Hi

I've my new Pearl 665 since this morning, I've tried it and it works well I love its sound ! But I noticed a slight crackle in the headjoint, near the cork. There is no crackle at the outside.
I think I don't want to return it, but what would you do "if you were me" ? (sorry for my bad english ^^)

If you bought it brand new, return it. If you bought it used, was there a trial period? Did the seller know this "crackle" was there? Did they point it out to you?

I'm sure you spent good money, so don't settle for something that may give you problems in the future.

I bought it brand new at thomann.de

There is also some scratches on the headjoint, on the area that fits into the body (like if it was already assembled several times - scratches here are normal I think, but not on a NEW product...)

Until an instrument is sold... It is new... So it could have been around the block in trials before you got it.

Take pictures of the damage and tell the store that you paid for a new flute and you got a flute that has obviously been assembled many times with a ding in the headjoint.

Now if you like it, haggle for a lower cost or make them take it back for a new flute.

Goodluck!

Thank you for your advices I will return it tomorrow - I've described them the problem and said they will process to an exchange !
I wonder what happened to this flute, I've never heard of cracks on a metal flute... (searched on the net for 1 hour..)

I suppose you have already solved the problem with that vendor. However, I cannot understand how could you have a crack on the inside of the HJ that does not show on the outside surface. Was it really a crack?

I don't know exactly what it was, maybe a deep scratch (big scratch because when I put a little wooden rod into the emouchure hole and pressed against the metal surface I could feel the "crack")

Thomann sent me another flute so it's OK. (except some problems with a buzzing pad, I will replace it)

Thomann.de is a serious vendor but not specialized in flutes. It is popular in electronic music, microphones and many other similar things. I bought my microphone and accessories from them, they ship all over Europe and the prices are reasonable.