I've been trying to figure out the difference between an expensive flute vs. a less expensive one.
I do realize that this is a loaded question with possibly many answers. Yes, I understand that "try before you buy" is the best way to answer this question. But, I'm trying to get other people's opinion and what their experiences were.

To begin with: I'm an amateur flutist and will not play professionally...EVER!... Okay?.. I play for my own enjoyment only.
I guess this is the best way I can put this question here.... Are you going to tell me that a cheaper flute can't be played beautifully by an amateur? .... and I don't mean that if James Galway played on my $300 flute he'd make it really sing!..
I don't mean that. I'll put it a different way: Can't good flutes UNDER $500 sound good enough to play with an average jazz band?

My reason for this odd letter is that in a few months I"ll be buying a new flute. I do realize that I've got to play each flute to see if I like how it sounds. I hope to get some feedback on this dilemma. Thanks....grumpy31

Yamaha flutes are fantastic. You can find some used ones for less than $500.00.

When you are talking about $500.00 flutes and $1000.00 flutes, you are still pretty much in the same ball park.

No, I am not a professional flute player. I am a pilot who plays flute for a hobby.

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Pearls are also really good for the money.

It is the player that makes the flute, not the flute. With a good embouchure, you can manipulate a junker flute to sound incredible. A beginner flutist will sound the same on a gold flute as they would on a cheap Bundy.

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To answer your question.. yes a cheaper flute can be played beautifully by an amateur.

Why are amateur players only supposed to respond to this thread? It is the professionals that you are going to get your most accurate opinion from as in most cases they have the most experience. Besides, I prefer not to catogorize myself like that. I don't play like Galway, I play for fun, but I still get paid for what I do. I didn't go to college for it. So what does that make me then?

Actually, a beginner will probably sound worse on a professional flute.

Better to have a headjoint that's more forgiving of a less than
professional embouchure, and avoid ruining a good setup from heavy
handed playing.

If it's between $500 and $1000, be careful. No need to spend more,
stick with Yamaha 200 series as been said time and time again.

My 2 cents.

Agree 100% with the previous posts.

It really is about the skill of the player rather than the quality of the flute, assuming a good quality student flute which is well maintained. Practice and lessons with a good teacher are way more cost-effective than a more expensive flute.

Don't confuse what you need with what you would like. What you need is a reputable student flute in good condition. Mine is a Yamaha 221 and it's a great flute - sounds better in my hands than other flutes worth twice as much and more.

If you have the spare cash and you want to treat yourself by all means buy a more expensive flute. I also did that and bought a Yamaha 674 at 4 times the cost of the 221. The 674 is a nice flute, but it is not 4 times better than the 221, and I certainly don't play 4 times better on the 674 - far far from it.

I am an amateur - I play for fun and relaxation and spend most of my time in a hospital (working, not as a patient!).

BTW James Galway does indeed sound great on a student flute, apparently.

Micron,

A reply just like yours is exactly what I was hoping for. So, when I'll be buying a new flute this January, the Yamaha 200 will be the one that I'll try out first. From what I've only read about the Yamaha flutes is that they are more expensive than other flutes but are also manufactured to almost perfection. So, I'd guess that a new Yamaha flute will not have to be repaired as quick as some other flutes.

Thanks for your most informative reply..

Grumpy31

I'm not realy an amature, but I'm not that great on the beloved instrument ether. I know that yes indeed that cheaper flutes can sound like better ones. When you think about it, your brain and lips are the instrument, everything else is amplification. (it sounded better when my band director said it...)So, master how to make wonderfull sounding notes on the one you have now, and people will be amazed.

I made a recording a few years ago using all Jupiter students flutes, if any more of you order my CD, I will throw it in, you might be surprised how good many of those flutes sound...

Patrick, that sounds really interesting and fun! I really like Jupiter flutes a lot. Jupiter and Yamaha are the flutes that I try to stick with when selling student models. You can't go wrong with either brand.

Micron,

I did take your suggestion about the Yamaha 200 series and went to a large music store and tried out the Yamaha 221.
I immediately heard the difference with low C as compare to my Armstrong 102's low C. With my Armstrong, I always had trouble hitting the low C, but with the Yamaha 221, it was easily played and I was tempted to buy it today!..

The selling price was $550 and when I asked about the warrantee, the salesman told me it was for one year. I had thought that I read on some internet site that the warantee was five years, but I could be mistaken on that.

I suspect if I bought a used Yamaha 221 that it would be much cheaper, but where could I find one, and from a reputable dealer? Is buying a used Yamaha a good way to go? And, are repairs on the 221 expensive?
I just checked with The Flute Center in New York City and their used Yamaha's are very expensive. And I noticed that there were no used 221 Yamahas listed at all, only the expensive ones.

If there's a reputable place where I could buy a used Yamaha 221, I'd love to know.
Thanks, grumpy31..

Kara usually has a bunch of very nice used Yamaha student flutes.



http://albums.phanfare.com/fluteragious

mailto:fluteragious4@sbcglobal.net

See what she has available.

I think that Alienne has a flute or two available too.


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alieannie

Thanks I only have a 225 right now and a few Jupiters. $550 is a good price for a new one though.

Oh wait!! I almot forgot! I am getting a like new 211. It is the same as the 221 but with a split E. I will have it this week. I will probably be selling it for around $375.00. I do have a 225 not listed that plays fantastic, but it has a small amount of plating ware on part of the mechansim, and dings that. I doubt anyone will want it. I might list it for $125

Looks like winds101 (www.winds101.com) may have some from $300 upwards. $550 looks like a good deal for a new 200 series yammie. Last I checked on Fluteworld they were going for about $800 new.

Just in case you are confused by any of the numbering system by Yamaha I can help. From my finds...

The 24S- Is the oldest and not made nearly as well as the newer models. I would avoid.
225S- The next model, still older.
225SII- Proceeder of the 225
221- Most recent and newest model by Yamaha. Plays identical to the 225SII but had some moderate upgrades to the design.

The 211- Is just like the 221, but with a split E and is harder to find selling in the US.

Hope that helps!

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Yes, Winds101 is selling a Yamaha 225 for $375, without a headjoint. I saw that on usedflutes.com

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Oops, my mistake, she is selling it for $325. She has some nice Landell headjoints too and few other nice heads that you can have matched with it also.