The Selmer/Bundy that I just got on Ebay is under their listing # 160040263518 but the SIMBA is too old to check the listing. both are closed hole - but I don't know how to tell if it's silver or just plated, I'd assume it's plated as I got them both cheap.

It's not terribly difficult to find the answers to either of these questions. A C foot flute will play down to low C. Besides the D# key, there should be 2 others on the footjoint. If it's a B foot flute, you can play down to B, and there is a third key on the footjoint aside from the D#, which is operated by a second roller very similar to the one that operates the C key on a C foot flute. If it's silver plated, the part of the headjoint that slips into the body will be a different color metal than the rest of the head (usually brassier looking). This is because the plating wears off over time, and after years of being put together and taken apart, the plating on that part of the head would wear through enough to change the fit of the head in the tenon receiver on the body. A solid silver instrument should have the head as one uniform, silvery metal.

I just had a look at the Bundy, and it's a C foot, silver plated instrument (as would be expected at that level of instrument).

Thanks, I keep learning things here - what did you think of the looks of that Bundy ? Worth $17 ?

There's lots of talk on the forum about changing the head - would that be worth doing for either the Simba flute or this Bundy ?

I wouldn't think so, but of course that's up to you. Normally you do that when you have a flute whose mechanism you like, but is holding you back sonically (i.e. not enough tone color, small dynamic range, slow response, etc.), or when you need to upgrade, but can't really afford an entirely new flute. As a beginner, I wouldn't expect you to need the upgrade yet, and the bodies of the flutes you have now are not really up to the same par as an intermediate flute (generally you upgrade heads on intermediate flutes, rather than student models, as pro flutes can be very expensive, and the mechs on intermediates are usually good enough to carry you through a few more years until you can afford a pro flute), nor does it make much economic sense to me. A good solid silver headjoint from a respectable company, even used will cost a few hundred dollars at least, and that's money better spent on lessons and being sure the flutes are in solid playing condition at this stage. In the end, you have to choose, though. If it were me, I would not spend the money to upgrade heads for flutes of that level, but if that's really what you want to do, it is an option.

The Selmer company did produce a line of intermediate flutes, clarinets, oboes, saxophones and bassoons. It was called their "Signet" series. It was a step up from the Bundy models but I am pretty sure they have discontinued making these.

Ith - With shipping it looks like you paid just over $30. Yeah that is a good deal! If it works and you are learning with it then enjoy. I paid twice as much from ebay for a Bundy/Selmer flute. Mine is uglier than yours though. The finish is actually worn off in places. But you know what? It works and I am learning on her. That is all a beginner really needs I think. Enjoy your lessons.