First, many thanks for the valuable input I am recieving from each of you! There is certainly more to think of than meets the eye, and consideration is given to all suggestions.

Several items have become clear. First, that the headjoint is of paramount significance for overal tone and sound quality. In this regard, thanks to Suzie I obtained a ph7 headjoint for a very reasonable price. As possible, we will aquire as many different hj as possible when we can get low prices on them.
Second, that open/closed hole is mostly subjective, requiring experimentation to determine which a player may prefer, with plugged open holes leaving the most versatility. however if a player is not used to open hole, there appears little wrong with sticking to what you know.
Third, that there appears to be no argument of Pearl reliability and no suggestion of anything superior in this regard, so seems to confirm my original assessment.

So, allowing that, it seems the topic here refines to discussion/comparison/identification of the different Pearl bodies. (I will start a new string on headjoints so that this line can deal with the flute models themselves).

At what point would you decide a lower end model with all the bells and whistles be more desirable than a more simplistic body? (such as Quantz coda vs plain-jane Elegante or Cantible) Or is the answer simply that all the bells do not make up for a higher grade?

Also, if anyone has a chart showing the progression of Pearl models within thier respective classes, I'd appreciate a copy. If not, there may certainly be a market to write a buyers guide to Pearls (and others) of all ages so that buyers may easily see where a model is on the ladder. Anyone?

I understand the offset G is in aid of relieving RSI which can lead to carppal tunnel. This is a concern for me as mama is a professional hair stylist (with an Emmy no less), a trade that has RSI as a hazard. (perhaps somebody would like to swap a flute for a killer hair treatment?)

There are three basic levels of keywork on pearls. 1st level-505 through 765, 2nd level- dolce and elegante, 3rd level-Professional flutes (cantabile on up)

The headjoint difference is found most notably on the Anniversary model. These are a quantz 665 or 765 body and keywork with the Forza headjoint found on the Dolce/Elegante. There are only coda models, special engraving and serial numbers for the same price as the regular quantz counterparts.

Joe B

I don't think that many people would speak up on here if they did not like the built of Pearl flutes. Something to think about. I would personally be looking into other brands. I don't know what headjoint is on the 600-700 series, but they are horrible! That is most likely the model that Suzie is talking about. I still think a Muramatsu, Yamaha or Miyazawa would be great. It is too bad you are so limited to Pearl flutes only. There are so much more out there that are wonderful. The only thing I have heard about Pearls is that one dealer refuses to sell them and some repair techs say they are a night mare to work on. It sounds like your mind is already made up though. It is really great of you to do all this research, but does your wife have an opinion on any flutes? She is the one that will be playing it after all.

If you want a Pearl, buy the most expensive one that you can afford, that way you will never have to wonder if you bought her a good enough flute. Just a thought

The only thing I have heard about Pearls is that one dealer refuses to sell them and some repair techs say they are a night mare to work on.

This statement needs clarification because it is soo misleading and comes across as it stands as a cheap shot. Dealers refuse to sell all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons. That statement most likely has nothing to do with the product at all and such a comment should never be interpreted as such regardless of any brand. As far as some repair techs saying Pearls are a nightmare to work on...well they had better learn to fix flutes then...they can come and take my Napbirt University course on flute repair coming up in December.

Sorry, but that last comment touched a nerve. If you call yourself a repair tech, then you should be competent to fix any major brand of flute. That's what the public expects when they bring an instrument to fix. That particular retort is an insult to the CUSTOMER. If for some reason they "can't" work on a pearl, well, they are incompetent as a repair tech. "Can't" and "won't" do not mean the same thing. If I brought an instrument to a repair shop like that and that was the reply, I certainly would run out of there as fast as I could.

Whether anyone likes or dislikes them from a playing perspective compared to any other flute is an opinion and a choice. I have no problem with someone saying they like something else. That's a no-brainer. Everyone has a particular brand of flute or particular flute that they are particularly suited for. To make snide insinuations about product quality in this manner is just really bad form on the part of ANY dealer of ANYTHING.

Joe B

I agree with Joe. My dad once brought my flute to our local repair tech, he stated:

"I hate these Gemienhardt flutes. I don't like working on them, they are pretty bad instruments."

If you don't want to work on an instrument, then find another job!! It made me so mad because I really wanted an adjustment and a cleaning. Joe is right. It is an insult to the customer, whether its a Pearl, Gemeinhardt, yamaha, whatever! (I'm not mad at Kara, just at the nerve of some of these repair people).

Joe, that was certainly not my intent for it to come across that way. I can tell you the source in a PM if you would like. There are two companies that I have spoken to that said they will not carry Pearls. I am honestly just repeating what I have been told. Again, I will be happy to tell you who it was also. I only know this because when I was flute shopping for a flute a few years ago I had spoken to many of the big shops trying to get information and I asked about Pearl and many other brands. I would not put false information out. If I thought they were crap, believe me, I would come right out and say so. I don't sugar coat things. Sorry it hit a nerve, that was not my intention to upset anyone. If you have read further in the forum you will see that I even wrote some negative things about the brand I play on. So, this has nothing to do with me liking or not liking a certain brand.

