My son is about to start in the beginner band. He will play the flute. The teacher left the choice of brand to us. He said either the Gemeinhardt or the Yamaha. And now I am confused. Which one shall I buy? and I want to know is a open hole or a closed hole better for a beginner?

Please help me out here?

The Gemeinhardt with closed hole/plateu style flute is the better choice because they have been making the kind of quality fit for any kind of flutist, but that doesn`t mean Yamaha isn`t good either.The Gemeinhardt 2SP is the most popular model for a student.It got the rating of 4 stars and a-half.Best seller at wwbw.com.Reasonble prices for everyone.The Yamaha YFL221 is another great choice for the student.Open hole/french style is good for a beginner in helping for hand positioning, but is more of an intermidiate/advanced student.The main thing is, is your son going to stick with flute or not? You don`t want to buy a Gemeinhardt flute for $789.00(estimation)when he quits.I`ve seen a lot of students quit.So sad.Make sure he practices.I`ve been playing flute for years.I already have a open hole,closed hole flute and piccolo.

If I were you, I would consider renting a flute from the local music store. That way, if your son does enjoy playing then you could consider purchasing. When starting out, go for a closed hole it is easier to produce the sound and tone. Either brand is fine, your son will soon have a preference.

I am going to help you find a flute.

I disagree about renting because you can always sell it via classifieds in the newspaper or a local music store, or even Ebay for that matter.

Personal advice would be to probably have new pads for this flute: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10183&item=3746319245&rd=1

This one you would do nothing to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10183&item=3746212641&rd=1

A brand new one!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10183&item=3746308232&rd=1

A pretty good one too!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=47101&item=3745809844&rd=1

symphony brand flutes are new, 2004 and they play pretty good! try this one, it looks totally awesome and is pretty cheap! its also new!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10183&item=3748052228&rd=1

I have a yamaha 211S on ebay right now, low reserve!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7310352835

Take a look!