It is nice, but I really doesn't play any better of different then the standard student flute by Yamaha. I don't hear or feel any different in Yamaha's student to 400 series until you get into the 500 series and would not spend the extra money for the silver. Just my opinion.

<Added>

Oops.. sorry about all the errors, It is late.

Nothing wrong with that particular flute, but (at least in my opinion), you'd be better off buying a 500 series or a 200 series. The 200-400 series all have the same headjoints (the CY cut), but differing amounts of silver, and the 300's and 400's may have open holes and a B foot. The silver content matters much less (some would say not at all) than the headjoint design, and the open holes and B foot are more than likely going to be useless to you. If you buy from the 200's, you can save a good deal of money and get a flute that will play essentially the same as one of the 300's or 400's. At the 500 level, Yamaha begins making the EC cut the basic head, which means a change in how the instrument plays, so if you're looking for a real step up, this is where I would start looking. In any case, be sure to playtest anything you're thinking of buying before money changes hands. The 421's can sell for anything from $1500 for a new one, down to $700-900 for a used one, and possibly even less, though condition at these prices may be doubtful.

So about how much would what i'm looking for in the 500's cost?

"At the 500 level, Yamaha begins making the EC cut the basic head"

The series 400 does include the EC cut, at least for the model I own, the YFL471.

I am happy with this instrument, although the EC cut has proved to be somewhat difficult to master and I still have problems with some notes. It is not for beginner levels, IMO.

I agree in general that open holes are not an advantage and can be an added difficulty. I wanted them to force me correct some finger positions, but so far I play with most holes plugged.

The B foot is also a feature that has been imposed by the manufacturers and for many levels and interests it is probably unnecessary; it adds to the cost, weight and also playing difficulty (because of the two rollers).

However, it was not possible to buy an open hole Yamaha with C foot in the 400 range, unless I could wait for a 12 months delivery.

<Added>

Yeah, I know what you are thinking....and you are right!.
Only that I have not gone crazy, I believe instead, that the strong Spanish wine we enjoyed at the dinner last night is still making me see and write wrong numbers.

Of course the 400 series has no EC cut, and I do not own a 471 but a 674. Where on earth or heaven did I take that "471" from? No idea. Just in case, I will buy a Lottery ticket with this number...

As I must face the fact that the Forum system does not allow to wipe off (only to bury in shame) a wrong post, no matter how stupid it could be, I can only apologize for my error. Next time I will refrain from posting so "early" on a Sunday morning...

Or perhaps Admin could have pity on me and trash this post before too many people could see it....

The 500's run in the $1500-$2000 range new, but can be found used for around $1000 (possibly less, but as with the 400's, you don't want to mess with one that seems too cheap unless you can inspect it and have a tech do likewise before money changes hands).