http://cgi.ebay.com/SYMPHONY-BLACK-AND- ... otohosting
Ok, so I was on Ebay looking for piccolos, and I came across a brand I've never heard of... ok, so I'm no expert. But I do know that Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, and Armstrong are good brands. But back to Ebay.
There is this piccolo I came across that is of the brand Symphony. And in the description it says:
This piccolo commonly retails in stores for $690.00 and sports many features usually only found on much higher priced professional quality piccolos such as:
A conical bore for a more consistent full bodied, sweeter sound
A superior double channeled head joint for secure fit, bigger sound, ample projection
A durable ergonomic power forged gold plated keys for fast action, comfortable feel and easy playability
Cleanly processed tone holes and quality pads for better seating and long life
Special features like an offset G for easy reach
A perfect high luster black and gold hand polished finish
Accessories for this model include plush vinyl clad hard shell carrying case, cleaning rod, protective end cap and joint grease.
Now, is it true that this piccolo could stand up to the big brand names, or would it be better for me not to get this one? Also, any other questions, refer to the link above. Or just ask. It's not my ad, so I'm not sure what answers I could have for you.
Is this true?
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
Don't believe everything you read on the internet (especially E-bay). I have had experiences with Symphony flutes, and if the piccolos are in any way the same, I would avoid them at all cost.
To answer your question, at this point in time, these off brand flutes do not measure up to the big names. They may have the same basic features, but in the end, their construction does not measure up. Most of these are made in China where quality control is a major issue. If you want to save money, buy a good used name brand picc that has been play tested before purchase.
To answer your question, at this point in time, these off brand flutes do not measure up to the big names. They may have the same basic features, but in the end, their construction does not measure up. Most of these are made in China where quality control is a major issue. If you want to save money, buy a good used name brand picc that has been play tested before purchase.
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
I actually have two of these. I now play a Yamaha YPC-62 [all wood], and when it is in the shop, I use one of these as my backup.
Anyway...
I bought one, and then within two months, the plating started to chip. So, I filed a complaint, and they sent me a new one, and allowed me to keep the old one in case I needed parts.
I played on my Symphony piccolo for about a year, and it is definitely a hit and miss piccolo. I was fortunate enough to get two piccs that played fairly well. The only issue really was the padding and the finish on the keys.
So, if you are just getting started on piccolo, these aren't bad to start on. A more reputable maker is a safer bet, but of all of the "junker" ebay piccs I have encountered, these are definitely among the best.
I also know another person who has two of them, and hers lasted her through all of high school.
Symphony piccs aren't the greatest, but if you get one that has pads that seal well, they aren't a bad deal for the money. With the exception of the gold plating, I have found that they are identical in design to the Yamaha YPC-32 piccolos.
If you want to go for it, I wouldn't say it is a bad buy necessarily, but if you saved your money for a little while longer, you could get a much more durable instrument.
Oh, and customer service from their company is actually pretty good. When I needed assistance, they were most helpful. Their company is based in NY state, and from the looks of it, they are probably a company that is just starting. Give them a few more years, and their products will possibly improve dramatically.
Anyway...
I bought one, and then within two months, the plating started to chip. So, I filed a complaint, and they sent me a new one, and allowed me to keep the old one in case I needed parts.
I played on my Symphony piccolo for about a year, and it is definitely a hit and miss piccolo. I was fortunate enough to get two piccs that played fairly well. The only issue really was the padding and the finish on the keys.
So, if you are just getting started on piccolo, these aren't bad to start on. A more reputable maker is a safer bet, but of all of the "junker" ebay piccs I have encountered, these are definitely among the best.
I also know another person who has two of them, and hers lasted her through all of high school.
Symphony piccs aren't the greatest, but if you get one that has pads that seal well, they aren't a bad deal for the money. With the exception of the gold plating, I have found that they are identical in design to the Yamaha YPC-32 piccolos.
If you want to go for it, I wouldn't say it is a bad buy necessarily, but if you saved your money for a little while longer, you could get a much more durable instrument.
Oh, and customer service from their company is actually pretty good. When I needed assistance, they were most helpful. Their company is based in NY state, and from the looks of it, they are probably a company that is just starting. Give them a few more years, and their products will possibly improve dramatically.
A couple of years ago, I spent a couple thousand over a year trying out cheap internet piccolos/flutes. What I have found is the biggest problems with them are not playability, but durability. In other words how long they last.. You will find that most of these "economy" instrumentst are mostly Yamaha copies. Over the years, these economy flutes are getting better quality wise, but unfortunately, the materials are not. If any thing breaks on it, you may as well throw it away. Keep in mind that you may have to return one or 2 of them before you find a good one.
I am all for a beginner starting out on an economy instrument as long as it is playable. the instruments I bought lasts for a couple of years until I passed them along ot others. Keep in mind I had to really baby the instruments!
Here are a couple of rules to go by....
1. Email the seller, and make sure you have a full understanding of the return policy!
2. If you find something wrong, do not wait or hesitate to send it back. This is not personal, this is your money. The nature of these instruments makes the probability higher that you may go through more than one before you find a good one. Even with finer instruments this is the case.
3. If you can, buy from a music instrument dealer. I have found that people that generally sell instruments, check their instruments before the ship them. There are a lot of pawnshops, and importers that will just ship and instrument like it came to them.
