I just found out that I will be going to Las Vegas this summer. Hubby has a conference to attend that I will tag along to. I figured while there I could hit the pawn shops to look for a nicer flute for my daughter. I figure there might be quite a few available that I will be able to try out before buying. What do you think?

On another note (ha ha) my lessons are going very well. I make sure to practicve as much as possible and I am finding it fun yet challenging. I am already able to play simple duets with my daughter. My goal is to get good enough to play in our local community band.

It's worth a shot, but my experience in looking at instruments in pawn shops says that woodwinds are very difficult to find above the basic student level, and should you happen across an intermediate/pro flute, chances are it will not be in very good condition. If you were looking for a guitar, or a drum kit you'd stand a better chance, but be prepared to put some money into any instrument you buy just to get it playing again.

While you're in Vegas you should go see Dave Kessler. I bought my flute from him, and we talked for quite awhile about the current flute industry. He has a wealth of knowledge and he'll be willing to point you in the right direction even if you don't buy an instrument from him.

http://www.kesslermusic.com

Any of the pawn shops that I have ever been to overprice flutes. I have gotten many flutes off of ebay from pawn shops and they were either in horrible conditionor they wreaked of cigarette smoke. I would give it a go, but don't expect too much. Also be careful about what they tell you because for the most part they don't have a clue about flutes. I went into a pawn shop one time and there was this beat up old Gemeinhardt student flute and they were trying to sell it for $700 as a professional model.

I went into a pawn shop the other day because my mom wanted to sell and amp. and I looked at an old beat up student flute, and it was about the same amount as the used Gemeinhardt I found in a music store.

Thanks for everyones time and opinions on this. I just thought that maybe Las Vegas, being a busy place for selling items to have gambling money, might be a target rich environment for finding a good deal. I will be sure to be careful if I do go looking. At least by then I will be able to test drive them and should know more about good brands by then as well.

Thanks again.