Looking for opinions....

[hmmerpony65]

After 20+ years I'm picking up the flute again, and am trying to decide which flute to purchase. Because of financial considerations, I'm going to have to pick up something used. What do you feel would be a good, solid instrument to get me back into it and would give me the biggest/best bang for my admittedly limited buck? I'm currently considering:

Gemeinhardt 3SB
Jupiter JFL 711R
Armstrong Model 80

Thanks for your feedback!

[Symphony]

I've found that Yamaha's are always the most dependable. They're strong, sturdy flutes which allow space for a good clear tone, and, in my experiences, - well I've never had a student with a broken Yamaha, whereas the other makes at the lower prices do seem to be less reliable.

A Yamaha FL 211 is a good beginner flute that would work well for the first three years or so of a flautists life - and then there are more steps up from this, but it might be one for you to consider ; were you looking for open or closed hole flute - Im assuming closed hole.

Check those out; they might be what you're looking for.

[fluteguy18]

If you look at the Yamaha flutes, definitely look at the 500 series and up. The 200, 300, and 400 series flutes are all basically the same. Even though they have different amounts of solid silver, the design, and method of craftmanship are still the same. Solid silver doesn't really mean that much. It is the craftmanship behind the material that makes the difference.

[vampav8trix]

When I was a kid, I had an Armstrong 80B. That flute was awsome. It never broke. All the other kids were always having their Gemeindhardts adjusted.

I miss that flute. It was great for the price.

Right now I have a Gemeinhardt as an emergency back up flute. It is the biggest piece of crap. You need to buy a screwdriver if you get one of those.

Yamaha is the best bang for the buck if you don't have a lot of bucks.

I don't know a lot about Jupiter flutes.

Good luck

[Phineas]

Out of all of those, I like the Jupiter 711 best.

[<3 Flute and Picc]

I have a Jupiter student model that has lasted me 4 years. It plays excellently, but is now my backup/marching flute because I have an open-hole. I'm not sure of the model on mine, but it IS a student flute. It works really well and has lasted a long time.

[hmmerpony65]

Thanks to you all for your feedback.

How 'bout if I throw another into the mix.... rather than looking at these used upper level flutes (~$500-$700), how about a brand new Pearl PF-525RB Quantz (~$700). I'm not sure how much difference new vs. used makes, or how much difference solid silver vs. silver plating makes (this model is entirely plated, doesn't even have a solid head joint). Still.... I've heard good grumblings about Pearl in general, so I'm interested in further thoughts......

[fluteguy18]

Solid silver doesn't really mean that much. It is the craftmanship behind the material that makes the difference.

There is your answer about solid silver. While different materials may play differently in regards to feel, it is ALL about craftmanship and design. For example: A solid silver 'Ebay' flute you pick up for $100 will play. Then you grab a silver plated Louis Lot. The Louis Lot will play circles around the ebay flute.

Another example: My flute is a Miyazawa. It has a sterling silver headjoint, and a nickle silver [silver plated] body and foot. At the moment, I am playing on a sterling silver Miyazawa that was made about 20 years ago [my repairman sent it to me to use while my flute is being worked on]. The differance is unbelievable. My Miya plays circles around the older one. The older one is solid silver.

It is all about design and craftmanship.


On the subject of Pearl flutes: I don't care for them that much. I do know a quite a few people who love them though. For me, it is the headjoint. The headjoints just feel too directed and stiff for me in regards to tone color and dynamics. The mechanisms are great though. Very smooth feel to them. I don't think they are bad though. One of the best players I know played an upper line Pearl Flute in college. She is a brilliant player, and she liked her Pearl quite a lot.

[woof]

Thanks to you all for your feedback.

how about a brand new Pearl PF-525RB Quantz (~$700)...

I play a Pearl Elegante and have for 3 yrs now with zero problems. I am far from an expert but for me I think Pearls tend to project very well and seem to produce what I call a bright sound vs a darker sound -whatever those words mean? The headjoint on my flute has a very different cut from others I have seen and really plays the upper registers easily. I had to work a bit on the low C and B but now that is pretty solid as well. It seems to be very "in tune" across the spectrum and I can play along with a variety of CDs and sound "in tune" with what is being played. Overall I am very happy with the flute. As others have mentioned each person has different tastes in what kind of sound they like and can get out of a particular flute so it is always a good plan to play before you buy.

[fluttiegurl]

I played on a Pearl for several years, and it was a great flute. Several of my students currently play on them as well.

As for the 525, I honestly think you would be better off with then newer 505 Quantz model which I believe is a little cheaper. When I played both flutes, the 505 just felt better. You lose the silver lip plate, but I honestly don' t think there is much difference there, just marketing. After playing both headjoints, I just like the new design better.

My fav flute that Pearl produces (for students) is the 665. For the right student, it is quite a flute for the money, even if you do not choose the CODA option. Every year, they seem to get better. The newer headjoints are much improved from the first one I played in 01.

[sidekicker]

I, too, have a Jupiter (a little 511) that I absolutely love. I use it as a second flute. I think Jupiters are very comparable to Yamahas, actually, and that the "Yahamas are the most durable" thing is really just a myth anymore. Yes, they are good flutes; yes, they tend to be reliable; and yes, they are quite durable. But they aren't the only makes that are. There are others, like Jupiter, that give the same attributes -- and for a lot less money.

I really think you should look into the Jupiter line. Frankly, I was surprised at how good they are -- even the little 511s . And now I'm a big Jupiter fan.

SK

[fluttiegurl]

I had a Jupiter alto once that was a nice flute for the money. The only problem was the mechs were easily bent. I have not tried any other Jupiters since, so I am not sure if it was just the altos or not.

[<3 Flute and Picc]

I love my Jupiter, even though its just my second flute now. My dad may make me sell it though because I need a piccolo and my family doesn't have tons of money so yeah.
Its in great condition and plays well. If I have to sell it, I'll miss it. lol.

[arabians207]

I'd definitely look for a Yamaha in the 200 series, or if you can afford it the 500 series as they come with a handmade headjoint, which makes a HUGE difference. From your list I'd probably say the Jupiter. I have never played one myself, but I have heard very good reviews on them from several members on this Forum and another one I go on.

Also Pearls are pretty good, although the headjoint that comes with the 765 (not sure if its the same on the 665 and below) wasn't my favorite. For me the sound was very quiet and just didn't project at all. I do know someone that plays on a 765 who sounded very very good though. I have never played on their cheapest student flutes, but for a beginner I'm sure they would work great

For myself I play on a Pearl Dolce CODA with a Yamaha EC headjoint. This combination for me is wonderful

[gemeinhardtflute]

If you are getting back into flute playing, then the Gemeinhardt is the way to go. Easy to play, nice sounds, easy to care for. Go with the obvious choice. Anyway, it's not the flute - it's YOU.