I`m a broke flute player. However, i`m also interested in checking out an alto flute as I think it would sound good in the "sort of" instrumental rock-jazz band i`m in locally. I`ve seen the basic DC Pro alto flutes on eBay going for about $650 plus shipping and am wondering if anyone`s got any opinions as to their quality. Obviously, i`m sure it`s a "budget" instrument with inherant qualities because of that, but do they have an at least acceptable tone and mechanics? I`ve been a flute player for over 15 years but have never had a lot of money to afford upgraded instruments and the like. I`ve always done pretty well within a budget, though. Example ebay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-DC-PRO-ALTO-Flute-W-GOLD-LIP-YAMAHA-FLUTE-care-kit_W0QQitemZ7344016465QQcategoryZ10183QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Example of my music: www.myspace.com/motosota

Only purchase an Ebay flute only so long as there is a return policy should it prove to be defective or are willing to part with your money for a substandard instrument.

You get what you pay for. Sometimes a little sub-standardness is okay when you pay a great deal less.