I was wondering about the quality/mechanisms/sound on the Haynes flute (the non-Amadeus models). These flutes cost a lot, but are they worth the price? I was planning to save up to purchase one in the future.

You best bet it to try one out for yourself. I think that they are very nice. They play dark and smooth. Either you hate em or you love em.

Thanks for the input! Just out of curiousity, how does Haynes compare to Powell in sound?

They are completely different. I prefer Powell because I like a tad brighter sound. The Powell to me has more girth to it with a bigger sound, while the Haynes has a dark smooth melodic sound to it.

Oh, okay. I think I'll go with the Haynes flute.

Please don't go by what I say entirely because that is just my own take on them. You may have an opposite opinion than me. Really, you need to try both before making that big of a decision.

I'm probably going to plan on taking the "Try a Haynes for Free!" on the Haynes site and look around for a dealer who sells Powell. I value your opinion though! Thanks.

Your welcome and thank you

there are many more great brand out there than just haynes and powell. have you tried them?

each Haynes is different, I have one now from 1951 which I love, I had one from 1971 which was also good, but more resistant and had a low b, they had good years and bad years, the ones from the 50's and 60's tend to be the best.

Summers is quite right. If you're going to shell out the big bucks for a pro flute, you want the flute to be the best possible match with you. Playtesting is absolutely necessary, and I would suggest trying as many different brands as possible, and even many different flutes within each brand. Here are some other brands you should look into:

Muramatsu
Miyazawa
Sankyo
Tom Green
Landell
Altus
Louis Lot
Brannen
Emanuel
Arista
etc.

You might also consider just changing out headjoints, as this can make a huge difference in the way the flute plays for only a fraction of the price.

I have actually tried my friend's Muramatsu flute. It was okay, but I didn't like it very much. I've heard someone play a Miyazawa before. It was pretty, but it was also a little airy (it could be the person not the flute). My other friend has a Sankyo flute. She prefers the Yamaha over it though.
I have never heard of some of those flute brands you have listed! There were only 3 I knew (Muramatsu, Miyazawa, and Sankyo). I believe I will go do some research on them, narrow down to a few brands, and go test them out. Thanks for the input everyone.

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Oh, and Patrick: How can I find a Haynes from previous years? eBay? And how does the Haynes from 1951 compare to the ones made today?

try www.yourfluteworks.com, or www.flutefinders.com, they can both help you locate older flutes

Do consider when purchasing an older Haynes that the scale on them are not going to be as well in tune as the newer ones. A good flutist can play them well in tune, but it just takes a tad more work.