Are either of these suspicious?

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:02 pm

Hey everyone. I haven't posted here in quite some time. So, I've been playing flute for a year and a half or so. I still consider myself very much a beginner, considering I'm almost entirely self-taught, and I play relatively infrequently, more as a hobby than anything else.

In any case, the flute I have is a student model, more or less as basic as can be. I'm interested in an open-hole flute, not necessarily because I think I'm at the stage where I would really benefit from it, but more just because I'm interested in having one to play around with.

Now, I do have access to my mother's old, solid silver, open hole Gemeinhardt. This is a pretty nice flute, but it isn't in very great shape. Plus, I'm thinking I might be interested in something more modern and student oriented anyway.

That said, is there anything that seems suspect about these two flutes on ebay? They seem almost too cheap to be true.

1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %26otn%3D2

2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %26otn%3D2

Also, if you feel that my buying any flute would be very silly, and I should really just invest in getting my mom's old flute fixed up, that's a fine opinion to express also.

vampav8trix · Post by **vampav8trix** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:23 pm

You would be better off fixing the Gemeinhardt.

Those two brands are cheap pot metal imports. They will probably last you a month if you get them in playable condition.

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:26 pm

Ok that sounds reasonable...and about how much do you think it would cost to get it repaired at a typical music store? Assuming it needs various adjustments, perhaps new pads, etc.

vampav8trix · Post by **vampav8trix** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:28 pm

I have no idea.

I would depend on the condition.

Just take it to a store and ask for an estimate. Most places will give you one for free.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:23 am

I agree, the two E-bay flutes are pretty much junk. I would stay clear.

Around here, a complete overhaul on a Gemeinhardt is around $250, but I know that is pretty cheap. I would look around (call some shops and look at places like Flute World) to see what the cost may be.

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:12 am

Ok, thanks very much for the info. I'll look into it during my spring break.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 4:33 pm

Those Ebay flutes will make wonderful lamps!

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 4:53 pm

All the best flutes include PVC pipe tenon covers and a screwdriver!!!!

NOT!!!

Tonight8 · Post by **Tonight8** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 11:23 pm

Please don't buy from ebay!!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:03 am

I would not say don't buy there. E-bay does get a bad rap when it comes to instruments. In truth, I have been able to find some really good deals on student flutes. You just have to know what you are doing. If it seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

The problem is when someone (usually well meaning parents) sees a "brand new" flute for x amount after the music store has one for 3x, it seems like such a good deal. To many people, a flute is a flute. But the reality is, that flute will generally be a mechanical nightmare. On the other hand, if a person knows exactly what he is looking for, knows what to look for in the auction and knows the right questions to ask the seller, he could get a great deal on a starter or marching flute. With parents, I insist that they take these flutes to my tech for inspection and let them know that they could be looking at as much as a complete overhaul. It could still be a good deal. I have seen better flutes come off of e-bay than from former band students who simply did not care.

I insist that parents steer clear with anything above a beginner flute. The student needs to have options and try many before buying.