Question on Purchase of Intermediate Flute

[bpsanborn]

I have searched this site extensively and learned a lot. But deciding on the right brand and model is so difficult. I am a returning older adult beginner and playing a rented Jupiter 507S because my old instrument was toast. I am working with a good teacher. I want to purchase my own flute. An intermediate open hole, B foot, Offset G model seems like the best investment for my future.

My question is where to spend my money. A solid silver headjoint is a given for me. But my real question to the forum members is the difference between flutes that have a solid silver body as opposed to a silver plated body. I wonder whether I am better off with a better brand flute with a hand cut solid silver headjoint and plated body vs. a lesser brand with a solid silver body and a non hand cut headjoint. Where is my money best used? On the brand, headjoint or the silver body?

A typical choice is a Jupiter 711 RBSE for $1450... lots of features and solid headjoint and body. Or something like an Azumi A2Z for $1499 with a plated body but a hand cut solid silver headjoint.

I know this is a very subjective question. But I would appreciate any help or advice.

Brian
Groton, MA

[Phineas]

Where is my money best used? On the brand, headjoint or the silver body?

The best way to spend your money is on a flute you like to play on that you can afford from a reputable maker. Everything else is personal preference. Any dedicated player can sound good and play good on any decent playable instrument. Some flutes are just more comfortable to play for some players better than other flutes.

There are lots of brands and models, Made of lots of different materials with a lot of different features. Only you can determine what to get based on your needs/preferences.

Half of the fun of flute shopping is exploration and discovery.

A typical choice is a Jupiter 711 RBSE for $1450...

I like this flute a lot. It is better than the Azumi A2Z to me. Although it is a decent flute as well.

[bpsanborn]

Phineas,

Thanks for the quick reply. I understand your advice. I have seen similar advice in many places and I am sure you are correct. But I live in rural central MA and there are no flute stores where I could play test a short list of flutes. There are general music shops that focus on guitar and such. There business is mostly with the local high schools band programs and the rental and repair of cheap student instruments. I had to drive 40 minutes to find a store that would rent the Jupiter 507S I have. The other stores had no flutes in stock and could only order in no name middle school band flutes on special order.

These local stores might be convinced to order one Azumi or one high-end Yamaha if I promised to buy one of them (put money down). I would have to travel to Boston or New York City. The flute specialist in Boston seems to be a schmaltzy list price only affair. My $1500 would not interest them at all. The Flute Center of New York http://www.flutes4sale.com/ looks like a place where the comparison could be done. But that is a long haul from central MA. A train is the only option because there is no parking in mid-town Manhattan.

I assume that my only alternative is to develop a short list of brands and models and purchase through the internet with a trial period. But there is no side-by-side comparison that way. Another possibility is a flute convention somewhere in New England area. Where would I go to find such a thing.

Have I got this all wrong? Is there another option?

Thank you for the help

Brian

[bpsanborn]

I just found a music store, in fact the store I found to rent the Jupiter 507S. I had a long conversation with the owner about my wanting to compare a couple of flutes with the goal being to purchase an intermediate flute. He was very understanding and is willing to help. He sells Altus, Azumi, Jupiter, Haynes and Amadeus. I was pleasantly surprised. So maybe I was wrong and I can do this.

Thanks
Brian

[Gandalfe]

I live in rural central MA and there are no flute stores where I could play test a short list of flutes. There are general music shops that focus on guitar and such.

Might be time for a road trip?