im looking into buying a flute, but i want some advice as to the best brand i can get to start out with.

i would also like to know, has anyone heard of "solo flutes" or "fontaine flutes"; as they are currently the best deal.

probably silly questions, but im only starting out :]

Try using the search button at the top of the page. This question literally gets asked once a week on this forum.

thanks Kara :]

sorry to be a pain, i just joined is all, im not quite used to all the ins and outs of this forum yet.

thanks Suzie :]

The most important aspect of purchasing a flute is trying it. I may be mistaken but the Fontaine in the early post has lip plate with an unusual shape which most beginners find difficult. This was used in some of the very early Chinese flutes but now its more common to use a different (and in my opinion better) design. However, just because it hasn't suited some of my pupils doesn't mean I can't play flutes with that lip plate. What matters is does the flute suit you?

If you buy a Chinese manufactured flute (or a well known Western Brand who subcontract their manufacture to China) you do not necessarily get an inferior instrument. However, its usually cheaper and doesn't hold its value and many repair shops can't offer cost effective repairs for problems like bent/broken keys etc.

A lot of the local shops here in Los Angeles(as an example) won't touch offshore mystery flutes. And even when they try, replacement parts are unobtainable and it's not worth actually repairing it.

Think of it like a motorcycle. You can get some off-brand from Thailand imported or one of those odd little bikes at Pep Boys, but the smart money just buys a little Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Suzuki.

The same is true with flutes. The brands to get are Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, and Pearl(which now has a fine entry level model, the 505), in roughly that order. In my opinion, of course. Where it's made isn't as important as finding parts and servicing for it.(Japan is better of course, but Taiwan or Korea are worlds better than China)