Can someone remember which post it was that had the discussion about which Yamaha`s were the same (basically) as the student models, only with some additional features. I think it was the discussion about which level lets you choose head upgrades.

I`m trying to keep alive a hope that I can get a "new" (used) flute.

I can`t even give an amount, because I don`t have a budget for it yet (still I can dream!).

I`m monitoring local sales etc. I don`t have to hurry because I can`t buy yet, but I`d like to have the info when the time comes.

I believe it`s the Yamaha 600 series on down which is supposed to the same student body, but solid silver varieties. With the 500 & 600 series you get the EC head.

If you are looking at getting the cheapest well performing flute...

Pick up an EC head for $600 and find a body to match.

However I would recommend looking at heads from Powell, Brannen, Miyazawa, Altus in the $800-1000 range and pairing those with other bodies. Only consider used if heads are less than a few years old.

Nancy Shinn sells Yamaha student flutes for around $300. Her website is http://www.flutestar.com/ .

I would strongly recommend looking at all new student flute bodies that are open to you with another head in hand. Avoid modern "hidden screws" which force you to go to see someone to adjust your flute.

If I am not mistaken and from reading other posts, I believe that Kippsix already owns a Yamaha student flute and is looking for an upgrade.

Kippsix, I do also sell Yamaha flutes, but I only have a couple of student ones at the moment. If I come across any higher models, I will be sure to let you know. I do accept payments without interest from friends also.

Actually, my flute is 35 years old (I`m the original owner, purchased in 1969-70), solid silver, open hole, in-line, but is a brand that does not currently have a good reputation. I have tried their current models, and they are of poor quality. But I swear MY flute is/was good! How else could it have lasted this long, with as much continuous playing that I have done, if it was a piece of poo?

However, through the years it has been overhauled etc, and now it seems to be time for me to make a decision about a change.

I have cared for it meticulously, but have never even upgraded the head. I`m currently concerned about some overall slow response time with a few keys. I`m going to take it in for some adjustment (believe it or not, I have never ventured into adjusting my flute much), but I hesitate whether to put much more money into it.

I am still quite emotionally attached to it. It has served me very well, but I know that I am fighting with it alot lately.

I have a few needs:
1. I LIKE silver, not plated, because I see very little difference in the appearance of my flute after 35 years (no wearing through etc), so I think it makes sense. I also am very allergic to metal, and I haven`t reacted to my flute!

2. I also like in-line for a different reason than other people. Although I have small hands, I also have a low-set pinkie finger. When I play off-set my entire hand is in a different position (well duh), which places my pinkie even FARTHER from the G sharp. However, that could probably be remedied with an extension. With my wrist issues, an off-set with extension may be something to consider.

3. Despite reading all of the pros/cons, I can`t seem to get over the mind set of open hole! Years of "open hole=better flute" thinking has a strong hold on me!

4. I don`t think I will need a B-foot. When I encounter a low B now, I just harmonically substitute, which works fine in my line of playing.

Buying another flute is probably just a pipe-dream (no pun intended!) because of our financial situation (my meds alone cost over three thousand dollars a month), but researching and dreaming are good for the mind and soul! I always believe that things have away of working out.

I am sorry, Kippsix, I must have been confusing you with another poster on here. There was someone else who played on a Yamaha student flute with with a professional solid silver head. I can`t remember the make.

Maybe you might be able to find a company that accept some sort of payment plan.

Please forgive me if I have mentioned these points before, I forget sometimes in what forum I have wrote what.

For quality and lower priced good flutes that play close to identical to more top of the line models, I really like the Powell Signature series which is completely solid silver and the Muramatsu EX, which only has a solid silver head, but IMHO, plays identical to the all solid silver models. Yamaha 600 series are good too, but not as good in my opinion. I will keep a look out for you as always. Good luck.

PS. Any word on how Alex is doing? Is he still in a comma?

Thanks Kara. Alex has been taken off of the coma-inducing meds, so he is slowly awakening. They had to stop these meds due to a negative impact on his other organs. They took him off of the vent, but he is stridor breathing (a struggling noise with extensive chest effort). They are doing passive physical therapy on him (the PT is doing the movement, not him).
I haven`t been in to see him this week because I have a repiratory infection and don`t want to expose him. As it is, AZ is leading the nation on flu cases, so we are trying to be extra vigilant about keeping his lungs healthy. It is hard on his mom now, because before she could shield herself behind the coma, where as now she is having to face his deficits.
Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Thanks for the update, they are in a lot of peoples prayers and I will update the rest of the pray chain on his condition. Happy New Year, Kippsix!