Hello, it is actually my first time in this forum. I have been searching the internet and other forums for information about flutes. I have found that most recommendations vary greatly depending on the situation so I decided to ask for myself.

I currently play a Sonare 5000 which I received in 10th grade. I am now going into college and plan to study music. I sometimes feel that my flute discourages me from playing certain things, although I can usually compensate for it. I have had experience playing on a Gemeinhardt that I rented for marching band. I did not like it more than my Sonare at all, though it sometimes seemed to be a bit easier to play.

I attended a flute convention a few months ago where I had the opportunity to try out lots of different flutes. Many of which where very expensive, but it was by playing those that I realized that my flute could be the cause of some of my problems. My very first flute was a First Act purchased at Costco. Back then I didn't realize that my inability to play the upper octave well was the flute and not my own fault. I am starting to wonder if my Sonare is holding me back like my First Act did overtime.

So here I am asking if anyone can give me some advice as to what brands I should consider, or if I even should upgrade. I was also wondering if I should consider a split E mechanism. I don't have experience with that, so I am unsure about it.

Thank you for your time and any advice you have to offer. I really appreciate it.

Thank you. I suppose I will just begin by doing that, and hopefully find a nice used one to buy. I also considered rentals in which the payments go into buying the instruments. The one at my local store offers free repairs if you rent from them which is a nice plus.

Here is my opinion.

First, has your flute been getting it's annual COA(clean,oil, adjust)? If not, I would do this first to ensure it is in it's top playing condition.

Second, I would check with your college professor as some have definite requirements as to the flutes they want their students to play.

Third, depending on where you live (I live in a town of 140K people in CA), the local music store may or may not have "professional" quality flutes for you to try (my local store does not). You might contact places like Flute World or Carolyn Nussbaum for their expert advice (no I don't work for either of them). Have not bought instruments from Flute World (just sheet music), but can tell you that those who work at Carolyn Nussbaum are very educated, they have Masters and/or DMAs in Music Performance (I just spoke to someone last week about the different editions of some music I wanted to buy). I did 14K headjoint trials with Carolyn Nussbaum back in 2006 and bought my 14K Williams HJ from them. Both places would have the quality of instrument I think you are looking for e.g. Powell, Haynes, Brannen, Bukart, Muramatsu, Miyazawa, Sankyo, Pearl, Williams, etc. I just returned from a Flute Masterclass where the students were playing Powell(2), Haynes(1), Brannen(2), Muramatsu(1), Sankyo(1), and Mateki(1).

Good Luck with your upgrade (it's always exciting) and music studies

Concerning the Split-E mechanism:

I played many years without one (bought my Haynes in 1972), but had one added in 1998 (along with a C# Trill). It sure makes playing E3s a lot easier, plus slurs to/from E3 easier. Some manufactuers will only offer this option on their offset-G flutes, while others (especially those that have pinless mechanisms e.g. Powell and Brannen) offer this option on both inline and offset-G flutes.

A less expensive alternative is to have a "donut" installed, but I have been told that it could flatten A1 and A2 a bit.

About the Split-E...

My old Pearl had a split-E mechanism, but my Burkart doesn't. I found that E3 is actually easier on the Burkart because of the better headjoint design. I also use a somewhat alternate fingering for high A which would would only be complicated with a split-E mechanism. I don't miss my split-E mechanism at all, but, as with all things, ymmv.

To cFlutist:
My flute is in for its annual right now, so I don't plan to buy anything until I get it back and really evaluate it.

As far as checking with my college professor, I was recently told to do that. I plan to do that soon when I go for my interview. I suppose I was too caught up in college preparation to even think of that.

Third you are right about local music stores. I have been to some lately just to gather information and found that many only carry student-level instruments. I will try Carolyn Nussbaum to gather more information.

Also thank you for sharing your experience with the split-E mechanism. I wasn't sure if its something considered common or not, but you said you went a long time without one. I think I'll just try it out when I can to see if it's a priority for me.

To TBFlute:
Thank you for your insight about the split-E. I wasn't expecting someone not to prefer it, based on the great things I heard about it. I personally like inline keys and I know that split-E with inline is more rare. So perhaps it's not something I really need if my headjoint is good enough like your Burkhart. This is really interesting to know, thanks for sharing.

Another thing to consider about the Split-E is the cost. On some student/step-up/conservatory flutes, it is already included. But on the handmade/professional flutes, it is frequently an option.
For example:
Haynes charges $650 for a Split-E on an offset-G only
Brannen charges $1030 for a Split-E on an offset or inline G
Pearl charges $850 on its high-end model, but includes it on other models.

<Added>

Burkart charges $650 for their Split-E