I've just started learning to play the flute and I love it!.. and the flute I"m using is a rented Armstrong 102 which I find has a very nice tone. But, what do I know at this stage?...

This coming January I plan to buy my own flute and am in a bit of dilemma!..
I'd like to buy a terrific sounding flute and plan to spend no more than $1.000 for it.

Yes, I do know that you've got to try out a ton of flutes before you buy the right for yourself and that's what I do plan to do. I understand that the "headjoint" on the flute is responsible for the "SOUND QUALITY"...if I've got that right...

I've read some good stuff about the "Pearl PF 665 RBE" which sells for about $1.019 and would like to know if anyone on this forum's had any good experience with this flute..

I only plan to play for my own entertainment and not Carnegie Hall!..
And, I also plan to just play along with music cd, or radio, and that's about all I want to do with the flute.

So, with that in mind, I'd love to get some feedback from any of you here about my dilemma.

Thanks
Grumpy31

I would wait untill you have some more experience. Although you are not considering Carnegie, it is neccesary to know what sound you want from your flute, and then make your selection based on that. There is NO need to rush, considering you are just learning. If it were me, I would buy a decent one off ebay just so you can save money (AKA stop renting), and then purchase one in a few more years. You will want your purchase to be a lifelong one if you are just going to be a hobbyist, so make a wise choice!

As has been mentioned in a number of threads, a beginner sounds like a beginner regardless of how good the flute is. There are a number of videos on Youtube showing beginners playing very high quality flutes and sounding exactly like beginners.

So I would recommend you buy a good quality student flute. A Yamaha 221 or 211 would be a good choice - and there are other reputable choices on the market as well. Buying used is an option as long as you make sure the flute has been checked and serviced by a good repair tech.

The change from your $1K should be spent getting lessons from a good flute teacher.

Practice for 2-3 years and only then should you start thinking about whether you need or want a better flute. Given that you are playing for your own pleasure (as do the majority of players) you may find that the student flute continues to meet your needs for many years and that you don't really need a better flute.

Then you can spend your hard-earned cash on things like more sheet music, more CDs to play along with, more lessons etc which might well provide more enjoyment than buying a new flute will.

However, if you decide to buy a better flute after 3 years on the student flute you will be much better placed to appreciate the new flute and play it to its potential, and to decide exactly what you want in a new flute.

My 2 cents FWIW

Grumpy31,

Check your account, I sent you a private message.

Dan

My personal opinion is that with Yamaha, you get more bang for the buck.

I'd say a used Yamaha 500 series. This has the handmade headjoint and some of the accessory keys as well.

At $1800 or so new, $1000 or so used is quite possible(plated body is the same sound as solid silver for lots less money). I know many pros who play on something at this level(and a few on the 500/600 Yamahas), so you'll likely take 5-10 years or more to actually outgrow it.