Looking for a new flute, need some advice!?

Question

I'm a sophomore, and looking to(finally...) step up from my student flute(Armstrong, btw...). I've been looking at some options and my favorites are the Pearls, because of the pinless make and the one core bar. I want to know wether I'm choosing well or not, so here are my top picks(In order from fave to least....)

http://www.wwbw.com/Pearl-Flutes-PF-795RBE--Elegante-Series-Professional-Flute-i50678.music
^The Pearl Elegante

http://www.wwbw.com/Pearl-Flutes-Dolce-Series-Professional-Flute-i116152.music
^The Pearl Dolce

http://www.wwbw.com/Pearl-Flutes-PF-765RBE-CODA-Quantz-Coda-Professional-Flute-i72951.music
^The Pearl Quantz CODA

Thanks for any help!

The WoodWind and Brass WInd site flutes are sold new

Also, I try to stay away from the Gemmies. The embouchoure(SP?!?!) hole is cut a little differently(Well, they're all cut differently, but Gemmies it seems to really stand out on)

Answer 1

Any of the three of these is a fine flute. The only way to know for sure which you prefer is to play them.

Of course the Elegante or Quantz Coda will be the choice because of the silver body.

Both are offset G, French, and B foot. Both are silver head and body and both have a split E.

The 795 comes stock with a better quality headjoint - hand cut. If you're buying an aftermarket head though, this won't matter.

I like gold on my lip because I tarnish silver badly - that's not that significant a decider though. I also like my lip engraved because I wear a beard and the engraving helps with slipping. These can be done aftermarket though.

Bottom line? You're going to have to play them to decide. That's the only reasonable way.

Answer 2

If you are looking for a step up flute and these are your choices, I would pick one with a solid silver body. It will make a huge difference, especially as you improve and grow into your flute. It makes a huge difference in the sound that can be produced.

Pearl is a very good choice for a flute. I would definitely keep that as one of your top choices. My flute is actually a pearl, and it plays fantastically. I love it.

I was told by a flute repair person that he really likes pearl because apparently they have the correct geometry in their structure. He said something about the keys and the holes being geometrically correct and stuff, and apparently a lot of other brands actually aren't. I'm not exactly sure what it means, but he knew what he was talking about. So theres something you probably wouldn't find on the internet.

One brand I think you should stay away from is Jupiter. Their flutes aren't that good a quality from what I've seen.

Also, do NOT buy an instrument from ebay! Especially if you are looking for a good quality step up. Many of the instruments people try to pass off as good are Chinese made and of a very terrible quality. Just looking at the pictures won't tell you if it's in good condition. Honestly, scratches are the least of your worries. You can't determine the condition of the pads, if the springs are all functioning properly, if the keys are all closing properly, etc. People can also claim that it was made of solid silver even if it's only silver plated. You just can't trust e-bay when it comes to something like this.

Good luck and Happy fluting. =)

Answer 3

If your looking to buy a used one make sure everything is intact and it can play well. Make sure no screws are missing and that no wires are missing. Also the keys don't stick. Some brands are better than others. If your just starting I wouldn't get an open holed flute they are hard to play. I have a selmer flute and it works great.!! The prices depend on the flute. I got mine for around 300 some may go up to 1500 dollars though. If it is a nickle flute it might not cost much. I have a nickel flute. But if you get a silver it might cost more. Losers music store is a great place to go also Barry's music is another. You can search for them online. I hoped i helped!!

Answer 4

all of those are really good choices, but if you don't plan on playing flute all the way through college, I would not suggest buying an extremely expensive $2000+ flute. before making and final decisions be sure you know what you want. all of the must-have features are open hole, B foot,and some silver plating/solid silver. I have a quality armstrong that I am very happy with, but if you prefer a pearl that's fine. keep searching until you find a flute that suits your needs.

best of luck

Answer 5

Pearls are good flutes! Also look at Yamaha, Blessing and Armstrong. The only way to check if you like a new flute is to play it first! Go shopping with your Flute teacher!

You CAN try ebay! I know alot of professional flute players who sell their instruments there. But you have to be careful. If you havent already join Larry Krantz's Flute list. Periodically
when professionals are selling their stuff on ebay they will advertise it on that list as well. It is also a VERY helpful for other Fluting stuff. You can also ask questions and get more specific Flute responces than Yahoo answers! The website is

http://www.larrykrantz.com/fluteweb/fluteweb.htm

But be careful with ebay stuff. If i found a flute on ebay Io would ask on that list first! and of course you cant play it!

Another useful website is http://www.jennifercluff.com/ she has a ot of articles about Flute!

Answer 6

Well from what i heard pearl flutes break easily, i have a Miyazawa flute that cost around $3800 and is hand made, silver head joint and is very good quality, it might take some time to get use to but it is a awesome flute.

Answer 7

Geimhardt makes the best flutes! To be honest, directors always tell you not to buy online. Approve the flute with a director before buying it offline, okay? my bro got ripped off on a trombone last year, and it sucked.

Answer 8

your makin an excellent choice i play the flute and i have a pearl

Answer 9

I would suggest The Pearl Elegante. To buy one I would go to E-bay.com, but if you do like one make sure you look at pictures closely to see if there are any dents or scratches on the instrument.