Hi. I'm looking to buy an intermediate flute, with open holes and a b foot. I'm in high school and have been playing for about 4 years. So far, I've been considering the Yamaha 381 and the Jupiter 611. I know I should try one out at a shop before purchasing it, but is there anything I should know about these brands/models first?

The problem with these "intermediate flutes" is that they are basically the same as your average student flute but with holes and more silver content. I like to call them over glorified student flutes. The silver content and holes will not make it play any better than a student flute. Since the headjoint is the real heart of the flute and that is where you are getting most of your sound, it is more practical (IMO) to spend money on upgrading the headjoint with a handmade one. I am talking about something like a Powell, Burkart, Nagahara etc.. NOT a student line like Armstrong,Jupiter or Gemeinhardt. If you truly want to upgrade, I would not bother with an intermediate flute. Just my two cents.

Personally I like Jupiter's better than Yamaha's, but thats just my opinion. I have a Jupiter 511RBES and love it. It has a nice tone and is easy to play. You need to play both the flutes do decide which is better for you. I've also played a Gemeinhardt and they play pretty well too. (I don't know what model it is, its my cousin's old flute.) Hope I helped

A little more info. I've had a standard flute made by Suzuki for use outside of school for a while, and then by a stroke of luck got a Jupiter flute like the one aforementioned. I've noticed a difference between the sound quality after switching. Notes in the higher octave feel less strained and less shrill.
But would it be possible to get a flute with a decent handmade headjoint for around $1,000?
If anyone has info, are there any bad flaws with the flutes I've mentioned so far?
And thank you both. This is helping. =)

If you have a nice Jupiter now, you would just be spending money on holes and a B foot for something that is going to play identical. Why? The Yamaha wouldn't be an upgrade either. You can get a nice used pro headjoint for under $1000. What is your level of playing though? I have heard of stories of people going through college on a student Yamaha before as music majors.

If you want a REAL upgrade of a flute sell your kidney and get a Powell. lolol! JK!

Sell my... never mind, sounds expensive.
Apparently I forgot to proof read that last post. The nice Jupiter flute is the school's (wow). I'm upgrading from that not-so-good Suzuki. (which was about the same as those 'normal' school flutes except maybe a bit shinier lol)
So it looks like there's no significant mechanical problems or design flaws, but rather it's all about preference. Good to know.
So, going according to Micron's words, should I get myself a better student flute?

I'm not sure if I would want to try looking for used flutes. But, maybe the new headjoint isn't necessary at the present, but a good idea later on? I'm already very satisfied with the difference between my old flute and the new Jupiter (in school). I'm probably not going to major in music, too.

One last question (I think). Between the Pearl 665, Yamaha 381, and Jupiter 711, are any of them superior to the others? Depending on how they feel at the shop, these will probably be the flutes I'll be choosing from...

No, one is not superior to the other. It is all about what you like and prefer. I personally would not go for one with an in line G like the 381.

I don't mind the in-line G. The Jupiter I use in school has the in-line G, with open holes of course, and I've pretty much gotten used to it in a few days.
So now the next step will be to actually go to the shop and try these out. Thanks for your help everyone!

what i would do:

I would buy a used yamaha 200 or equivalent (i know kara has these from time to time). you can pick these puppies up pretty cheap. I would then go shopping at flute world for a headjoint (not something really expensive, mind you).

good luck

I agree with Mbrown 100%!!!

Hmm, now that we've brought up headjoints again... Let's say I happened to get a very nice flute, Pearl for instance. If the craftsmanship, or design, or structure, or whatever you want to call it, of the headjoint is very good, though it's manufactured, would that give it a good chance against a decent handmade headjoint?

PERSONALLY I am not a fan of Pearl headjoints. I would suggest (to get a lot of bang for your buck) to look at the DiMedici headjoints (under $400 and many different cuts), Burkart headjoints, and even Powell headjoints. The last two you can pick up used for about the same price as a Pearl headjoint new, and definitely worth every penny.

Dont be afraid to buy used, USED DOES NOT MEAN DEFECTIVE!! But with headjoints, you must try them before buying.

Sumdude said: If the craftsmanship, or design, or structure, or whatever you want to call it, of the headjoint is very good, though it's manufactured, would that give it a good chance against a decent handmade headjoint?

Yes, that would be correct. A "good" headjoint is just as subjective as a "good" flute. You simply want a good quality of construction and design. Construction must meet basic requirements but design (particularly headjoint design) by its very nature allows a lot of flexibility. People's opinions of various flutes or headjoints really mean nothing. Buying a flute or flute/headjoint combination is like trying on shoes. No one can tell you what to get. You just want something that is built well and then design vs comfort are the personal choices you have to make.

Everyone wants to be an authority on what you should get. Don't listen to anyone. All the flutes you mentioned are good construction. Go play test, bring a few people with you to listen. When you all agree that you sound best on the flute that is most comfortable for you...that is the one. Don't let yourself or the others know what you are playing through the process.

Joe B