I am going to play the flute for my own enjoyment and have no professional aspirations. I would appreciate input from flute instructors on the pros and cons of buying a flute at a local store versus the Internet.

MusciansFriend.com quotes: Gemeinhardt Model 2SP Student Flute (#462841)
is $299.99 from a manufacturer's list price of $755.00. That is about half the price of buying this flute at a local store.

And for my planned use, is this the flute you would recommend? If not, please tell me other recommendations and why. Thanks.

buying on line can be risky if you don't know the store and you won't be able to see the instrument, if you do buy online, buy from a store with a good track record

try www.langemusic.com

I agree Patrick.

I'd add that if you cannot try playing the instrument, even if you decide to purchase via internet, it's better to trust your local store.

Zevang

Buying on line can be risky, I agree. However, there are some sellers that you can trust, you just have to go by word of mouth or reputation.

I buy and sell flutes and am happy to say that I have never had one unhappy customer because I only sell flutes that are completely overhauled in top playing condition. You can check out what I am selling right now. I only have one flute for sale currently. I am always adding more.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flute_items/

Just find a seller that you can trust and with a good rep and you will be fine.

And for my planned use, is this the flute you would recommend? If not, please tell me other recommendations and why. Thanks.

It doesn't really nmatter too much which of the reputable brands you get, just so long as they are properly adjusted. Jupiter, Yamaha, Armstrong, Emerson, Gemeinhardt, etc. are all reputable brands. If you have a good technician near you, they can make it play pretty darn good.

Joe B

I am about to purchase a new flute myself. I'd be perfectly comfortable buying from fluteworld or flutecenter of NY or woodwind brasswind as they are reputable. Another suggestion might be to try a local flute teacher for a used instrument. I don't think you necessarily have to buy new, just make sure it is in good condition. Maybe take it on a week trial and take it to a flute repairer for an appraisal. Good Luck!

You can get a nice armstrong for cheaper then the models you listed.

boy, you must work for armstrong, or have lots of stock in the co., lol

Soroka: i dont like armstrong.






i think i just set myself up for an ass-reaming. oh crap.

<Added>

ha. they let that go through. i feel so.... naughty

There's no reason to ream you. It's a valid opinion, though I don't necessarily agree with it.

When looking to purchase a flute its a good idea to try several different models. Decide on which ones you like (preferrably with the help of some-one listening to you playing them) and then shop around for the best price. The reputable Internet dealers will provide warranties but you will need to pay for shipping. The well known brand tend to have better re-sale prices than unbranded flutes or those that have the resellers name rather than the manufacturers name.

yes, please, lets avoid ass-reaming on this site, the arguments that arise are bad enough

I buy gear from Musician's Friend; they're perfectly reliable as a company. So I probably wouldn't hesitate to buy a student flute from them, though they really don't carry band instruments above the student level. And for fluters looking into building a home recording studio, they are a great place to pick up decent gear. I'm going to go out on a limb however and add that they probably don't set up the inmstrument like the local music store or the flute specialty shop would. So you may get a spanking new flute in a sealed box that still needs adjustments to play properly. Either way, you're probably going to spend more than $299.00.