its not too bad. If this is just for you and your doing it for your own pleasure it should be just fine. You have the advantage of having a new product and in a lot of cases they have a guarantee.

Freecycle is a good recommendation too. You might get lucky, but you also might get the flute from Aunt Sally's attic. Good luck. The flute is a great instrument and can provide you years of entertainment

Answer 2

There are outfits which rent instruments but this isn't always such a great deal; check at your local music store. Have a look at Amazon.com, whose general merchandise section includes just about every product of human endeavor ever devised. There are quite a few inexpensive Chinese wind instruments being sold these days and they're pretty good.

Much as I like them, I would be cautious with pawn shop instruments: the quality is often very good, but the prices are quite high. And if you're planning to take lessons, ask your teacher what she'd recommend you do (but if she starts giving you some sort of time-payment scheme on an expensive flute, find another teacher.)

Answer 3

Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull rocked that flute so hard. Nothing gay about it. What would make you gay is if you dated people of the same sex as you, not playing an instrument. Some of the greatest flute players on earth are men. When I was in high school, our constant first chair was a straight male. It's an elegant, high pitched instrument, which I guess seems somehow feminine, but that's stupid. Girls are allowed to wear pants and vote. Boys can play the flute.

Answer 4

The best source would be going to Yahoo Groups and joining Freecycle groups in your area and immediate surrounding areas. Freecycle is a network of ppl who would rather giove things away than throw them in landfills, clutter the garage or closet or dewal w/ the hassels of a yard sale. You can look and see if a flute turns up available free and if not and you have some things to give away after you have posted offers for one or more items (which can be inexpensive and hand me down of course) you can post a wanted. Given the number of students who start to learn to play instruments and don't keep it up I'd guess there may be a good chance. You can also see if your radio station opr any in your area has a free swap shop where you can list wanteds. That probably won't net a freebie but maybe a cheap deal. You can check the all classifieds newspaper in your area or find American Classifieds on line. Put up notices on grocery store bulletin bds and otehr such places. Ask school music teachers if they know ppl who started lessons but dodn't keep it up,. Ditto music stores that give lessons. And of course check the classifieds in your local paper, stop at yard sales, call pawn and thrift shops.

Answer 5

Rather than purchasing a flute, consider renting one from a local music company. They will usually lease/rent one to a student for relatively little.

Answer 6

A pawn shop, a thrift store, and most music stores where you can buy new instruments also have used ones also. Then theres local newspaper classifieds and eBay.

Answer 7

Wal-Mart now sells flutes. I don't recommend them, but they would be new and cheap.

Answer 8

You might ask the band teacher at your school if they know anyone that is selling one. Some schools allow you to rent an instrument.

Answer 9

Ebay but you will probably get a flute infected with HIV or something.

Answer 10

I have a friend who is selling theirs for $100 bucks....is that cheap enough? Get back to me if you're interested.