4. Stay away from gold plating. I have found that the siver plating holds up better on the keys and the lip plate.
5. Be forreal. Most of us know how much things are suppose to cost. These days, you can do a lot of great things for a fraction of the money it use to cost. However, do not expect a YPC62 for $59USD. Will it work? Yes. Only you can determine your needs.
When I first started hanging out on this board, I use to recommend these instruments. I have even bought one for my son. I do not do this anymore because I have found people make me responsible if they have a bad experience. Even though, they did not take my advice about anything.
For further information, you can read the Flute FAQ
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411
Read Section2 which give you some brief advice and comments about cheap instruments.
I hope this helps.
Phineas
I am all for a beginner starting out on an economy instrument as long as it is playable. the instruments I bought lasts for a couple of years until I passed them along ot others. Keep in mind I had to really baby the instruments!
Here are a couple of rules to go by....
1. Email the seller, and make sure you have a full understanding of the return policy!
2. If you find something wrong, do not wait or hesitate to send it back. This is not personal, this is your money. The nature of these instruments makes the probability higher that you may go through more than one before you find a good one. Even with finer instruments this is the case.
3. If you can, buy from a music instrument dealer. I have found that people that generally sell instruments, check their instruments before the ship them. There are a lot of pawnshops, and importers that will just ship and instrument like it came to them.
4. Stay away from gold plating. I have found that the siver plating holds up better on the keys and the lip plate.
5. Be forreal. Most of us know how much things are suppose to cost. These days, you can do a lot of great things for a fraction of the money it use to cost. However, do not expect a YPC62 for $59USD. Will it work? Yes. Only you can determine your needs.
When I first started hanging out on this board, I use to recommend these instruments. I have even bought one for my son. I do not do this anymore because I have found people make me responsible if they have a bad experience. Even though, they did not take my advice about anything.
For further information, you can read the Flute FAQ
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411
Read Section2 which give you some brief advice and comments about cheap instruments.
I hope this helps.
Phineas
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etgohomeok
- Posts: 147
- Joined: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:26 pm
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flutedogs561
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:56 pm
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
Symphony flute...It depends.
These inexpensive musical instruments can vary widely in quality even within the same brand. I purchased a Cecilio alto saxophone and it plays well but the laquer chips off very easily. I purchased a selman tenor sax and it plays passably. But I tried one of these no-name brand flutes on eBay and had to return it due to a problem with the low f-sharp key not closing fully. The sound wasn't bad, but the quality was far below a really good flute. And many technicians refuse even to work on some of these cheaper instruments if you get one with a problem. They claim that they are not good enough quality to be able to be brought up to their professional standards. The reason I bought these saxes was to have something to last a couple of years or so while I save for a really good instrument. 
If you are looking for a cheaper instrument to begin with to see if you like it, be sure you get a seller with a high rating and a good return policy. Look at their feedback. The bad thing about buying a instrument on eBay is that you can't try it out before you buy. I was fortunate to get two saxes that weren't too bad, but the one flute I tried was not very good. If you don't mind returning and waiting for another and risking the potential problems that can occur with all this, it is up to you.
I was contemplating buying one of these purple flutes that look nice but I am afraid that they wouldn't sound too great.
I finally bought a Gemeinhardt flute after my negative experience with the other flute. At least you can rely on them to be top quality. And wwbw.com or giardinelli.com usually has some really good sales for their student flute models. And they also have payment plans...like about $30 per month for about three years.
Just some thoughts. For whatever they may be worth.
If you are looking for a cheaper instrument to begin with to see if you like it, be sure you get a seller with a high rating and a good return policy. Look at their feedback. The bad thing about buying a instrument on eBay is that you can't try it out before you buy. I was fortunate to get two saxes that weren't too bad, but the one flute I tried was not very good. If you don't mind returning and waiting for another and risking the potential problems that can occur with all this, it is up to you.
I was contemplating buying one of these purple flutes that look nice but I am afraid that they wouldn't sound too great.
I finally bought a Gemeinhardt flute after my negative experience with the other flute. At least you can rely on them to be top quality. And wwbw.com or giardinelli.com usually has some really good sales for their student flute models. And they also have payment plans...like about $30 per month for about three years.
Just some thoughts. For whatever they may be worth.
"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom." -- Charlie Parker
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flutedogs561
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:56 pm
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
Piccolos too.
I purchased a BandNow! piccolo from wwbw.com and it turned out to be a pretty good instrument. They had them on a closeout sale. I thought I would buy a cheaper one to see if I could even play it since I have migraine headaches. Everyone told me that they are harder to play. But I didn't really find that the case...just different. A good challenge...I guess that's why I liked learning the piccolo.
This is a little off the subject. My Pomeranian loves the flute but howls when I play the piccolo. So I have to go upstairs to practice where it doesn't hurt her little ears.
Anyway, again, be sure that the seller has good comunication and a good return policy. If you send an email and can't get the seller to answer...forget it.
This is a little off the subject. My Pomeranian loves the flute but howls when I play the piccolo. So I have to go upstairs to practice where it doesn't hurt her little ears.
Anyway, again, be sure that the seller has good comunication and a good return policy. If you send an email and can't get the seller to answer...forget it.
"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom." -- Charlie Parker
