Can anyone please suggest if a weimar flute is good for a 7th grader student for the class work. We had a Armstrong for the 6th grade class and the local store charged $120 for replacing 2pads and tuning. So, we are planning on buying and found a for $110.00 Wonder if this is a reliable instrument!
Much appreciate feedback.
Chris

"Can anyone please suggest if a weimar flute is good for a 7th grader student for the class work."

I wouldn't suggest any off-brand instruments. One problem in this age is that they can change the names of instruments faster than they can be labeled with bad reputations.

"We had a Armstrong for the 6th grade class and the local store charged $120 for replacing 2pads and tuning."

That seems steep for replacing two pads. Here in Ohio, a pad replacement goes for no more than $25 max. Although other places may charge more, some may charge less.

I'd say that "tuning" is not a good term for much of anything that a repair person does for a flute. It's generic and non-descriptive as to the actual work being done.

"So, we are planning on buying and found a for $110.00 Wonder if this is a reliable instrument!"
I don't know, I'd wonder also and probably rather rely on a different brand. You get what you pay for in music and in education for your child. I'd hate for a parent to think that their child stopped playing in a few months because they weren't suited to flute when the instrument couldn't be kept in working condition. The child probably won't know if their problems are their own playing or the instruments. A decent quality flute goes for about $600-800 USD. ~Retail. You can sometimes buy them a tad cheaper.

~bilbo
N.E. Ohio

<Added>

as additional info, if you're inclined to research this and you prefer to spend money wisely:

http://www.jennifercluff.com/flutequip.htm

Repair prices can vary a lot depending on what is needed to get a flute in playing condition. That may seem like a lot for 2 pads and tuning (whatever that is - it's not a standard repair term). Most shops charge about $60/hour for repair work. If all it needed was 2 pads and some very minor adjustments, then that may indeed be a bit high. On the other hand, if most of the pads needed to be reseated and a lot of adjustments and regulation were needed, then that seems fair as it would take about 2 hours to do all of that.

I don't wish to badmouth any flute, but Weimar is not a well known brand. There are a lot of instruments made in Asia these days and the quality can vary widely. Yamaha is made in Asia (Japan or Taiwan) and is a very reputable brand. Other unknown brands, who knows?

Repair technicians are familiar with Armstrong because it's been around for many years and parts are readily available if something should need replacing. With many of the Asian-made flutes, parts are not always available and a lot of repair techs will not work on them because many are made from softer metals that bend easily and that makes them very difficult to keep in adjustment and playing properly.

All I can say is "buyer beware". Personally, if I had a choice between an old Armstrong (in good condition) and a new Weimar, I'd choose the old Armstrong, hands down. If you've got it in good playing condition now, it should last for many years to come if properly cared for. Just like cars or anything else mechanical, ALL flutes need regular maintenance to keep them in top playing condition.