Interesting reading all the different opinions. As a professional musician and teacher of 20 years (teaching 35 students per week), I would have to agree that overall, Yamaha, is one of the better made instruments. That said, I believe that the older Yamaha`s are a little better than the newer ones. Jupiter also makes quite a good instrument, and some of the Pearls - but I wouldn`t recommend the 665 Quantz. For $1500 and under, a used Yamaha 581 is an amazing buy. I played on one through my years at a Conservatory and it stood up against the big powers: Muramatsu, Powell, etc, albeit with an amazing headjoint with a gold riser. A factor that we all need to consider is the upgrading of headjoints. Most dedicated younger flutists should look at finding a good instrument with a silver body, plated keys if you can`t afford all silver, and then upgrading it with a good headjoint (Burkhart, Sheridan, Goosman, LaFin, etc). The problem with the older flutes is that they knew very little about headjoint making back then, and so the quality of your sound seriously suffers without some tapering. I hate to admit it, but every student who owned a Gemeinhardt/Bundy/Selmer had problems. I would be very cautious buying a new instrument unless you have a good teacher to guide you. Used instruments can be a great bargain, as long as you know the correct info on how it was used and/or abused. Once you get into the professional world, Brannen, Muramatsu, Powell (especially the older instruments), Prima Sankyo, etc. - these are all well known makers, being played on by the top flutists in the world. That`s my 2 cents.

I have been playing for some 25 years and have had a few different makes. For the past 5 years I`ve had a Trevor James Cantabile with solid silver headjoint, it`s an excellent intermediate flute. I have recently brought an Altus 907 and I would recommend anyone to try an Altus. There intonation is wonderful and there are extremely well made.
www.Altusflutes.com
All anyone can do is try as many different makes as possible within your price range.

Altus is very thin sounding and are not that popular.

They are not thin sounding, just listen to William Bennett. Mine has a rich sound and can produce many colours.
They sell well in the UK but not in the USA. Have you ever played one?
Fords are popular but are they any good!!! LOL.

Grace, I`m interested as to why you wouldn`t recommend the 665 quantz series. I thought the 665 quantz` were great, but when I trialed a couple through the mail yesterday, i notice the flutes with the longer g# key (the older ones) played a whole lot better than the new ones (this was a coda model by the way). On all flutes, though, I notice a fair amount of scratching on the inside. Since there were only four left when I decided to trial, I am going to request new coda models for trial when I return these ... but I was curious as to why you wouldn`t recommend the 665 quantz models ...

Ashley, I have tried many Altus flutes.
Before you go spouting off your mouth about William Bennett, first get your facts straight.
I have studied under him, so I do know the facts.
He is only an endourser for Altus and plays mainly on a Powell.
Keep in mind by the time you are at William Bennets caliber of playing, you could make any flute sound good.
Again, Altus if very rarely played in the professional world and it not recommended to highly.

Hey Fords are AWESOME!

My piano teacher, who has around around 35-40 years worth of experience with woodwind instruments, told me that Buffet Crampon are good for beginners. I bought a second hand one around 3 months ago for around the equivalent of 300 sterling (roughly 500 dollars). I had taken it to him, and he calibrated (?) it, cleaned it up and put felt on all the keys. I`m not an expert, but the flute has a warm tone and is quite playable.
Also apparently Yamaha are quite good as well. Hope that helps.

Well you are very lucky to have studied under William Bennett. I have played tried a number of different makes over the years, and despite what you say popular opinion is about Altus I love mine. I feel ever one eventually finds the instrument they are happy with, and Altus is mine. If we all liked the same make what a boring world it would be!!
Sorry Mysticalwaters1 only joking about fords I’ve had 3, but cars are like flutes people buy what they like and what fits there pocket.

I think that until you get to a certain level, it doesn`t matter to such an extent what flute it is that you`re playing on. Anyway, it`s the player that matters more than anything else

Zayne - To be honest, I was trying some "intermediate" flutes to have as a 2nd to my Powell (which is in for an overhaul). I had played, for a short period of time, a 765, and quite liked it. As a 2nd flute, I did not want to spend more than $1,000, so had Woodwind & Brasswind send a Pearl 665. It seemed good value for money, with pointed key arms, etc., but once received found, like you, the G# key to be a bit "odd", the keys a bit "clunky" and the headjoint quite "tight". I felt that the 665 series was not as good as say, a used Yamaha 481. So, that`s why I wouldn`t recommend it. I still feel that, in that price range, a used Yamaha 481/581 are the best values for money. But as with all flutists - we have to find the right fit for us. Some think an Altus is best. Others wouldn`t play anything but a Brannen, etc. I now have a beautiful old Powell that I love. One more thing... purchasing a flute from Flute World, although sometimes a little bit more than Woodwind & Brasswind, is thoroughly checked out and played by a flutist prior to shipping, so instead of something out of a box, which could have alignment issues after shipping, you know it`s in good shape.

Thanks for the response, Grace. What do you think of Altus Alto flutes? (if you`ve played on one before).

The G# has an odd feel because the person who designed the spring had a lapse in engineering competency, and made it too short for its length. It could easily have been made longer. And over the years it seems to be taking a VERY long time for anybody to do anything about it!!!

Sorry, I meant too short for its diameter.

I am puzzled by all the gemienhardt bashing. My daughter started with their student model in 4th grade(and we never had any trouble with it until she used it for marching band in 9th grade where they are in bad weather at times so the cork has had to be replaced several times) and now has their professional 33SSB model. It (33SSB) goes to the shop about three times a year for minor spring/screw adjustments but her teacher (who has played professionally for many years) says that for the hours of play that my daughter puts into it you should expect to take it in at least that often and it comes with the territory of daily practice. The teacher has a Haines and says she takes hers into the shop even more often than that. My daughter is very diligent about cleaning and caring for her flute.

Her instructors top reccomendations are:
1. IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT GET A Haines - but the gemeinhardt is an excellent affordable flute with rich tones.

2. Go for the white gold springs (available on some conservatory and all professional models) as they have great rebound and response and the copper ones get spongy over time ( and that is true for any brand).

3. If you practice daily then you will need to get your flute adjusted and serviced - you should take the time to sit with the tech to make sure it is adjusted to your needs.

4. Get a service contract - for aboput $60.00 you can get your flute adjusted to your hearts content without worrying about the cost.