Need help buying a FLUTE

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Dario

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Apr 14, 2005
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Austin, TX, USA.
I am looking for a descent quality flute (musical instrument) for my kid. Just a student/beginner but want to get a good VALUE instrument.

I am looking for an affordable one but definitely don't want a junk. Any pointers on what features to look for, good brand/model, where to buy, etc. will be much appreciated.

I checked eBay and the price range is dizzying.

Thanks!
 
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Andrew,

Good point but there is no teacher to consult.

This is for my 4-1/2 year old daughter who showed interest (for almost a year now). We want to try and encourage her to pursue it now though. Funds permitting, we might end up having her take lessons next year if she is still interested. Don't want her to give up due to a junk instrument though if I go for the super cheap ones.
 
Personally then go to your local music center, the smaller ones are better and won't bull u into anything, you can stay cheap and still get quality of working parts, she nor you will probably not notice the difference of a $750 flute to that of a $7500 one.
 
Hey Dario,
I am a little leery of any musical instrument that inexpensive. I won't say it CAN'T be a good instrument, but chances are still against it. If you just want something for her to learn on and plan on buying a better one later (middle school/high school), then it might be a decent choice.

One thing to be careful of - if things go wrong on these cheaper instruments, many instrument repair technicians may refuse to work on them. Just some more ideas to think about.
 
Oh, by the way, Dario - I got a good clarinet for $12.00 and a good trumpet for $40.00 at a thrift store - name-brand, just a little older. So don't hesitate to check out some places like that and PM me if you have any ?'s. I actually might have a friend from school that has a decent flute they don't use anymore. I actually have a nice gold-plated Armstrong flute... it was a gift to me, lol. I never use it - I am a terrible flute player. That is why I stick to the tuba :D
 
Joel,

Got your email/PM, thanks for the advise.

Right now money is a bit tight and this is more for introducing her to music. She's shown interest but we really are not sure if she will keep at it. My wife did show interest too so most likely whatever we will buy will be put to good use.

I really want to avoid crappy instrument and know (from buying shop tools/equipment) that cheap ones tend to end up costlier in the long run but I have to go with what I can afford for now.

This is another I am considering and having the 2 year warranty, I am leaning towards right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Suzuki-Musica...3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1204603602&sr=8-3

Being totally clueless about this topic, I appreciate your input.

Thanks!
 
Originally posted by Tuba707

Oh, by the way, Dario - I got a good clarinet for $12.00 and a good trumpet for $40.00 at a thrift store - name-brand, just a little older. So don't hesitate to check out some places like that and PM me if you have any ?'s. I actually might have a friend from school that has a decent flute they don't use anymore. I actually have a nice gold-plated Armstrong flute... it was a gift to me, lol. I never use it - I am a terrible flute player. That is why I stick to the tuba :D
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Joe,

There is no good thrift store here at Edinburg, TX :D.

For now, we also want to stick with brand new if at all possible. Thanks for the offer though.
 
Hey Dario. As a band director, I always suggest to parents to get their young children into piano lessons when they want to try an instrument. It's always in tune, can be played with short fingers and arms (unlike flute) and will benefit them later when they transfer to any another instrument. With that said, if you're still looking for a horn, we recommend the Yamaha 285S. Good student model. Yamaha makes great instruments (they made instruments long before they made motorcycles - - check out the tuning fork logo of Yamaha) and you can find good decent horns at a good price.

Young students will have to start on a closed-hole flute, because of the size of their fingers. Also, find a local repair shop and have any used flute checked out before you buy it. In fact, find a repair shop and see if they have one for sale. You can save money that way. One last tip if you're going the used instrument route, check out www.2ndhandband.com. It's a Texas company that deals with used instruments and the owner's a great guy to deal with.

Good luck!
 
Dario-
Many/most musical instrument stores have rental programs. Decent quality, rent it for a year. If she likes it, then shop for a step up, if not, no major loss. I rented a nice Armstrong Sax for a year before buying one (25 years ago..wow, never thought I'd use THAT phrase!)

Another possibility is pawn shops...

Good luck!
 
Originally posted by Aderhammer

Personally then go to your local music center, the smaller ones are better and won't bull u into anything, you can stay cheap and still get quality of working parts, she nor you will probably not notice the difference of a $750 flute to that of a $7500 one.
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I am guessing one of the two will notice the differece--------about $6750
 
Dario,
At her age, do not buy an instrument. You can rent one. Some kids, no offense to your daughter, will express an interest in learning an instrument until they actually get one and then it wears off in a hurry. Renting is the wise choice at this point. It won't be, or at least shouldn't be a junker, and most stores will let you apply the rental cost to the purchase price later on.

I wouldn't recommend the pawn shop/thrift store route if you don't know what to look for.
 
Dario, I have taught flute for many years. Send me an email if you would like more information but I personally would go with an entry level Gemeinhardt flute. This is a great brand that will serve her well through school, she will need something nicer when she goes into college, if she is still playing then. Gemeinhardt also has a great resale value. PLEASE go with an open holed flute, she can use plugs right now but a closed hole flute is just a waste of money. Hope this helps. ;) Personally, I would not rent a flute, she will be more excited having her own that she can learn to be responsible for, plus, you never really know what you are going to get with a rental. I have seen many young students strugle only to find it was a crappy instrument and not them.
 
