Hey,

the same with many of you (i would assume) i started playing the flute on a student yamaha. The sound was average with easy playability. Also, to date, it has not required a single service in 8 years and still works perfectly. Two years ago, I bought a Jupiter 711 RSBE. Great I thought. It was a solid sterling silver flute with plated keys. But, there wasn't much of an improvement in sound quality. And on top of that, the flute required repair after repair. By the end of the year, it had been to the technician maybe 3 times.

Anyway, I went back for a yamaha this time. I now use a yamaha 371 with a gold plated lip and a silver headjoint. Immediately, my teacher commented on the clarity of tone and the richer tone I could achieve. I know that the Yamaha isn't a very eh.. professional model, but its much easier to play. Could someone account for this?

Thanks in advance

Well, that could be it. But, the Jupiter should also sound better then. I think its something with the height of the riser. The Jupiter feels bulkier, whereas the Yamaha has a lower and smoother feel. Could this affect projection etc? and are there benefits of a taller riser?

No, that does not mean that the Jupiter should also play better. Flutes are all different and you may sound better on one brand or model compared to another. I agree with Suzie, your new Yamaha was just in adjustment. Drill some holes into your old Yamaha and get a COA done on it and you will have the same flute. Intermediate flutes are basically what I like to call over glorified student flutes with holes. Silver or holes will not make is sound different. Yamaha does make professional flutes so to answer your question they are a good brand. Different embouchure cuts on headjoints will play and sound differently. Yamaha makes the standard CY cut on their student to intermediate flutes.

Ok thanks. I've been thinking of selling the Jupiter, since I never use it. Its in the same condition it was 2 years ago, except that its been to the technician a lot >.> How much would you say it could sell for?

i <3 my bundy.. try one of them?

i guess it depends on what suits you at this level, i like my flute (an obsqure brand which i will use untill it requre replacent but had got me to grade 3 no problem) but i tried a student trevor james of similar specs and didi not like it, same with my sisters simba, like with all flutes it is personal preferance, the only time you don't realy choose with the way it plays it the instrument you first get a sound with. But oit is likely that your yamaha was out of ajustment, and just needed a bit or good ole tlc in the form of a COA.

I had experience with both Yamaha and Jupiter brands of flutes. I would prefer Yamaha hands down.

Yamaha is pretty much the "Toyota" of Japanese flutes. Good, solid, and pretty much just a tool to get the job done. Nothing special, but not junk, either. Their mid-range models make for excellent flutes for use in a school type setting, be it grade school or even college.