Maestro open holed B-foot vs. Yamaha 411

winkieflash · Post by **winkieflash** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:53 am

Hi there!

(it's me, the new gal!)

So I've been researching this quite a bit online lately, and can't seem to find an answer.

I currently own a Maestro flute (cheap American made) with open holes and a B-foot. I got it for € 250 at the time, and I went for it cause I didn't have a lot to spend and would just love to own a model with open holes and a B-foot.
Needless to say, I realize that the Maestro flute would soon wear out on me, and that it would never be able to seriously compete with any 'real' flutes out there. But it kept me happy for a year.

So now, I'm in the position to buy a beautiful used Yamaha 411. I have it at home right now, they're letting me try it out for 5 days to see if I like it.
The 411 model is the one with 92,5 silver head joint and body and silver-plated closed keys and a C-foot.
The flute is quite old, about 12 years the owner told me, and the original head joint was replaced a couple of years ago. (he didn't tell me this up front, but when I got the flute today I noticed there was an alignment-mark on the body of the flute, and none on the head joint) The head joint is a modern day 411 head joint.
Since the flute isn't new, there also aren't alignment marks on the foot joint (the newer models do have that).
The owner is a professional flute builder and repair man, and he told me the flute has been fully revised a year ago (for about € 300).

So my question really is: is this Yamaha 411 worth buying for € 800?
How long will this flute keep me happy?

I'm an advanced student and plan on going to music school this year or the next. (I also play violin, piano, guitar and saxophone)

Thanks!

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:11 pm

Frankly, I REALLY do not think you are going to be happy with it. For a little more money, you will be able to find something you will like better. This does not mean a Yamaha YFL411 is not a good flute. However a 411 is not much more than a student model. If you can a find YFL500 series flute, that would take you where you want to go. The 500 series is a toned down Professional level flute, as opposed to a 400 series which are supped up student models.

As far as the price, I think the price is on the high end of resonable.

Hope this helps

Phineas

winkieflash · Post by **winkieflash** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 12:23 am

I was afraid you might say that...

Too bad though. As you said, the 411 isn't a bad flute at all, and compared to my Maestro it's actually really great. I love playing it, it's so easy to hit those low and high notes on it...

Too bad. I think I have to send the flute back.

Thanks for the advice!

winkieflash · Post by **winkieflash** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:22 am

Okay, so one more question:

I may now buy a used Prima Sankyo Etude flute, which is, from what I understand, an early Sankyo CF201 model.

Would that be a good choice, considering my situation above?

Thanks for the help!

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:50 pm

Prima Sankyo Etude is an intermediate model, but it is a good flute. It is a good step up from a student model, and should do what you want it to do if it is in good condition. The headjoint is also very forgiving, and does not give most people any problems.

Phineas