Greetings! I'm in the market to purchase a great new flute for my daughter soon, and I've narrowed the search down to two models: Pearl Elegante PF 795 RB, and the Sonare SF 7BGF (705~Made in US/Germany). I'm having trouble making the final decision. Anyone played both models? I'd love to hear your feedback. Thanks!

Have you let your daughter play them yet?

I realize that not play-testing in advance isn't the greatest way to go about this, but I feel strongly about SURPRISING her with this new flute... so no, she hasn't played either flute.

I am not too fond of either models, so I wouldn't be much help. Have you thought about Jupiter, Yamaha or Azumi? In that price range I much prefer the Azumi.

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When I mentioned Jupiter, I mean the Demedici model.

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Also, I fully understand that you would like to surprise your daughter, but I know that I am very uncomfortable playing on Pearl flutes because of the key set up. Your daughter might have the same problem with either one of these flutes and that is why she should try them out first. Have you thought about getting both out on trial and telling her that she can choose one as a surprise?

if you can afford it, id reccommend buying a muramatsu ex. its about $2800 and its a great flute, especially for the money.

YES!!! I second that notion!!

Why not get two (or more) flutes on trial, and let her pick one? This would retain the surprise factor.

I also agree it would be best to let her pick the one she sounds the best on

NOTE: DO NOT TELL HER WHICH ONES ARE SOLID SILVER OR SILVER PLATED!!!!!!!!

many people (especially middle school and high school students) will select the all silver flute that is fairly mediocre over the professional plated model.

THe sonare 705 is not yet out yet i believe

Thanks for all the comments. Yesyes,I know she should play test first, but...

Would like to stick very close to the 2 G's range. Have considered Azumi, Brio, and the likes along the way...bottom of the line Muramatsus, Sankyos, Miyazawas too...

Had heard great things about Pearls' construction (pinless mechanism, etc.), and of course, the Powell headjoint on the Sonare is attractive as well as the fact they're made in US/Germany now.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies... my girl's worth the effort!

Thanks also for the tip re. Brio, and the other comments.

Right now she's playing on an at least 25 yr. old Artley 5-0 inline G, open-hole flute. It's done it's duty well, but it's definitely time to upgrade..

look at a used professional flute.
i havent heard anything about the new sonares, but the older ones i wouldnt have a beginner play on. and the "powell headjoint" they put on those flutes are nowhere near the quality of any other powell headjoint ive seen before. on the ones ive seen, the cut is so horrible. it looks like the hole was stamped out and someone very inexperienced was finishing them. the top and bottom edges are very "out there" with the side edges (the rounded ones, typically) not even coming close to matching the rest of the hole (they are rounded, then theres a bit of unfinished-looking side edge connecting to the unfinished-looking top and bottom edges). if you are confused, i can draw a picture and possibly find a picture of exactly what im talking about.

i know muramatsu america (located in michigan) has a lot of used flutes (obviously muramatsus). id HIGHLY recommend those over any intermediate model flute out there.

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies! My girl's worth the effort!

Thanks for the tip on the Brio, and the other comments as well.

Currently she's playing on an at least 25 yr. old Artley 5-0, inline G, open-hole flute. It's done it's duty well, but it's definitely time to upgrade.

Question: Is the Muramatsu EX all-Japanese made? I'd love to grab one of those, but yikes $2800 is really stretching the budget.. Also, what's the word on on a low-end Miyazawa?

mbrowne, I'm trying to understand what you're talking about regarding the signature headjoint. I found a picture:

http://www.dallas-music.com/Ebay/Powell-1.jpg