So I'm having an issue with getting a new flute. I play flute for fun and in a cadet marching band where I need to be loud but not particularly great-sounding. All these mentions of 'harsh', 'soft', 'full-bodied' sounds don't really mean much to me.

What I actually play right now is a cheap-as-hell Cecilio that I bought because it was cheap and I wasn't sure if I was going to continue playing flute on a regular basis. (For the record, NEVER ever buy one.) It's been in the repair shop multiple times over the past 3 years (not counting the times I had to pop springs back into place and screw in loosened screws) and the tone has gotten ridiculously breathy. Despite the fact that my embouchure has improved, my (crap) flute changes octave and/or randomly fails to play notes.

What I need is a flute that is durable, which is to say, can take a few small dings, and isn't going to fall apart after a year. I'm planning on buying used, which is why I need to know a few things that generally apply to brands.

At this point in time, my options are Yamaha, Jupiter, Armstrong, and Geimenhardt. All of them are student models; the only ones I know the actual model # of are the Yamaha (221) and the Geimenhardt (2SP). I'm not really considering the Yamaha because my budget is massively limited, so the latter three are my options.

I've heard a lot of hate in regards to Jupiter, Armstrong, and Geimenhardt. Doing my homework, the most common complaints seem to be that Armstrong and Geimenhardt need to be repaired ridiculously often, while Jupiters have weird sounds.

So, I'm asking the other floutists out there, given that I need a durable, not particularly amazing-sounding, but reliable-playing flute, which is GENERALLY better - Jupiter, Armstrong, or Geimenhardt?

My beginning flute was a Gemeinhardt 2SP. I played it for years and I don't remember it ever needing repairs other than a few very minor adjustments to the keys (we're talking about 5 minutes in the repair shop). I passed it on to my brother when I upgraded--he never really played it, but the flute still works when he occasionally pulls it out of the closet. I didn't like the intermediate model I bought later, but I think it's a good brand for a student flute, and it should hold up well as long as you treat it right.

I've heard that the older Geimenhardt flutes are great but the new ones are sketchy. How long ago did you get yours? Otherwise, thanks for the info.

Also, anyone have any opinions on Armstrong/Jupiter flutes?

You can easily find a USED Yamaha that might fit your budget. It will be more durable and dependable than the Armstrong and Gemeinhardt and Jupiter. Ask any professional doubler. They always recommend Yamaha 221 -- even used.

Check out here

When I say seriously limited I actually do mean seriously limited. Used Yamaha 221s seem to go for 400 to 450 dollars, and that is not that much less than the base price on fluteworld etc. If I found one for less than 400 I would consider it, but otherwise - well, there IS a reason I'm asking about the other brands.

I'm guessing my used Yamaha cost between 200 and 300.

I'm guessing my used Yamaha cost between 200 and 300.

A used Yamaha would be good. But I started on a bundy, and was decently happy with it. Also pearl quantz 505s are good. But of the three that you mentioned I would go with jupiter. I use a school student jupiter whenever I don't bring my azumi and it plays very nicely.

$260 for this used Yamaha 221 in "excellent" condition. And you can find many others under $300.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMAZING-Yamaha-YFL-221-Offset-G-Flute-READY-TO-PLAY-WOW-/181140577672?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a2cd1dd88

I'm slightly bothered by the concept of buying a flute on ebay. There's simply no way to tell what you're buying, whereas with the flutes I mentioned I am able to try them out and see their condition. Anyway, thanks for all the replies and info. I think I'm going to go for the Jupiter.

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On the other hand, do you find ebay sellers to be reliable? The one you linked seems to have excellent feedback, but how trustworthy is a feedback rating? (Ebay newbie here. I've only ever heard bad things about it.)

You can definitely assess the reliability of an eBay seller by reading their reviews and looking at their ratings. Especially if they offer a return policy, you are assured just as much safety as with Flute World or similar retail dealers.

Yes, I've bought flutes on eBay from reputable sellers and dealers. I've also sent instruments back for a refund (less shipping charges to return). Used wisely, eBay can be a very good source for overlooked but very good flutes.

Alright then, thanks. I think I might consider buying a Yamaha then. The link posted above is great, but shipping to Canada is 65$... Better keep looking I guess.

Use eBay's search function and look for "Yamaha 221" and other models that you might be interested in.

Sort the results by "Newly Listed" and your list will start with the latest flutes to go on sale.

Also look for the yamaha 225. I believe its the same as the 221, just slightly older. I saw one on ebay with a lot of tarnish for $100. If the tarnish is the only problem, that's a good deal. If you are really price sensitive, you should look for things like that which reduce the appeal for most buyers, but don't really impact quality.