Congrats on getting a flute. It is so nice to be able to pick it up and go off into flute land when the life does get stressful too.

I'm standing in your shoes, only I've just spent the the last 7-8 hours on the internet researching what to buy. There are two websites I would suggest looking at the first is en.allexperts.com. Flute experts answer your questions. Go to "F" in the alphabetical indicator on the top then search for flute then find the Question Library at the top. You can either look up and read all the other questions and answers or you can just submit your own question. It's been really great in helping me sort out all the variables. The other website you may want to check out after you know what direction you heading if your going to be in the market for a used flute is e-bay.com. Hope this is helpful to you. Knowing about en.allexperts.com would have save me about 6 hours researching on the internet.

The adults on this site know their flutes. They have good suggestions. Thanks for the info. I will check it out later.

Lori, I've read answers from the "experts" at allexperts.com several times in the past and can tell you that you should take anything they say with a grain of salt. Sometimes they nail the answer, and sometimes it's as if they'd what is essentially faulty or incomplete information. Of course, you should take anything you read on the internet (including here) with a grain of salt, as well.

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"and sometimes it's as if they'd what is essentially" should read "and sometimes they give what is..."

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After all, if this is all they expect of their "experts," what makes them any different than anyone here? This is a direct quote from their "become an expert" page:

"If you can SPECIFICALLY describe the kinds of questions you can answer, and send in an application without typos, showing you know how to give a professional presentation, you're almost certain to be accepted!"

I agree with Chris. I have read that site a few times and found some misinformation. I think there are some better informed people on this forum.

for brand I would go for armstrong.

Why would you go with Armstrong? How many other flutes have you played and for how long?