Hi,

The title explains it. I am looking into buying a new flute for performance. I currently have a student Yamaha model, 5 years old, that has been through a rough and rainy marching band season. If anyone could give a preference on which flute might be better or give another model to look into, it would be great.
My price range is below $2000.

Thanks in advance.

Also, is www.fluteworld.com reliable? I'm thinking about buying from that website.

Or a Pearl Quantz 665 Coda

Fluteworld is very reliable. As for the flutes you are looking at, you'll have to try them to see which one you like best.

Yes, Fluteworld is fine.

As said, better try playing the models you have available for your price range. Takes some time, but assure you will be doing a better deal.

Zevang

I would consider having your student Yamaha completely overhauled, and replacing the headjoint with a handmade one from Yamaha, Miyazawa, Powell, Sankyo, Burkart, or any of the really good makers.

The important thing would be to try several flutes to see what you really like.

Flute World does have headjoints.

Several of the 'upgrade' flutes are really student models with open holes, a b-footjoint, and the SAME engineering and headjoint specs as the student model, only made in silver head/plated body or solid silver head and body. These flutes, assuming they are all in leak-free, well adjusted condition, will not play significantly differently from the student models.

Some of the newer 'step-up' flutes are handmade headjoints paired with an inexpensive imported flute body. These can be really nice. Some, for example, are Sonare (Powell), Resona (Burkart), Azumi (Altus), Amadeus (Haynes) and there are others. Try some of these, as long as the setup/adjustment passes the muster of a good flute tech.

If you find a flute you like that has a handmade headjoint, buy THAT ONE. I have seen some really inconsistent and asymmetrical headjoints that were supposed to be of the same cut. When they're handmade, they will differ a LOT more than the machine-made ones. Also, I've seen the 'weird' shaped ones play better than the 'normal' ones, so you really have to try them and find one that responds well.

Look at some of my old threads.. I have that exact question, lol. They also add in the Miyazawa 102, but I was looking in the same price range so they will probably be some help

http://8notes.com/f/25_206262.asp?y=1&sterm=pearl%20dolce
http://8notes.com/f/25_206855.asp?y=1&sterm=yamaha%20574
http://8notes.com/f/25_206075.asp?y=1&sterm=yamaha%20574

I got my Pearl Dolce (CODA) from Fluteworld, although the Forza headjoint didn't suit me. I ended up buying a Yamaha EC headjoint for it. That combo for me works great!

Also try the Pearl 665. My friend has that flute (the CODA model also) and she really likes it. I tried the 765 (just with more silver. The Headjoint is the same though) and the sound was just very thin for me. I know several others who have the 765 and sound amazing with it though!

If you have tried the Yamaha 461, I would go for at least the 500 series. The only difference in the 200-400's is the silver content. The headjoint is just the stock machine headjoint.. the 500 series comes with a handcut headjoint which will make a huge difference. Now, they also come with the C# trill (very useful! I love mine!) and pointed key arms (looks nice, lol)

I'd just get as many flutes as you can to try before you make a decision

>>I tried the Dolce a few years back and had a 665RBE Quantz-Coda which was a total piece of junk ESPECIALLY when compared to the Dolce!<<

Just to remind everyone, a few years back there were issues that don't exist now and improvements have been made to prevent the problems that Suzie had.

You do have a lot of differences between the 665 Coda and a 695 Dolce however...

Joe B

A used Elegante might also be worth considering.