Sorry if I sound really horrible but i`m so fed up of people saying people who own gold Flutes/Piccolos are spoiled.

There are a lot of really good brands that are cheaper and are great quality, but as I play in a lot of shows and do a lot of solo`s I wanted something a bit different.

Even If I had a studant flute I wouldn`t mind as long as it was suitable to grade 8 standard, but my family bought it as a gift and I`m not complaining about it.

All I did was give them my savings and they choose the flute. They know it`s only a Miyazawa i would buy as they are my favourite brand so they choose the flute.

This topic seems to be turning into an argument so I think we should agree that everyone has different views on having gold flutes. Anyone agree with me?

I actually KNOW that I`d like a gold flute; they are pretty!! I just can`t imagine at what point in my life that I`d seriously consider THAT a priority for my money. I`m pretty sure that nearly EVERYONE who works, feels they "work hard for their money".

I would just hope that anyone who has made that kind of purchase, has their mortgage paid off, cars paid off, their retirement fund overflowing, the college funds overflowing, a stupendous "rainy day" fund, and are heartily supporting some charities. That said, more power to you.

I agree with kippsix on this issue.

It truly is sick how these kids are being handed out gold flutes like they are lolly pops. Give me a break!
There is no way anyone could jusify getting there little kid an all gold flute! What is happening with the world and parents today? SICK! SICK! SICK!!!

In view of the extreme poverty in huge areas of the world, the recent Live 8 concerts organised by Geldof, etc....

... and "I admit that silver flutes are just as good but I wanted something a bit different."

Hmmm. Yes, you spend multi-thousands of dollars to get something that is little more than an ornamental upgrade.

Those same multi-thousands could have saved the lives of dozens if not hundreds of people on this planet, or raised their education to a level of contributing to comfortable, non-indulgent self-sufficiency of their societies.

Yes, you have every `right` (within your own small world) to do this, but in the grander scheme of things, it is totally unnecessary and utterly obscene, no matter whether you do it, or I do it.

Anybody who has access to a computer is living a life that is obscenely luxurious compared with most of the population of the world, through no `fault` of their own. And that luxury as often as not has come at the expense of the planet in general and its poorer inhabitants.

I am not just picking on anybody here. I am in the same boat. The difference is that I recognise the obscenity, whereas to not even acknowledge it seems to me to be disgusting. Recognising it is the first step to altering the situation.

Yes, there are places in the world where the obscenity of gold-flute wealth is so common that the people cannot even recognise the obscenity for what it is. This is a pretty poor foundation for the lot of the majority on this planet ever improving.

You may be able to hide from reactions in your little community of stinking wealth, but if you come into an open forum flaunting it, then please be prepared to accept some rather unsupported, negative reactions such as this.

I hope this post encourages just a slight discomfort of conscience, such as I feel about having, in my then ignorance, a long time ago, purchased a flute of totally unnecessary specs.

I would like to quote a brilliant American economist of extraordinary intellect, adviser to many top world bodies, who knows more about global issues than you or I ever will...

This country [USA] has collapsed in its ability to understand the outside world." Jeffrey Sachs.

For the future stability of life on this planet, this is very, very scary stuff!

Kara,
Since you are a member of the gold club....give your opinion about when someone should be considering gold.
(I`m not being sarcastic, I`m serious). Such as: age, playing level/experience/current playing obligations, financial stability, and anything else I`ve overlooked.

All: I realize this is just opinion, but I think we that are aghast at the op`s position should render some insight. So if you are "gold membered", share your thoughts. It has to be a different situation if you are single, playing in a symphony/ochestra/professional level vs high school kid vs middle aged lady playing at church http://www.8notes.com/images/wink.gif
http://www.8notes.com/images/wink.gif

How lame, I can`t even put in a smile!!! I`ll have to get some teenager to teach me!!

Some people are into Silver/White Gold and some people are into Gold.

Gold in the flute world just sticks out from the norm and upsets people. Just as silver saxes in the Sax world or Silver trumpets. If THOSE instruments were Gold then it would be fine, but the less expensive silver sticks out.

Anyone ever experience a white gold plated solid silver flute? Do those wear well? Do you notice wearing of the plating since Silver and White Gold are of similar hue.

Also one thing to note is that since Yellow Gold sticks out as a very expensive flute it may be more prone to theft... even to the scale of a home break in.

What I didn`t say... now here is the kicker.... one of my flutes are gold plated. Lol!! I never said it was solid gold, now did I?
I have never cared much for the sound of gold, on any brand that I have tried. I am a silver gal.
My gold plated flute was actually bought at a Pawn shop for $50. I made it into a flute lamp.

PS. I love what Arak wrote. True art!

Kara, I basically agree about Arak`s writings but for the jab at the US.
I am feeling that the citizenry are capable of understanding the outside world but that we don`t because we are simply not being informed in an unbiased manner.

Bilbo,
I agree wholeheartedly. We the people are getting better and better at looking beyond ourselves. We have to take the responsibility to educate ourselves and change our outlook from the naivete to the informed.

I previously hadn`t really understood the world`s animosity towards the US, because I myself did not feel animosity towards anyone else. Unfortunately with the increase in information, comes a less benevolent attitude towards those that hate us.

I will continue to work from within to help my country help make this a better world, but perhaps with that increased knowledge there may be a decrease in my willingness to support other countries financially. When countries are willing to take the financial aid, then turn around and hate the US, it appears to be a case of biting the hand that feeds you.


My other post stands. A good portion of our personal money should be going towards charities. And given the predominance of anti-American attitude, I believe my money will be spent on local needs, as opposed to world help. A rather short-sighted view, but now that I am less naive, that`s the consequence.

On second thought, buy all the gold flutes you want.

Wow, this discussion really cause an up roar! I am with you Bilbo and Kippsix on the US issue.
I am getting tired of the US getting scrutinized or put down by other countries. I myself have nothing against other countries, so I find it hard to comprehend.