Yard Sale Flutes...?

[ciuineadas]

Clearly, people around where I live don't know when to hold on to a good thing...or even to tell when they've got one. I went to see Frank at Associated today, and he told me that several professional-quality flutes have turned up at local yard sales (I'm talking $7000-$9000 instruments, here); he'd inspected them himself and found them in good working condition. The kicker...? Their former owners were selling them for only $35! Anybody want to go yard sale cruising with me...?

[dogster]

can i go where is this

[ciuineadas]

You're a bit far from me, I'm afraid, close to a two-day drive if I recall aright; I'm in pied_piper's territory. Not that we wouldn't let you come--who are we to stop you--but it might be a bit inconvenient. If you're looking for something a bit closer to home, go through listings in the papers for local yard sales and flea markets, or try a nearby thrift store. You never know what might turn up, and a lot of times it's just a matter of luck. Just be sure that you know what to look for going in, in terms of quality, and that you have someone on hand to perform any necessary repairs.

[pied_piper]

Clearly, people around where I live don't know when to hold on to a good thing...or even to tell when they've got one. I went to see Frank at Associated today, and he told me that several professional-quality flutes have turned up at local yard sales (I'm talking $7000-$9000 instruments, here); he'd inspected them himself and found them in good working condition. The kicker...? Their former owners were selling them for only $35! Anybody want to go yard sale cruising with me...?

I'd say either the sellers don't have a clue (i.e. not a flutist and it belonged to a relative), they might be stolen, or the economy is a lot worse than we thought!

I'm definitely game to cruise the yard sales!!!

[fluteguy18]

I do it all the time. I have a natural tendency to drift towards the musical instruments and go perusing them to see if there are any bargains. I haven't found anything spectacular yet, but I have certainly found a few really great student line flutes that were dirt cheap because they were tarnished and ugly! A good polish and they would have been wonderful starter instruments.

[ciuineadas]

Best as anyone can tell, the sales were legit and these people just didn't have a clue. The one seller was getting rid of a ~$9000 Haynes on the grounds that it 'didn't look pretty anymore.' One of Frank's students bought it on a whim--even she wasn't aware of its true value--and nearly got scammed into trading it for a better looking (but far cheaper) instrument at another music store; luckily she didn't accept their offer, and took it to Frank instead. And I've seen quite a few listings far below actual value (though none quite so cheap) from those who've had to sell their flutes just to pay the bills. If any of those instruments were flutenapped, the responsible party was certainly very good at covering their tracks.

[pied_piper]

Larry Krantz maintains a list of Stolen Flutes on his website:

http://www.larrykrantz.com/stolen.htm

I urge everyone to check it if you buy a used flute.

[ciuineadas]

I'm aware of the posting, and try to keep track of it, especially when I'm actively looking. But it's good to let people know that it's a resource that's out there just in case. I suspect, given the nature of his work, that Frank keeps track of it as well, though I haven't specifically asked. Just things that were mentioned in passing conversation...

[Arlee]

I wish I lived closer! I need an upgrade but am a bit poor atm lol.

However, I hadn't thought about checking yard sales... I just assumed if someone had a flute that great they would know. That is a bad assumption though I guess

[Phineas]

It is a lot easier to find a great deal on a flute than is is on something like a guitar. Everyone knows someone that knows alot about guitars. At least the name brands. Most people, including musicians,know little to anything about the value of a flutes. I have seen someone choose a Gemmy over a Pearl because the person at the store told them the Gemmy 2SP was the professional model.

On the other hand, things are only as valuable as people are willing to pay for it.

Since I have been living in the midwest, I have found so many good deals on used flutes I got so tired of buying them.

Phineas

[concertmaster3]

So where in VA are you guys? LOL I'm just one state down and in need of a good flute!

[Bo]

Unfortunately I am afraid I live too far away, but I LOVE this sort of things. I always also go to book sales for example and sometimes I have found a few rarities.

You can actually find anything at yard sales (not only flutes), it is like a treasure hunt!

[pied_piper]

So where in VA are you guys? LOL I'm just one state down and in need of a good flute!

Southeast VA - Hampton Roads area including: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach