Is this a good student flute?

[epic-pineapple-power]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201471946418?ul_noapp=true

I've read in previous guest visits to this forum that Yamahas are most worth the investment (as they do not deteriorate in value quickly and are not so shoddy as to need constant repairs). Does this flute
a) look like a true Yamaha?
b) look to be in decent shape?
c) anything else you can think of. I'm a new player, so any advice is sorely needed.


Thank you so much!

[raspberry]

Never ever buy a used flute from eBay, places like Fluteworld.com would be okay, but as a general rule you should never buy a flute without trying it previously or being able to return it. Never, ever buy a used flute from eBay, craigslist, or a newspaper, etc without being absolutely positive the flute works.

[pied_piper]

Never ever buy a used flute from eBay, places like Fluteworld.com would be okay, but as a general rule you should never buy a flute without trying it previously or being able to return it. Never, ever buy a used flute from eBay, craigslist, or a newspaper, etc without being absolutely positive the flute works.

That's a poor generalization. Can you get a lousy flute on eBay? Absolutely yes. Can you get a great flute on eBay? Absolutely yes. The difference is knowing the signs to look for and being sure that the seller allows returns and has good feedback. An educated buyer can get a great flute deal on eBay. I have bought and sold a number of musical instruments on eBay, but I shop carefully and assess the risks associated with my purchases. If someone buys a $50 flute from a seller with only a previous sale or two, the risk is much higher. If a seller with many musical instrument sales and 100% positive feedback is selling a flute, the risk is much lower. Yes, one can still buy a dud, but eBay provides some protection against that. When I buy on eBay, I go in with my eyes open and I've never had a major issue with any experienced seller with good feedback. One time, I received an instrument that was missing an item listed in the description. After contacting the the seller, he shipped it out to me and I got everything I paid for.

eBay is a great place to shop for those who know what they want to buy and how much they are willing to pay for it. eBay is a poor place to shop for someone who has not decided which brand and model they want to buy. eBay is a poor place to shop for someone who is an impulse buyer. I've seen novice buyers bid items up much higher than they are worth and then back out of the sale. I've seen many bidders buying counterfeit brand name flutes from disreputable sellers because they didn't bother to do their homework. In those cases, they probably have no idea that they bought a counterfeit flute. Rarely will a buyer get a $1000 flute for $100 unless it is a counterfeit one or needs repair. Just don't say never buy a flute on eBay. There are a lot or reputable sellers out there.

[Phineas]

Here is some reading for you. It needs to be updated, but it is still relevant!

http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859

[christielea]

Hey there,

When it comes to buying a student flute I've written an article talking about the features you will and won't need as a beginner, things to watch out for if buying online as well as some recommendations (based on price).

http://www.theflutecoach.com/buying-you ... ent-flute/

Hopefully it's useful and when it comes time to hit the shops, you can head in with a little more knowledge and confidence

PS I've owned a Yamaha 100 series student flute and it has really stood the test of time. I upgraded to a Trevor James Cantabile for an intermediate model

Cheers! Christie

[cynthiamyra]

Thank you! very useful information!