<Added>

That was the specific reason why I said that you will not hear much bad or anything bad about Pearl flutes on this forum. Many people know that you are head of the company and we don't want to step on any toes here because we all like you Joe :)

Kara,

I have no complaint with you, I just wanted to clarify those statements for what they were. My beef is with any dealer making statements like that, be they one of ours or not.

I'm not the head of the company. I'm the product specialist for the company. With or without my presence, anyone here should feel comfortable speaking their mind honestly about a product. That's what we are all here for.

Joe B

It certainly comes to light that as in many other fields, there are service technicians, and there are "service technicians". Many can disassemble, replace parts, and reassemble most mechanical objects. These folk I think of as "mechanics" (no offense intnded to any who fall in to that category, as in this regard it would describe myself concerning flutes and many other shiny things), rather than technicians, whom I would expect to be competent in diagnosing, troubleshooting, alignment, fine adjustment and tuning.
Further, as has been pointed out, should one promote themselves as a service tech, they need to remember the beginning of that description - service! The tech has a responsibility to perorm the work requested, or inform the client when repair or maintenance cost become unfeasible when compared to what may be available as a similar replacement unit on the current market.
The tech been engaged to bring the unit up to acceptable playing standards within it's model limitations, not comment on the "taste" of the client. Any such non-professional types should not be rewarded by paying them a "professional" wage.

As my profession is in the field of quality control and assurance, that takes care of my own little rant! *grin*

now back to topic...

"There are three basic levels of keywork on pearls. 1st level-505 through 765, 2nd level- dolce and elegante, 3rd level-Professional flutes (cantabile on up)"


Joe - what would you say are the significant differences between the 3 series you mentioned?, and how would a player notice these differences?

Are the key layouts or sizes differnt? Are the mechanism designs different? Is there a difference in reliability?

Does anybody else have comments or comparisons between these 3 styles that they have used?

Joe - what would you say are the significant differences between the 3 series you mentioned?, and how would a player notice these differences? Are the key layouts or sizes differnt? Are the mechanism designs different? Is there a difference in reliability?

The Mechanism is essentially the same. The quality of materials increases throughout the levels. The Key work gauge is much heavier on the middle and higher grades allowing the more heavily sculpted look. The highest keywork is all handmade and hand fit so reliability and feel are maximized.

Players notice the general smoothness of the action in a fine crafted mechanism, it's evenness, and overall feel. As more attention is given to actual fit, reliability improves. Those are the basic differences.

Joe B

In all honesty, as long as you are buying a good reputable brand such as Pearl then I am not sure what all the fuss is about. You are going to get a good flute either way. Correct? Why not just have the misses try out several Pearl models (since this is what it seems your only choice is) and have her pick the one she likes best and feels most comfortable on. Don't look at the model numbers, do it as a blind test. You can drive yourself crazy when going into details of flutes!

thanks Joe - that helps quite a bit. Thanks also to Suzie who sent me close-up photos of some models - I was able to clearly see the higher quality finish grades progress. I have always appreciated the craftmanship that goes in to finer fit and finish of metal objects.

I must have ben remiss in mentioning, Kara, that our local Pearl dealer has no Pearl flutes, and we that we have no local dealer for any of the other brands you have recommended. As much as we would love to try several as yourself and others have suggested, it appears that will require travel of approximately 1000 miles (guessing that Seattle or Salt Lake City will be the closest cities [unconfirmed]) to accomplish. On our annual holiday we do hit Salt Lake, Las Vegas, and sometimes L.A., which will come in September.
The 'fuss' you refer to would apprently be my desire to aquire the model that best satisfies my standards of quality and reliabilty, whilst being unable to physically inspect said object. I like to buck trends and act as an "informed" consumer.
Further, it is not in my nature or income level to throw about 2k without doing considerable research to ensure sufficient satisfaction for the money (not wealthy dude, remember). Trust me, she WILL be happy with what I select.

to be quite honest with you, I have a bit of an issue as to why you are seriously gung-ho on the pearl flute. if you dont know much about them, then why pretty much say it's what youre going to buy?

It seems to me like you just want our approval regarding your choice and youre going to buy it regardless of whether we approve or not. from how it seems, we do NOT approve of your buying a flute without trying first. when purchasing a HANDMADE instrument, there are variations from instrument to instrument. theres a very good chance you could end up with a bad instrument, especially if the shop doesnt have any in stock. if/when they do, they probably wont set them up properly because they want to make a quick sale.

i would highly advise you to order a variety of different flutes from a reputable shop (such as flute world) and have her try them.

its like harry potter: the player doesnt choose the flute, the flute chooses the player.

Very well said mbrowne...I had never thought of it that way!! Not buying an instrument, but the whole Harry Potter wand-flute relation was good!!

Puzzled-dude, I agree with the flute world testing. It may cost a little bit more, but in the long run isnt it better to end up with a flute she will love instead of taking the risk and buying an expensive flute, only to have her dislike it? I hope you don't mind me saying, but it seems your wife has left you on a limb with the job of flute researching and buying-when she in fact is the player. Ask her, see what she thinks, encourage her to try the flutes on fluteworld, and don't set your mind on one manufacturer just because someone says its the best.