First, I can barely tell a flute from a tuba so forgive my ignorance.

My daughter is 13 and an very good musician. She plays the piano (6 years) and the flute in her Jr High Band as well as the quads in the marching band.

Her flute (old one borrowed from a friend) was sent to the shop for repairs. The band director felt that it would not be cost effective to put any more money in this cheap flute and suggested we purchase a better flute as our daughter is a semi-serious player.

I have seen the prices in the $1000s and they is way out of our league. However, can anyone recommend a good quality flute that is under $350?

Also how about the Cibaili? I have read both good and bad on them.

Thanks for any responses.

To get a good new quality flute for under $350 is going to be hard. I think that your best bet it to try purchasing a used flute that has been fully serviced and cleaned. Two reputable seller come to mind. You should check out:

http://www.winds101.com
and
http://www.flutestar.com/

You can't go wrong with either a Yamaha 225S or 221S.
I would not recommend Cibali.
I also sell flutes, but I just sold my last Yamaha 225. I should be getting more in soon. Here is my site if you care to check it out:
http://fluteragious.blogspot.com/

I'm also in jr high and i have to say mine was somewhere in the 600s. Musical instruments are not very cheap sir i wish i could say they are.

I'm also in jr high and i have to say mine was somewhere in the 600s. Musical instruments are not very cheap sir i wish i could say they are.

Listen to Kara. Also, the Flute Center of New York's used instruments page has a line that reads "Always a selection of used student flutes from $175-$225." That's also a trustworthy company.

http://www.flutes4sale.com/

Thanks Tim.

"

Always a selection of used student flutes from $175-$225." That's also a trustworthy company.

Phil is the owner there and he is great, but do make sure first that the flute has been cleaned and overhauled before you purchase one through him.

So, what you are saying is I need to pay a little more?

What would the next step up from the Yamahas be?

What is wrong with the one I asked about?

So, what you are saying is I need to pay a little more?

What would the next step up from the Yamahas be?

What is wrong with the one I asked about?

If I would be so bold as to ask for a few more minutes of your time.

Could you please look and tell me if this is the flute you are talking about. It is on ebay this is its number

110073629879

Yes, that is the flute we are talking about. Normally I would say be very careful about buying a used flute off of ebay because you have no idea what shape they are in and seller do nfortunately misrepresent of lie, but the seller of this flute is good. I know him and he can be trusted.

The Cibali is a cheap chinese imported flute. You will be lucky if you daughter laster a year on it. They are poorly built and hard to play most of the times. When they break, most repair techs will not touch them.

<Added>

Sorry for all the typos. My typing skills really stink!

<Added>

"So, what you are saying is I need to pay a little more?"
No, you don't have to pay anymore then $350, unless your daughter is in college as a music major or something. You could spend over $1500 on a solid silver flute, and even then the Yamaha student flute could out play it. So don't base it on the price.

If you do a search here on the forums, you will find many helpful threads for this exact topic. There are several brands of intermediate flutes that will be a step up for your daughter. Here are some of the things I would ask before you actually purchase any flute:

1. What are the basic facts about the flute my daughter currently owns? Example: Nickel or silver plated, silver mouth piece, open hole, c or b foot etc. (This information gives you the basic flute. You can then decide what upgrades are necessary to further her flute career.)

2. How long is my daughter intending on playing the flute? (If she is not intending on playing flute through college a nice student flute or a less expensive intermediate flute would probably be a good choice.)

3. If I buy an intermediate model now, will my daughter need a better flute later depending on her flute goals? (It might be better to spend a little more now to save having to buy another flute later at higher rates.)

If you can answer some of those questions it will give all of us a wider variety of instruments to help you choose from. I believe I can say with confidence that 99% of the people on these forums will not recommend any of the "off" brands on EBAY. You can use the search feature here to see where these discussions have been brought up on numerous occassions, and while we do not all agree that brand X is the best, there is a solid listing of reputable flutes out there.

I have seen the prices in the $1000s and they is way out of our league. However, can anyone recommend a good quality flute that is under $350?

He has already made if very clear that he does not want to spend more then $350. I don't think it would be wise to make a big investment for a student at that age.

Firstly, many repair shops also sell flutes - and will tell you that your flute isn't worth repairing when there's not much wrong with it! Get at least two quotes for servicing if it is a reputable brand flute - if its a chinese brand or unbranded flute then its resale value is likely to be so low that major repairs will cost more than its worth.

Your daughter should probably try any new flute to make sure it suits her - this doesn't rule out buying on ebay but only if you can find the same model to try locally.

Finally, I would avoid buying an expensive flute for my daughter if she marches etc. (At present she plays but doesnt march). Those players with really nice flutes tend to have another one that they play outside in the rain, sunshine etc

So, what you are saying is I need to pay a little more? What would the next step up from the Yamahas be? What is wrong with the one I asked about?

He also asked the following questions. I never once said he should get a more expensive flute. What I said is he should ask himself those questions to get the most bang for his buck. There is no point in buying a student flute and then an another intermediate flute 1-2 years later. That is less cost efficient then buying once intermediate flute up front.

Making an educated purchase makes more sense to me than just taking the advice of some random person on the internet. Since the details of the current flute were not listed in the original post, I stand by my original post that the Flute Dad here should look at all of his options before making a purchase.

There is no point in buying a student flute and then an another intermediate flute 1-2 years later. That is less cost efficient then buying once intermediate flute up front.

IMO, it is a waste to purchase a "so called" intermediate flute. They are basically student flutes with holes and maybe some solid silver. It is more in the design that will make a difference.