I recently asked about the Yamaha 400 series flute and got a lot of responses so thank you for helping me! Now my mom has found an Allegro 471 series flute which is an open hole. Does anyone know anything about this flute? The man at the strore offered to let me try it out and I was just wondering if the Yamaha 400 series is better than the Allegro 471.
"Allegro" is just a name that they gave a specific model within the 400 series flutes. It is still a 400 series flute, regardless of whatever special name they gave it.
The specks are a little different. The Allegro model is off-set with a split E key. It also has a gold plated lip and I think the inside of the headjoint is gold plated. If I remember right, those are the only differences between the 461 (off-set)/481 (inline) and the 471 (allegro). The allegro model is also silver body (the 371 would be silver plated body). Some of my students have liked the Allegro over the 400 series...others don't. I would try both.
With the exception of the gold plated lip (with a gold plated interior of the headjoint) you just described everything about a 400 series Yamaha. All 400 series Yamaha flutes have a sterling silver tube (head/body/foot). Almost all are open hole. You may choose between an offset G or an inline G. You also have the option of the split e mechanism or not.
Yamaha is just trying to market this specific model, so they dubbed it "Allegro." At most, it might have a different headjoint design or a different scale. But if that was the case, it would no longer have the "471" portion in its name.
Yes, I know all those things are available on the 400 series. The thing I was trying to make clear is that you don't have some options on the 471. It only comes offset, w/split e, and gold lip/inside. I personally hate split e keys...so this would never be a choice I would use. I do have some students who love the ease of the split e. Sorry if I was unclear. Some people just don't know that the Allegro is a set flute...no options...great if you want all that stuff. Hope this clears that up
Also, not positive, but I am pretty sure the heads are the same on the 400 series and the 471. I have never looked, but they feel the same and seem to play the same.
That is exactly what I said. It is a SPECIFIC model. Every flute in the Yamaha company is assigned to a number. They have a flow chart that organizes by specifications. It goes through all of the available options (and you decide yes or no for each question) and at the end it gives you a specific model number. For example: The 481H is a sterling silver flute, open hole, inline G, B foot. If you decided you wanted an offset G of the same instrument, the model number changes to 461H. You can not get a 481H with an offset G.
In truth, all 4xx model yamaha flutes are the exact same instrument. In terms of material and basic design, they are identical. The 4 specifies a series of instruments. The last two digits specify an instrument with exact unchanging features. So you are exactly correct. The Yamaha 471H flute is an unchanging FIXED model. As is every other 200,300, and 400 series flute. They are all the same exact instrument (within the series) with different features labeled with exact model numbers.
The 400 series flutes are solid silver and all have the same headjoint design and scale. A B-Footjoint is indicated by the letter "H" after the model number. So a Yamaha 421 is a solid silver, closed hole, offset G, C foot flute. But if you wanted the B foot, you would purchase a 421H. If you wanted the same specs as the 421, but with open holes, the model is now labeled as 461. 461H is the one with the B foot. It's very simple. An added or altered feature is indicated by a different model number within a series.
This is still true with the 500-900 series flutes. The only exception is that the model number (last two digits in the 3 digit number) only indicates the key type (open/closed hole) and inline/offset. Extra features are indicated with letters added to the number (because these are higher caliber instruments and have more options available).
So, a 674 is solid silver, open hole, offset G, split e, c foot. A 674HHVCT is a solid silver, open hole, offset G, split e, b foot, heavy wall, c# trill key.
Going tomorrow back to look at the Yamaha Allegro 471. Saw it today but didn't play it cause I just got my braces off. I will more than likely get the Yamaha Allegro for Christmas! It comes with a Yamamha piccolo so I'm trading in my old flute and piccolo. The flute has a gold lip plate so it looks really different to me. Think I might like the new flute......
Hi all.
I'm deciding between a Yamaha YFL-471H and a YFL-471HIIAL (Allegro series).
Do you know which one is best? or they are practically the same flute?
I've sent an inquiry to yamaha official site and got this as an answer,
"Hello Sebastian,
Thank you for your message.
The YFL-471H and the YFL-471HIIAL have nearly the same features. The original YFL-471H was discontinued a few years ago and replaced by the YFL-471HIIAL when it was introduced as part of our Allegro Series.
The YFL-471HIIAL does have some upgraded features, such as a gold-plated lip plate and more professional style case, but generally speaking, they have most of the same features.
Scott Yousey
Yamaha"
But at the same time I've been told in a shop from argentina that the allegros were inferior. I believe I should trust yamaha official.
Any experiences here or anything you could add?
Thanks in advance!
Generally speaking, the Yamaha 400 series is an okay line of flutes. Not the greatest, but not bad. There are other makers in the same price range that can certainly play circles around these, but to each their own. In my opinion, you're basically getting the same thing as the 200 series but a few upgraded technical features (open holes, possible b foot, silver tubing). From my research into the subject, the 200-400 series instruments are all made from the same molds. You just have some variables in the materials and in the finishing steps, but basically the same flute. More silver, less silver... all arguing points regarding sound quality, but in the end, design is where it's at. And for the most part, the design of these is the same as a student flute. Just a few extra bells and whistles.
So briefly... no. They're not inferior instruments. But they are not premium quality or front runners in their price category either. Azumi, Amadeus, Sonare, Trevor James, Di Zhao, and Lyric often play circles around them.
I would have you skip the 400 series altogether if you could and jump into the 600 or so if you can find an out going model or gently used.
Either way you HAVE to play them and compare which is why players trial flutes. For me just playing it for 10 minutes isnt enough. I have to bring it home and use it in my practice regimen for that day to really understand what's going on. Sometimes I'll know in minutes its the right flute. But its a big purchase and I like to really be sure.
If its a sax for example (and stores dont like to let these go home like flutes for some reason) I'll go to the store and play it for an hour or 2, walk away then go back and do it again. And again. 2 - 3 times before I purchase. If its used and I don't have that option I try to get as much time as possible with the instrument and make sure its an instrument I can flip if it doesnt work out for me.
There are other flutes at your price point that are better than the allegro (student flute). Altus-Azumi, Di Zhao, Pearl.....
I looked at a 471 the other day and other than being open hole the quality of the key work looked exactly the same as my YFL-221 back up flute. It had a CY head joint too that despite being 925 sounded no different. Very uninspiring. So why bother with this series? Dont get caught up in that gold lip plat etc.
Get a better body with an EC head joint. Or type Am (A modified) or type K if they suite you.
Thatll be a flute you can take into college if you want (not even majoring in flute/music but just enjoying ensemble).
What is your teacher saying? Does he/she really want you in an allegro - 400 series? Do they work at-for the shop selling it?
I am in agreement on that bit. I mean, if we get truly technical you can always argue about thermal absorption and molecular surface porosity in relation to material and sound waves as they move down the bore, but really? Plating is basically paint. If you like it, do as Phineas says: "Play the dang thing!"
Now my mom has found an Allegro 471 series flute which is an open hole. Does anyone know anything about this flute? The man at the strore offered to let me try it out and I was just wondering if the Yamaha 400 series is better than the Allegro 471. 
I will more than likely get the Yamaha Allegro for Christmas! It comes with a Yamamha piccolo so I'm trading in my old flute and piccolo. 
The flute has a gold lip plate so it looks really different to me. 