i have a gemeinhardt. almost all flutests i know have gemeinhardt. a "c" flute is a normal concert flute as is the flute u r probably most familiar with. it's about 2 feet long maybe 1 1/2 feet. it's the one most commonly played.

I have a Jupiter closed hole C flute that's pretty nice. It's done pretty well so far. I haven't had any problems either. It was used and cost around $470 at a local music shop.

It is sad, you can tell a lot of parents that and they will STILL go for a no name because they just don't want or don't have the money to put down on a good quality flute. I think that some kids do often get taken with those no name junk brands on ebay because they look pretty. Very good generalization though. People want the lowest price and just don't care a lot of times.

Thanks a lot you guys!! i got my flute! (its actually a used rental) its an armstrong! and i signed up for lessons!! ^-^ my dad said if i stick to it for a little while i can get my own flute!

i saw this really cool-looking blue one there! it was sooo pretty!!

It may have looked pretty, but that blue one was probably one of the junkers that have been discussed in this thread. If I'm correct, you're much better off with that used Armstrong than the blue flute (unless you're looking for something shiny to decorate with).

I am thinking of dying my Haynes purple, with green keys...

Now that should get you some attention! If Galway can market himself as "The Man with the Golden Flute," just imagine the possibilities a green and purple flute would open up for you, Patrick!

i'm thinking about getting a black flute w/ gold keys for next year(school colors) clever huh?

It may be clever, but probably will not work for long, and certainly isn't likely to maintain its appearance for long. The tinting on these instruments is usually a thin film that is pretty easy to wear through, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if the gold plating was of extremely poor quality as well. In my opinion, it would be much better to save the money you'd spend on a new flute, and put it towards lessons/sheet music/maintainance work/other far more useful things.