Hi,
Yahama, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter and Armstrong...These are the brands I've been looking at. I have twin daughters who are both starting out with flute this year in school so I am looking for 2 used flutes and cost is an issue. Until reading the posts on this site, I have been leaning towards the Gemeinhardt models 2sp or 22sp.
Now I have some questions: First, does anyone know what the difference is between the two models? Since Gemeinhardt seems to have some problems, I'm going to try to find a good used Yahama 225S or 225SII(silver-plated). Since these are in demand, if I can't locate them I was wondering if you would recommend the Armstrong 104. It seems to be less expensive so I was thinking it was a lesser instrument. Is this an accurate opinion? I am mainly interested in the ease of playing for beginners and sound quality plus resale value if needed. I don't want them to become discouraged and quit because of the instrument.
Also, their school initially set them up with Jupiter (510) flutes as rentals which we have turned back in. Does anyone have any experience with these? Thanks
Beginners needs help with best flute brands
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
A lot of Armstrong 104s are played in our local elementary and junior high bands, and seem to perform admirably at this level. The used prices of all thee brands in my area is similar ($150-$375 or so, depending on condition). The Gemeinhardts seem to log much more time in the repair shop than the Yamahas or the Armstrongs. The only--benign--maintainence quirk I've seen in the Armstrongs is the trill key "corks". On the 104, they're synthetic and tend to fall off--easily and cheaply replaced; annoying but harmless. My students have experienced good results and progress with these flutes, and they typically cost a bit less than Yamahas. 