Checked the prices of the recommended ones and I might have to hold off purchasing one for now. I thought I can get a decent starter for about $150.00 :D[8)]...didn't know that they cost way lot more.

I had no idea that it is worse than buying a lathe! LOL [:0]

Good thing I asked, thanks for all the advice guys!
 
Originally posted by Dario

Originally posted by wdcav1952

That said, would a recorder be a possible alternative?
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LOL, personally I like that too but I am not sure if I can sell the idea to my daughter (and LOML). :D
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Actually, I was serious. From what little I know, the recorder is easier to play, still requires some fingering, but should be far less expensive if she turns out not to enjoy playing an instrument.
 
Cav...a big NO on the recorder! It doesn't help a kid learn to play a wind instrument.

Jonathan...I agree with the plugs and open-hole flute argument, but since it's going to be a long time before she can handle an open-hole flute AND she'll need to upgrade anyway at about the time she can handle one, it makes sense to get the best beginner level flute you can for the price.

Gemeinhardt's not a bad flute. Just avoid Armstrong and anything sold at Sam's or Costco!
 
Dario, we went though much of what you are experiencing. Prices at the local music shop were outrageous. Fortunately, there is a professional quality music store about 100 miles from us. Worth the drive. We got good advice and a fine flute at an affordable price. I think it is the type Jonathon recommended. If you haven't bought one yet, we still have it and my daughter might be willing to sell. I'll get in touch with her and ask. Actually, we went through this twice. Her first one was stolen. :(
 
Originally posted by txbatons

Cav...a big NO on the recorder! It doesn't help a kid learn to play a wind instrument.

Jonathan...I agree with the plugs and open-hole flute argument, but since it's going to be a long time before she can handle an open-hole flute AND she'll need to upgrade anyway at about the time she can handle one, it makes sense to get the best beginner level flute you can for the price.

Gemeinhardt's not a bad flute. Just avoid Armstrong and anything sold at Sam's or Costco!
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Gee, don't you blow air into both of them?:D;) Actually, I understand the difference to some extent. My thinking was that a recorder might be easier to play for a child Dario's daughter's age and see if she really wanted to play an instrument. That being said, and because I only "play" an ipod, I will semi-gracefully bow out of this discussion. [:eek:)]
 
Found it in my daughter's (former) closet.
Yes, it is the Geim-whatever brand. I think those are called open hole thingys. Silver plated. They said this gives a better sound. Used but not a lot and cared for. I don't remember what we paid for it, my wife should. Will have to get daughter's permission to sell, she is now married and living in Colorado. I'll e-mail her and even if you are not interested, no harm done.

200834144834_flute.jpg
 
Frank,

Email me later how much she wants for it if she is willing to sell. Though we initially wanted new...our budget cannot touch the price of the new good ones. Have to compromise :D

Thanks.
 
Originally posted by Dario

Frank,

Email me later how much she wants for it if she is willing to sell. Though we initially wanted new...our budget cannot touch the price of the new good ones. Have to compromise :D

Thanks.
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Sorry, Dario, I just heard back from her. She doesn't want to sell. In a way, I'm happy. She was good and I always enjoyed listening while she practiced. Maybe one day she will take it up again, even if only for personal pleasure. Or she will have a daughter who will play.
 
Frank,

Thanks. Good that your daughter want to keep it though.

I saw similar used ones for sale at Amazon for $99.00 maybe worth considering.
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776

Found it in my daughter's (former) closet.
Yes, it is the Geim-whatever brand. I think those are called open hole thingys. Silver plated. They said this gives a better sound. Used but not a lot and cared for. I don't remember what we paid for it, my wife should. Will have to get daughter's permission to sell, she is now married and living in Colorado. I'll e-mail her and even if you are not interested, no harm done.

200834144834_flute.jpg
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Sounds like it is a Gemeinhardt. Rather pricey. They are about five minutes from my house. There is also Conn-Selmer Blessings and UMI about five minutes the other direction. My wife's grandfather used to own Pan instruments(she also played the flute, low b)and my MIL works at a company that produces mouth pieces and keys for some of the real big companies.
 
Originally posted by Dario

I am looking for a descent quality flute (musical instrument) for my kid. Just a student/beginner but want to get a good VALUE instrument.

I am looking for an affordable one but definitely don't want a junk. Any pointers on what features to look for, good brand/model, where to buy, etc. will be much appreciated.

I checked eBay and the price range is dizzying.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Dario,

I saw your reply to Lou about the $399.00 flute being out of your budget.

Given that information - buy whatever you can find in working condition and hope for the best. You will find nothing in the below $400 range that is any good. Sorry - I've been doing this for a quarter of a century, and, while I think I can provide good advice, the bottom line is that you will get what you pay for. By the way - most students quit after two years. My experience is that they: 1) didn't get good instruction; 2) had a lousy tool (instrument to use) that would allow them to produce a good sound that is relatively in tune; 3) lack of parental involvement (can't speak to this one - I don't know your family!).

Hope this helps.:D

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett
 
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