This was my first flute (an Armstrong 104N), which I got as a rental and kept long enough to pay off. I'm confident that I paid far more for it than it's worth, but I consider that a lesson learned.

Does anybody have experience with this particular model? How does it compare to the current "student" flutes like Yamaha's 200 series or Pearl's Quantz 505 series?

I ask because I'm on the lookout for a new flute but from what I've been reading it seems like I can get a low end flute and then later on just upgrade the head joint for better sound when I get better. My wants/needs are, in no particular order:

1) I hate the nickel plating. It might look shiny, but it's so slippery.
2) I'd like a B foot because I think practicing low B will help with my low C.
3) I'd like open hole for no other reason than I like the look better.
4) Offset G is much more comfortable, but all of the "student" flutes seem to offer both inline and offset G. So I've got a choice all the way down to the bottom of the barrel.
4) I'd be thrilled to keep the cost below $1,000US. This handles both the Yamaha and Pearl models mentioned above, but other brand suggestions are welcome.

So I guess I have three questions:

1) How would you rate my current Armstrong in terms of quality? For the lower end flutes, that is. I'm pretty sure that any Muramatsu or Powell blows it out of the water.
2) What would be a good brand/model that offers a reasonably significant improvement with my desired options?
3) And of course, did I miss anything in my analysis?

I have tried pearl it didnt have a better sound then my student model geminhardt and my teacher doesnt have anything good to say about them yahama is a good student flute but other then that idk anyone who has one... I have an armstrong and trust me you will hear the differnce in the sound as soon as you test another flute.I am not a big fan of armstrong i guess

In my experience, Armstrong flutes have super clunky mechanisms. This isn't so bad, but it can start to interfere with advanced technique. I don't care for their scale either.

If I were in your situation, I would probably upgrade the body as well as the headjoint. Unfortunately, no one can tell you what's the "right" upgrade for you.

I like Yamaha's mechanism and scale, and they seem to have a good reputation. The Pearls I have tried seemed to have very delicate mechanisms.

The best thing for you to do is explore all of your options: go to your local instrument dealer, or fluteworld.com.
And good luck to you!

There must be something wrong with the newer Armstrong flutes. I had two Armstrong flutes growing up. I never had a problem with either of them. At one time, I was playing two to three hours a day on my flutes.

I guess compared to my Muramatsu, they are clunky. Most student flutes are clunky.

your best bet is to try as many as you can we use www.flute4u.com the prices are about the same as fluteworld but i trust them more. good luck