Has anyone heard of the Lyric II? My teacher said it's by Miyazawa and the logo on the barrel looks like this: http://www.flute4u.com/lyric_flutes.html
I really, really, REALLY liked it and it costs about $1800 without tax.

Here's a Website I found on Lyric Flutes:
http://www.lyricflutes.com
and this page has information on the models:
http://www.lyricflutes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=27
It seems like a good flute. Hope it helps.

the lyric flute is an intermediate model flute. it has some very nice characteristics, but like many of its counterparts (such as the sonare, azumi, brio, amadeus, etc.). the main focus is on the headjoint rather than the body of the flute. I remember having a friend from a summer at interlochen who played on one. ive never played one, but she sounded beautiful. the shop i work at sells them and i know of a few people who have bought them since i got the job about a year and a half ago. many of the intermediate model flutes that are out there (the better ones, i should say) typically have a nice sound to them, but you may want to have some concern with the mechanism. ive seen many flutes come through the shop that were in all essence "jacked up." im not saying that the lyric is like this... i dont know much about them. but there are flutes (not to mention any brands ::cough:: sonare ::cough: that have this problem. Make sure you try it, ask some people if they have one and see how they like it, take for a trial... you know the drill.

<Added>

smiley isnt supposed to be there... its supposed to be a colon + parenthesis! :+)! stupid "html"... ::mumbles about punching computer::

To possible lyric owner:

The lyric is modeled off of the Miyazawa flutes, but made in china, instead of handmade in Japan. I have had students purchase this instrument, mostly as a stopgap between the beginner flute they own and a more appropriate flute. For example, if you have a broken beginner flute that is really holding you back and just can't spend more, then the lyric is ok.

The best place to start is to ask: What is your goal for this flute? How long do you plan on playing it? Will you be doing audition on this instrument? These questions can help me give you better advice.

Laking the answer to these questions, my advice is this: unless you plan to buy again in a couple of years (under 2), save a little bit more money, then buy something in the $2-3K range. You will get much more flute for the money. There is a Miyazawa in that range, as well as a Muramatsu, and products by Haynes. There are frankly more acceptable choices, including some fine used instruments, IF you have a professional helping you.

You may contact me offboard if you have more questions or want more guidance, or you may ask here...

Regards,

Jason Blank, Haynes Artist
jblank@wmshaynes.com

When you speak of products by Haynes under 3K are you referring to the Amadeus line? If so, being that you are a Haynes artists, I would be curious as to what you opinion on those are.

While I have never tried the Lyric flute so I can not comment on that flute, I would tend to agree with the above. You most certainly advance further ahead (depending on your goals) by going with something like a Powell Signature flute which I do believe is still under 3K.

Jason, I looked up the web page you have listed, where are you on the site?

Hi,
I am not listed yet on the Haynes website-- they are planning a redesign of the website, on which I will then be included.
This position (along with my 14k instrument) are recent developments.

Anyway, I really do like the most recent version of the Amadeus flute. If you haven't tried them in a while, I would give them a good playing again-- there have been some big changes to the flute, most notably the headjoint cut, which offers a deeper sounds the previous models with much improved response. But don't take my word for it-- try it yourself and let me know what you think.

As impressed as I am about the Amadeus, I am very excited about the new Haynes Classic series. These flutes start at $2450 for the Q1 (silver head with non-silver body) and feature a headjoint that is finished at the Boston factory. I was at Texas flute festival a couple of weeks ago, and probably 9 or every 10 people preferred the classic q2 with 14k riser and c# trill ($3850) to the powel signature that they were playing back to back. This is really an amazing instrument, and the dealer that I work with usually, Jeff Weissman, can't keep them in stock-- they are selling that well.

Anyway, so this doesn't just sound like a Haynes ad (which its not), most of my students play other things, although more play Haynes than any other brand. I would take the time to search out to quality flute shop and try lots of flutes. Time invested in looking for a new flute will come back to you ten fold...

By the way, I will be a NFA, working the Haynes booth. If any of you are interested in trying any of these flutes, let me know. If I don't think its the flute for you, I'll tell you and give me recommendations of what would suit you better.

Regards,
Jason Blank

i prefer my students to play on simbas or skys, but thats just me.

lol, Mbrowne! Now you are sound like Patrick.

I did try an older version of the Amadeus and did like it, though it was a tad stuffy and on the darker side for my taste. I have not found a flute under the 3K range that I prefered better then the Powell Signature which is all solid silver including the keys yet, so if I have a chance I will have to check out the new Haynes line. The only thing I don't care for on the Signature is the headjoint. I did try out a new Handmade Haynes a few years back when flute shopping and thought it was very nice, but again, to dark for my taste. I also prefer silver to gold.

I secretly use my Simba for concerts and recordings but dont tell Jupiter or Haynes about it...

...and you have such a sweet sounding E too!

:-)

do you now? im also fond of those pink and gold flutes. the scale on them is so amazing! ive yet to find anything that comes close to them.

yes, i agree with you kara. the powell signature is probably the best flute out there for the money when taking in consideration everything that it has and comparing models of the same caliber. personally, im not a fan of the powell headjoint that comes standard on the signature and the keys seemed a bit clunky to me, but its still a very nice instrument. theres a student i work with who has a signature and it has a great sound. id recommend it, along with a few others.

im not a fan of the powell headjoint that comes standard on the signature and the keys seemed a bit clunky to me,

Sometimes it has to do with the spring tension in them also, sometimes making them feel clunkier.

Okay, to clear some things up I'd like to add a few notes:

-I'm in 8th grade
-I'm looking for a flute around $2000 and not much more
-I'll be happy with a flute that plays well all through high school

I dunno, but I play-tested a bunch of flutes in that range (Amadeus, Sonare, Brio, DiMedici, Yamaha 674H) and I found the Lyric to have the richest tone without it being too powerful or soft and weak, and it was very easy to play, even in the higher ranges. I'm fairly sure I'm going to buy it, because I don't know at this point just how far I'm going to take my flute playing. I know I can save up later on to buy a better flute if it's necessary. I've also done multiple blind tests and kept on choosing the Lyric...

How does that sound?

If you like it, then I say go for it. If you only need a good flute through HS then I would have just suggested a Yamaha 221 with a nice pro headjoint, also since now finding out that you only in 8th grade. There is no doubt in my mind.. a Yamaha will last you through HS.