True, but if the guy is spending $1500 on a flute he might as well get a B foot, open holes, and a professional headjoint.

Alternatively... a flute at half the cost would be a better buy with the intention of upgrading the flute again at a later age.

I still have my flute from when I was 13... and all the drops, dents, and other things it went through while going through school it really is worthless now. Well, it can play, but it`s an eyesore.