Advice on which flute to buy?

[Flutebassoon]

I am looking at buying a new flute (secondhand) and have found 2 good ones:

Gemeinhardt KG Special Ltd. Edition. Solid silver headjoint, body and foot. B-foot extension. White gold springs, gold lip plate, perfect in every way. This was a limited edition flute produced only for a select few dealers. It has just this week been professionally adjusted, cleaned and made perfect. Pads are like new. It comes with a hard case, zippered carrying case, tuning rod, plugs for holes. $950 + shipping.

or

Sankyo Etude Open hole, in-line G. Solid Silver, engraved headjoint.
Beautiful sound & good condition. Regularly serviced.
Great for intermediate to professional level

They are both around the same price and I don't know which one to get? A lot of people say Geminhardts are a rubbish brand but it's each to their own.
Any advice?

[fluteguy18]

If those are your only options, I would personally go with the Sankyo. They generally make better flutes. But... I would look around some more, and try before you buy.

[fluttiegurl]

I agree that the Sankyo would probably be a better flute. I have experienced several KG Special flutes with adjustment issues.

I also agree that you should keep looking. There are a lot of great flutes out there and you do not have to spend a fortune. Be sure to play test all of them and get the opinion of your teacher or band director on how you sound.

[ExPhysKid]

I have a Sankyo and literally cannot say enough good things about it. It easily outplays all other flutes I've tried from Gemeinhardt, Emerson, DiMedici, and Yamaha (and many of these flutes have been VERY good players, mind you!). Many people are not fond of Emerson's intermediate flutes, but the one I have is quite good...so with the Gemeinhardt you just have to find one that suits you, since that brand isn't the most well respected one out there. If it were up to me, I'd go with the Sankyo, but that's just my two cents' worth!