Yamaha YFL 211 or YFL 361

[freespirit]

I understand that this kind of question comes up a lot but I hope that the kind souls on this forum will be able to somewhat aid me in making my decision.

Currently, I am 19 and a freshman in law school, which means that my time and money is somewhat limited. Also, I hold an ABRSM diploma in performance (piano & cello) but have never played a woodwind instrument past the mandatory recorder in primary school. Having thought this through for over a year now, I have finally decided to take the plunge and start learning the flute. Trouble is, I know close to nothing about it. Which brings me to my problem/question.

I start lessons this coming Monday and my teacher said that I should have a flute by then. I told her that I don't know how to go about buying a flute (because I wouldn't even know how to go about trying them out like every one seems to suggest). She then gave me two options:

1) YFL 211, which is about $710 (This is in Singapore dollars - I've heard that flutes are cheaper here, though I don't know how true that is.)

2) YFL 361, which her ex-student is selling for $900-$1,000SGD after having played it for four weeks only. It retails at $1,250 here.

3) I also found this -
http://www.olx.sg/unused-yamaha-flute-f ... d-43340381

I'm quite keen on learning the flute and am not doing this on a whim. I understand how valuable a solid, trustworthy instrument can be and do realise that there are other options out there. Therefore, I am still trawling through the net for alternatives while also making plans to visit some shops other than Yamaha.

BUT! If I absolutely had to choose one of the options, which should I go for? I'm concerned because the YFL 361 is tagged as an 'intermediate' level flute, yet I'm not sure if I will be able to afford the possible upgrade from the 211 until I start working, which is probably a good five or six years (more if I opt for a double degree) down the road. Unless five or six years on a 'beginner' flute is normal for someone, especially at my age.

I apologise for the wordiness, but please advise me!

Thanks very much,
Jill

[fluttiegurl]

Personally, I would go for the 361. It sounds like you found one for a good price. I am not 100% sure of the difference in the specs, but it should take you a little further.

[freespirit]

Thanks fluttiegurl!

I found a shop that carries the following lines:
Selmer
Emerson
Armstrong

However, the person behind the counter told me that he lacked the expertise to properly advise me. Are there any particular models you know of from these brands that are worth looking into?

[gerdonhanry]

They both have offset G. That is a more secure pivot system for the G key key that does not compromise the solidness of the Bb and A key hinges. It places the G key in a more ergonomic position for most -players.

The only difference with the 211 is that it has a split E, which outside USA, is highly recommended by many if not most teachers. It seems to be gaining increasing popularity in USA also. It usually adds somewhat to the cost.

[StephenC]

I understand that this kind of question comes up a lot but I hope that the kind souls on this forum will be able to somewhat aid me in making my decision.

Currently, I am 19 and a freshman in law school, which means that my time and money is somewhat limited. Also, I hold an ABRSM diploma in performance (piano & cello) but have never played a woodwind instrument past the mandatory recorder in primary school. Having thought this through for over a year now, I have finally decided to take the plunge and start learning the flute. Trouble is, I know close to nothing about it. Which brings me to my problem/question.

I start lessons this coming Monday and my flute instructors/teacher said that I should have a flute by then. I told her that I don't know how to go about buying a flute (because I wouldn't even know how to go about trying them out like every one seems to suggest). She then gave me two options:

1) YFL 211, which is about $710 (This is in Singapore dollars - I've heard that flutes are cheaper here, though I don't know how true that is.)

2) YFL 361, which her ex-student is selling for $900-$1,000SGD after having played it for four weeks only. It retails at $1,250 here.

3) I also found this -
http://www.olx.sg/unused-yamaha-flute-f ... d-43340381

I'm quite keen on learning the flute and am not doing this on a whim. I understand how valuable a solid, trustworthy instrument can be and do realise that there are other options out there. Therefore, I am still trawling through the net for alternatives while also making plans to visit some shops other than Yamaha.

I apologise for the wordiness, but please advise me!

Thanks very much,
Jill

I would also go for 361. Some facts you should know about this flute: Key of C. French model, offset G. Significant advancements and improvements have enhanced the already enviable performance of the Yamaha Intermediate Series. Incredible attention to detail, rigorous testing procedures, hand adjustments, and play-testing by craftsmen ensure the smooth function of the flute. Hand-assembled and hand-adjusted keys ensure excellent touch and balance, while ergonomically shaped keys provide a comfortable and natural playing position. Hope it helps.

[fluteguy18]

Really, aside from the open holes and maybe the material that it is made out of, the differences are really insignificant in my opinion. The scale and design is the roughly the same between the two. Material doesn't necessarily have a difference in the sound quality of the instrument (particularly if you are comparing student/intermediate models) if the material makes any difference at all. Open holes... eh ::. If you want them, great. If not, then they're not a big deal. The kind of keys you have don't make the instrument better necessarily.

You can't go wrong with either of them in my opinion (assuming that they're both in perfect condition). I have always viewed the 200-400 series yamaha flutes on about the same level of quality. You don't see a really big difference until you hit the 500 level.

[littlesavedgirl]

I'm grateful for your apparent repetitive question because I too wanted to know some information on Yamaha flutes along with several others. I currently am playing on a Pearl 501 but hoping to soon purchase a better and newer flute. So thanks for the question

[stupidzebra]

I would go for the YFL-361 because it is perfect for advancing students who are not yet ready for a professional flute. Also, I really like the solid silver head joint.

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