stay away from the gemeinhardts if you want to get better

Lol! Well said fluteloops!

*bows*

I started out on a Yamaha, 281SII. I believe the model is listed differently now, but I never had any problems with it, no shop visits, never went out of adjustment. Before I started playing everyone else had Gemeinharts (sp?) and I thought, `wow, those are so pretty, I`m going to get one of those someday,` but I stayed faithful to my Yamaha. I got to college and decided to look for a professional flute, I went into H&H and asked to try out a Gemeinhart w/ french pointed arms and engraving (after I tried out a Yamaha) - not too pleasant (would make a BEAUTIFUL lamp though) .. but then again everyone is different.

A lamp is about the only thing they are good for. Lol!! The student Yamaha plays even way better than Gemeinhardt top of the line flute. I find that rather funny. But hey.. there will always be those suckers out there that either get them because of the pretty pointed key arms or just because they think that they are pretty. That says a lot about a player.

You guys are forgetting one important key factor here for some people when purchasing a flute and I think LOTS base many of their flutes on it which is how much a flute COSTS!

Armstrong. Cheaper than yamaha and received very well by teachers. And if you`re in the UK, which looks to be the case, then we can send you one on approval if your parents get in touch.

Liz

Yahama 211S Flute!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7310352835

Ed`s got a great idea - you CAN find good deals on eBay, but you really need to know how it was played and the true condition of the instrument. I just bought a Yamaha 481 on eBay (from a pawn shop - stupid me, should have known), which they said was in "excellent" condition. When it came it didn`t even play, and the pads were actually torn. So, back it went. But I have had other experiences purchasing instruments for students on there that were fabulous! I agree with those who say a big fat NO to Gemeinhardts (no disrespect intended for you Gem. players), but Yamaha is great, and like Fluteloops said, any Japanese maker. If you want a step up, maybe just look for one that has a solid silver body - your sound will be greatly improved! I believe that Armstrong and Emerson make a rather nice intermediate flute, but you REALLY need to go and try them WITH your teacher. To buy on eBay, a used Yamaha (just not from a pawn broker, ) is a great deal. Yes, they are more expensive, but for good reason!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7312588602

Current Bid $67.00

WOW, good deal!

I got my flute which has a silver head for $200.00! It was used for only one year by someone else. I got it at a store called MUSIC GO ROUND. It`s a great store, they do tune ups and everything, and even have music books for really cheap! Good luck with your flute search!

P.S
My flute is still in tip top shape and i`ve had it for a couple of years now! and if you`re trying to be the top chair in your band, don`t worry about getting the best flute, yes, having a good flute helps, but as you probably know, it`s mostly how you play

hear hear!

Im looking to buy a good student flute that isnt to expensive but is still of good quality. i am pretty confused over what brand to buy. so if anyone has any ideas u can email me at rockgoddess28@hotmail.com Thanks