Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Emerson, Artley, Armstrong, Azumi, Pearl, Sonare, and Trevor James. This question comes up incredibly frequently, so if you want/need any information on any of these, try searching the forum (try to stay within about 8 months or a year), and if there's something that you want to know that doesn't turn up, feel free to ask. Pretty much any of them can be found at fluteworld.com. In general, stay away from colored flutes from eBay, flutes made by makers with no professional looking website, and those that seem too good to be true. In the flute world, most often you get what you pay for. What exactly is wrong with your old flute that you need a new one?
Whats wrong with your old flute?
sometimes its cheeper to fix upi an old one.
If you want an up graid get A flute thet is higher in Level (Intermidiate).
I'm sorry, but Lera, before you post, would you mind taking the time to read what others have written (especially in such a short thread as this)? I asked the same question, and the bit of "advice" doesn't really apply, as the original poster has already stated that (s)he is looking for a student flute, not an intermediate. This is not the first time that your posts have virtually duplicated those already posted (oftentimes mine), and quite honestly, I find it wearisome.
Soldering can part. Usually a few minutes to re-solder it.
A key can fall off. A few seconds to return it.
Key metal can break. It takes a few minutes to 'silver-solder' the pars together again.
Correcting these things is relatively quick work compared with adjustment work, which is vital to have right if the flute is to play well. All flutes need adjustment from time to time, and new student flutes typically need adjustment when new or in the first 18 months of their life, especially if they are cheap.
Avoid purchasing a flute without playing it first - even if it is new. When you go to a music shop aim to play 3 or 4 different flutes, have some-one listen to you who will give a second opinion. If you have the chance to try a flute a friend has then that might reduce the list of possibilities.
Not all "broken" flutes are worth fixing - especially as some repair shops will charge almost as much as a new flute for repadding, making adjustments, removing any major dents and/or fixing the head cork etc. Always get at least one estimate first and make sure the technician is competent by asking for recommendations from your teacher, other flute players etc.
As previously posted, in my limited experience buying Chinese imports is OK. You dont pay an inflated price for the prestige/brand name but the resale value is much lower. Some repair technician dont like them because it isnt economic for them to charge as much for servicing and it can be difficult to get parts. Its worth remembering that many (most?) student brass and woodwind instruments are now made in Asia. If you buy a less well known instrument from a reputatable store with a warranty after trying it you cant go far wrong.
I would add Altus to the list of recognised predictable brands. A few years ago I would have been surprized to see Jupiter (and others) included in this list and many years ago when I started to play flute Yamaha wouldn't have been in the list!
With the cheapest Altus flutes starting at about 2K, and carrying the specs often associated with intermediate instruments (B foot, open hole), I don't think they qualify as a student instrument. I did list Azumi (which is a division of Altus) in my original post.
I recently worked on one of the latter, and was disgusted at the flats filed on the tone hole edges. They mean that significantly more finger pressure is required, IMO.
I believe Azumino is the town in Japan where Altus is headquartered.
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I've looked at some photos, and although some say "Azumino, Japan" i haven't seen any that weren't also marked either Altus or Azumi. Maybe someone is making knock-offs, and Altus hasn't trademarked Azumino?
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I think it may have been mentioned here before, but I noticed on the Altus website that they're now also making the Azumi's Z-cut headjoint available for the regular Altus flutes, even on the pro models. I'm guessing that's a good sign, and not just a marketing ploy.
It's been awhile since I picked up and played, but I would have to agree with going in and trying out a few different brands first. As far as repairing is concerned, do a cost-benefit analysis: how much did you pay for the original flute? Business is brisk, but techs still charge an arm and a leg to fix up an instrument, so don't bother if it was cheaper to begin with.
If you are very careful and know what to look for, buying used isn't so bad, especially if you just need something to survive through high school. Just be sure to really inspect the instrument and ask plenty of questions. If you look like a sucker, they'll make you a sucker.
"are azumis student flutes or intermediate flutes?"
The words are rather irrlelevant. Any manufacturer can use these words rather indiscriminately.
What is more important is whether the flute is "right" for you, how well it is made (hence reliability and on-going expenses.)
My disappointment of even some quite expensive examples of Altus flute, with respect to their severely filed-flat rolled tone holes, has already been expressed in this forum, in a reasonably controversial thread. I do not find this "condition" with the student flute brands that I respect.
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