I am a parent trying to buy a used flute and I'd like to go with an Armstrong. The issue I'm having is trying to figure out manufacture dates based on the Conn-Selmer serial number formula (prefix number plus 50). I've been quoted two prefix numbers, 60 and 70, from people selling flutes and am wondering how to determine the manufacture date. Thank you!

I would suggest contacting Conn-Selmer. They may or may not have records that allow for serial number dating, but they're your best chance to find out a date. Incidentally, why do you need to know when the flutes were made?

Thank you for such a prompt reply and for the suggestion to call C-S. I assumed that I needed to contact a dealer and all the ones I've called don't answer the phones.

As for the reason why manufacture years are important, well, I was under the impression that the newer, the more reliable the technology and condition. My child is a beginner and we tried the rental arrangement last year but feel that it is not a good value. Since we're starting second year band, I felt that we might as well buy a flute.

If you have any suggestions on buying a used flute, I am happy to read them.

Thank you!

Are you sure they are prefixes and not part of the whole serial #

The prefix + 50 began in 1974. 5 digit serial #'s are from 1949-1965

Letter prefixes were from 1965-1972

Single number prefixes where from 1972-1973

My own inventory of 7 digit serial #'s in the 700,000 range are from 2003. That change took place @ the year 2000 if I remember correctly. If they are 7 number serial #'s without a prefix they are not that old..

Joe B

Thanks Joe. I followed your advice and called C-S. The rep I spoke with did not sound very knowledgeable however she did answer the question about what year the flute starting with #70... was made. (2000) She said that their website isn't current with info about how to determine manufacture years based on newer model serial numbers.

I also found a very helpful (at least it sounds helpful!) for me to read about buying used flutes. In case you're interested, here it is (it's safe):

http://reviews.ebay.com/The-Insider-apos-s-Guide-to-Buying-a-Beginner-Flute_W0QQugidZ10000000000818282

I guess the most important thing about buying a used flute, from what I've read, is to make sure it has been fully reconditioned, especially replacement of the pads and corks. And to have it tested by an experienced flutist. Oh, and making sure it is a reputable make. Buying a used flute is harder than I thought!

Thank you for all your help!

Oops...thank you to all who made suggestions! I'm not paying attention, sorry!

That does seem to be a well written and accurate description of what to look for/avoid when buying a used flute. I would encourage you to look at older flutes as well....Age is not necessarily an indicator of how well an instrument will play. A 70 year old flute that has been well taken care of and has had annual maintainance can play like new, and certainly better than a 5 year old flute that has been mistreated or neglected. One of the major benefits of buying a used flute is that you can get a reputable, name brand instrument for less than a newer one, and as long as it is in good shape (or can be put back in good shape for a reasonable price), there should be no issues with the technology or condition.

Thank you for that advice. I called an instrument repair technician in my area and his opinion regarding older flutes is similar. He said as well that he finds the newer flutes, after the '80s, to be less well crafted. He also said that flute pads should last around 20 yrs. if the instrument has been well cared for. I am therefore looking at older models now. The tech said he would be happy to take a look at any flutes we're considering purchasing. Of course, he does have a business interest, but if we pay less than $100 for an older flute and he fixes it up for $250 or so, that sounds like a good value and secure way to go vs. buying unseen/uninspected off eBay or an online used flute store. At least to me, a novice buyer of used flutes! So, thus far I'm of the opinion that one should buy and service locally. I'll try to update with any news. Thank you!

I have an Armstrong 305B LTD, the serial number is 7116937. I purchased it from a dealer, supposedly new, in December of 2005. I have often wondered just how old the instrument is, since a dealer inventory tag had the appearance of being quite aged (well yellowed and dirty). After reading the posts in this thread I decided to call Conn-Selmer to see what I could find out. The person I talked to said all she could tell me is that it showed up as a model 305B, and that it was sold by Armstrong to a dealer in March of 2000. I've never seen, or heard mention of, a 305B LTD before. Although the instrument showed up in Conn-Selmer's database as a model 305B, this instrument seems to have all the features of a 305B except the barrel is engraved "LDT" and the flute has a gold-plated lip plate and crown. The person I talked to at the factory knew nothing of the LTD version, which I find rather curious.

Sorry for the long post, I'm just wondering if anyone else is familiar with the Armstron Model 305B LTD.

Thanks!

How long pads last will depend a great deal on how much the flute is being used. On an instrument that's played heavily, pads often need to be replaced after about 5 years. I would be surprised to find a flute with 20 year old pads that didn't need work, as even jsut lying around, the skins covering the pads can dry and crack, climate changes can cause the pads to form waves which prevent a good seal, etc. etc.

Thank you for the input on the pads. I guess the bottom line is to ask if and when the pads were replaced and to check them out closely. As a side note, I got back to a seller on Craigslist about a flute he had listed for sale and asked him if I could have a professional evaluate the flute prior to any money changing hands. I was suprised by his reply. He was offended that I asked to have the flute checked out since he was selling it for a low price. I did call up a large dealer and asked about buying new v. used and inquired about what they had in stock. I almost feel like it's not worth the hassle to buy used.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply! I hope this info can be helpful to others as well.

Oftentimes less honest or knowledgeable sellers will get offended if you ask such questions, but almost any reputable company selling a flute will be glad to let you have it examined, so it is definitely within acceptable norms, and I would encourage you to continue asking. You're the only one who stands to lose if you buy a flute and it turns out it was not as advertised.

Thank you for the input. Buying a used flute is like buying a used car...you just have to ask lots of questions! And I do agree that the more resistant the seller is to fielding questions, the more unreliable the potential transaction.

So, I did go ahead and buy a new 104. I ordered it from an eBay seller who has excellent feedback. And I am paying half of what I would pay at the local music shop. I think I made the right decision but only time will tell, of course.

i recently bought my first flute, for me to learn on and it sounds good(although its not a brand name) my friend who had been playing for 5 years said that it looked better then her old jupiter, i would certainly go for something thats you know will last though, maybe you should look in the classifed section of your local newspaper, there is ussally instruments in there, or buy new from your local music shop but aviod buffet becuase they lose there tuning quickly

but aviod buffet becuase they lose there tuning quickly

What do you mean by that? Buffet uses a very good scale. I believe is it the cooper.