Hi, my 9 year old daughter has been playing flute for almost 2 years. She is using a second hand flute from the school band which is not in a good condition. I wish to purchase a new flute for her and I'm thinking to get a better flute so that I don't have to worry about upgrading again.

Can anyone tell me if a beginner can handle a Muramatsu EX? Or is it a waste to buy it for someone who has only been playing only for 2 years? Sorry, I know this may sounds stupid but I can't play flute myself so I have absolutely no idea about this.

Hope someone can give me some opinions. Thanks!

I'm a beginner, and personally I've so far bought only new cheap flutes from China on Ebay, less than $200. My problem with buying a more expensive flute is that I don't trust my judgment about what is good and worth the money. I'd say if you have faith in your daughter's ability to audition a quality flute, or if you have a trusted expert who will help out, go for quality. Also, my impression is that quality flutes are more demanding of adjustment and maintenance, so you need to be concerned about having a good repairperson available.

I'm 14 and have been playing flute for 5 years now. I'm a good player for my age and good quality flutes are very good for playing and for keeping up my confidence. You don't need an expensive flute for it to be good quality, you just need to keep it maintained. My 6 year old flute that I bought for only $100 at a flea market works very well, but I broke a few pads, so I need to go get it fixed. Each pad is only about $5 to have fixed. My advice to you: do not buy the most expensive flute you can afford, but look around online and read trough reviews for previous customers/buyers to see which brands have the longest lasting and highest quality instruments. Yamaha makes great instruments and prices vary. It's the way to go for a great musical future and for your wallet.

I think that a Muramatsu EX for such a young student would be over kill. You can get a nice Yamaha 221 new or used and get your monies worth. I would hold off on such a nice flute until your daughter is more progressed.

@fluteragious: May I ask why you recommend against the better flute? Is it cost, or playability? I only ask because I am shopping for a flute for my college bound, music major son, who is a low brass player that needs a second style of instrument, and wants to do flute so as not to destroy his embouchure. Considering the thousands and thousands of dollars I am into instruments already, I am not against buying a solid quality intermediate to start, UNLESS there is a playability reason to start with beginner. Thanks for the help.

Jared