I've been playing flute for a couple of years now and since college is coming up soon for me, I've been looking into purchasing a professional model flute. The one I'm currently looking at that I think I'm falling in love with =) is this one:

http://fluteworld.com/index.php?action=prod&wart=14292&ppk=flut

Any comments on it? Such as if it's a good product, if it's worth the 2,000 buckaroos, etc. Thank you!

That flute is really just a nice student flute with a few extra features. You will not get true professional flute for that price - you would be looking at handmade instruments. I would spend just a bit more and look at the Dolce or Elegante models (although those aren't "professional" flutes either). They have hand cut head joints and are worth the extra.

I have a Pearl Dolce CODA and love it. I don't really like the Forza headjoint, but this is just me. I use a Yamaha EC headjoint. My friend has the flute you posted, the 665 CODA and it is an ok flute, but she has had quite a few problems. I also tried the headjoint (although it was on a 765, same hj though) and the sound for me was very thin. I do know others who have a great sound with this hj though.

I'd also definitely look into the Yamaha 500 series, they are really nice flutes And they now come with a C# trill which I really reccomand. I use it more than I thought I ever would, and am super happy I got one. The only reason I didn't buy a Yamaha 574 was because they didn't offer the C# trill. The D# roller IMO isn't really worth it. It helps some, but I find the placement on the Pearl's isn't the best. (I like where Miyazawa puts it a lot better)

Just look and play as many flutes as you can before you decide.

The flute you posted also has an inline G. I'd really recommended the offset G instead just because it is more the norm and in the case you want to sell it, it would be easier to sell. I find it a lot more comfortable as well. I started and played on an inline for several years but had no problems whatsoever switching to the offset

"College is coming up"...

If you plan on playing in college (other than, say, just marching band), then contact the flute professors at the colleges that you are interested in and get their advice.

Or, get the help of your own flute teacher. If you don't already have a teacher, and lessons, than you'll need them pronto (like yesterday) if you are going to play in college.

You do NOT want to spend $2000 and find out when you arrive at college that you need a different flute.

Take a look here, especially under 'Buying a flute for University or college performance program entry':
http://www.jennifercluff.com/buying.htm#university

hes right check with ur teacher and see what flute they recommend you cannot get a flute such as the one u need for that price at least 2000$

i would recommend trying all the flutes you can and then getting the one you lke best but check the requirements of your course at college first (as they may require something different)

(I'm a long-time member on this site, just under a different username)

It depends on what year you are in high school. If you're a freshman or sophomore (rising), it may be time to upgrade. However, if you're a junior or senior and seriously considering flute in college, wait and see what the flute professor at the university you are going to says. I got a new flute sophomore year, but I know I am going to have to upgrade again, because apparently the flute makes my ability weaker or something.

I'm going to be a senior in the fall. As far as the pricing goes, I really can't go out and spend $5,000+ on a flute. I still need money for tuition, books, and other necessities in college. I do not plan to work professionally with flute but I plan to go into Music Education, flute as my primary instrument. I might start looking into used flutes though. Any ideas on good models?

i have a gemeinhardt 3SB. its good, but i hated the head joint. i got a pearl headjoint from florida flute fair a few years ago, and now i'm pretty much set until i get out of community college.
i havent had any problems with it, however, i would heartily recommend pearl dolce and elegantes. if you go to their website, they have a way to receive headjoints to try for a period of time.
its important to try a bunch of different headjoints because they are all different. when i bought mine, i tried 5 or 6 of the same one and found only one that i liked.

pearls? get a powell.

I would suggest looking in miyazawa flutes- I'm thinking about upgrading to one. They are somewhat expensive- but a friend of mine bought a used one for 3300 and was very pleased.

Also- definitely go for the offset G. I mean it is a matter of preference- but I think you'll find it's much more comfortable.

Or you can do what I did. Yamaha body and a custom pro headjoint. Probably the least expensive option/best bang for the buck.

Note - you can do this with a Pearl 600 series or any of the major intermediate flute lines as well. A pro headjoint shouldn't cost you more than about $800-$1200 if you shop around. Of course you'll have to try a bunch, but most pro level flutes really only differ from the intermediate models in the headjoint.

For instance, the scale and keys and so on are all pretty much the same between most makers' lines.

Also, a competent school won't care about anything other than how you play.(B foot/open vs closed/etc - essentially ignored)

For instance, that link above - change:
Solid silver head, body and foot. Offset G; open hole; B-foot.

To: Solid silver head, plated body, Offset G, closed hole; C foot and save yourself at least $1000 right there. Nothing you'll play in college will need open holes of a B foot. The body is just a fancy tube with holes in it to make notes/specific pitches. 90%+ of what makes a flute sound good/different is in the headjoint.

Carmen Fantasy has a low B

but it is optional.

Some alternative fingerings require a half hole.

I wouldn't say that things you play in college don't have a low B. Just don't pick pieces that require a low B.

I do have to say a C foot is much easier to play. I would be nice to have a B foot and a C foot. I am not in the position to buy a C foot for my flute right now, or I would do it.

If you are planning on majoring in flute in college, I would contact the flute teacher at the college and ask for recommendations. You don't want to buy a flute that is not adequate to the task.

Just my 2 cents.

Does anyone follow this forum?
http://www.8notes.com/f/25_247330.asp

flutechick, it may help you tell them that you already downgraded to a student 3SHB Gemeinhardt.

HELLOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! For the second time. She already got a flute. Does anyone read the replies?