sonare flute

lhampton · Post by **lhampton** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 5:41 pm

I know it''s a division of powell, but is it any good?
I''m still thinking about buying a professional model flute because I have
decided that I want to do something with the flute in my life and I''m
wondering if a good sonare flute would be a good step-up flute from a
gemeinhardt intermediate flute. I haven''t heard much about it so I''m
wondering if it would be the right flute for me? Or should I just go all out and
buy a haynes, powell or muramatsu? thanx Leanne

mister_C_major · Post by **mister_C_major** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:41 pm

I also have a similar question to lhampton. I have been
practicing flute/piccolo for 7 years. My first two years I played on a beginner
Gemienhardt*sp, and then for the remaining 5 years I played on an intermediate
Yamaha Allegro. I've been shopping for a new flute for around two months, but
have no clue where to start. There are so many types and models that I don't
know whether one plays better then the other. I asked my band director who
happens to play flute/piccolo at the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, and she
talked to one of the local private instructors around town who frequently attend
the flute convenctions. She recommended a yamaha-300 series or a Powell Sonare.
Not knowing anything about either I went to the Nick Rail Music store she
directed me too and found a nice Sonare 7000 for $1995. However, is this really
the right choice for me? I have the funds, shall I purchase a second level
Muramatsu? The competition at my college I hear is pretty stiff, and I need
every upper hand I can get. My budget is approximately $5000, anyone's input
will be greatly appreciated.

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 11:57 pm

Leanne Personally I would not go with the Sonare at this
time. In my opinion it still to new to the flute market and we really don't
know enough about it to say whether it will be a good investment or not. I have
read of a couple of people that really liked there Sonare's but I have read
more stories of people that were not happy with theirs. Yes, they have the
famous Powell headjoint but the body and mechanism have not stood the test of
time yet. Kim

mister_C_major · Post by **mister_C_major** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 12:02 am

Thanks for the reply Kim, if the Sonare would not be the
best option, can you recommend another? or anyone in that matter? Thanks

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 12:03 am

Mister C Welcome to the board. I would recommend that you
visit a couple of music stores or make arrangements to have a few flutes sent to
you and give them all a try to see which one you like. If I were you and had the
funds I would definitly go with the Muramatsu over the Sonare. Muramatsu has a
wonderful reputation for making a professional flute whereas the Sonare is still
to new to say how they are going to hold up. You might also want to hold off
until you can speak with a flute professor where you are going to go to school
and see what flutes they recommend you try. Kim

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 12:07 am

Mister C, Hi again. I guess I would look at Muramatsu,
Miyazawa, Altus, Powell, Haynes and maybe throw in Yamaha for the sake of
comparison. Both the Powell Sonare and the Miyazawa Lyric have been getting some
attention because of their association with big name flute makers but neither of
them have really been around long enough to recommend them. Kim

Lisa4 · Post by **Lisa4** » Tue Jul 06, 2004 11:54 am

Lyric has been around and has a decent track record

But if you have a $5000 budget and you can do better. In that price range, Haynes and probably Powell really aren't going to work out because their better flutes are more expensive.

But the other instruments recommended Muramatsu, Miyazawa and Altus are all good picks. Avoid Pearl, Armstrong, Yamaha and Sankyo.

Play before you buy. You should be able to get a solid college flute for 3-5 thousand from one of those three companies

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Tue Jul 06, 2004 5:08 pm

I actually like the Sankyos...I recently purchased one and many of my flutist friends have them. I think the best option is to just try everything and anything you can get your hands on. If you can, bring a couple teachers or local musicians with you. When I tried out flutes, I brought along my teacher and a flute coach I had worked with and got both of their opinions, as well as the opinion of the flute player who owned the store.

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Tue Jul 06, 2004 7:10 pm

I agree completely.
I have a Pearl which I love! It all depends on the craftsmenship of that particular model and/or flute.

Try as many different brands as you can.

Lisa4 · Post by **Lisa4** » Thu Jul 08, 2004 10:10 am

If you play a Yamaha Allegro how is that you are not familiar with a 300 level Yamaha? Your Allegro is a 371 Yamaha or a 471 which is the same except for the silver tube.

Try out a lot of flutes if you are planning on spending that much money. Hopefully after having played for 7 years you have a somewhat trained ear for what to listen to but having someone to help you is always good as flutes sound different at distance.

Pearl do pay some fine artists to use their instruments. If you try a Pearl or a Sankyo and compare it to better instrument like the Muramatsu, Altus, Miyazawa quality stuff, then if you prefer them by all means buy the Pearl or Sankyo. You can buy those at greater discount as their is far less demand.

Any flute in that price range is good, some just have a better scale and a tone that is more pleasing to more people. Find one that matches you.