Hi all,

I'm considering buying a second hand flute. Assuming it has been well cared for and regularly played, at what age do they deteriorate to the point where it is no longer a good idea to buy? 10 years? 15? 20?

The flute in question is one of the very well known top level japanese instruments.

Any help/advice is appreciated.

Assuming the flute has been well cared for, I wouldn't say there is an age on when a flute is no longer a good choice to buy. Many people play on Powells and other top brands made 30+ years ago. These flutes will only continue to work well if they are meticulously maintained, likely needing an overhaul at some point or another.

I have an Armstrong 55 from 1974 that still works great. It has been kept up, stored properly, and adult owned, and can go from low C to mid C to high C to screech C without a glitch.

Thanks laurenkaye.
I'm fully agree with you.

Totally agree; I've been on the same one for about 25 years and it's going just as gone as Day 1. As long as you see, inspect and play it before purchase, go for it.