When Should I Move On?

[Soupy1957]

The refurbished Armstrong flute I bought, from a reputable person and a reputable woodwind shop. It plays well, and has been praised by my flute Instructor.

There’s nothing wrong with my student flute.

That said, I stopped by a music store the other day, to have some fun looking at “new” flutes.

I played an offset “C” with holes that had plastic removable plugs in the holes. I wanted to buy it!

When is (presuming I can afford it) a good (advantageous) time to upgrade, during the transition from beginner to intermediate, and how will I know I have reached the point of being considered ready to advance to another flute??

[Phineas]

The best time to upgrade is when you feel like it. Literally.

You cannot buy an instrument that is best for you until to get to the limits of what you start with. Or you wear a flute out. Most people just upgrade because of peer pressure, school requirements or just personal preference. All are valid reasons.

I have performed on cheap Chinese models just because they looked cool. I mostly perform on my Miyazawa. The audience can rarely tell the difference.

[Soupy1957]

Wearing out your flute? I presume that all pads (for example) are replaceable. Wear WHAT out? Springs can be replaced.

If the repair Tech charges a couple of thousand dollars for their work, then I suppose you might as well replace it, but my wife’s hand-made flute had a complete overhaul last year for $800,00.

[pied_piper]

Yes, any flute can usually be overhauled and brought back to like-new playing condition, but for low-end, beginner flutes, it will often cost more than the flute is worth so it is easier to buy a new one.

[Flutey McFluteface]

One day you get the urge to look at more advanced flutes, then you go to a dealer and try out several differenct ones....then Whammo! One is head and tails above the rest for most everything you are looking for and it is in your price range. The flute chooses you!