used flutes

[bonefamily]

Does anyone have a good source where to buy a used flute? I'm looking for my first flute and figure to buy quality used... Thanks.

[Kshel]

http://www.jlsmithco.com/Home-OLD/USED-FLUTES

They offer a service agreement too, which is really nice.

[Zevang]

Also take a look at http://www.yourfluteworks.com
and http://www.flutes4sale.com/home.html

[bonefamily]

Thanks for the links! I'll look them all up...

[bonefamily]

Just had a look through the links above - waaaay out of my price range!! I am looking for a first flute as I am a beginner and was looking in the $200~$300 price range. I guess in my price range I won't be getting too much quality. I was hoping there was a Classifieds section here on the forum for those wanting to sell their student flutes as they move into a step up instrument. I hate to do it, but I'll look on ebay as well - maybe for a Yamaha 200/300 series, Gemeinhardt 2 Series
or the like...

[concertmaster3]

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdispl ... cellaneous
They usually have some stuff. If not, place a Want to buy add there.

http://wichitaband.com/used.html#modern%20flute
Might also be a good place.

As always, if you do ebay, make sure that they have a return policy.

[fingerbun]

Hi Bryan,

Not sure where you are but it will affect the price you pay.

I bought an Artley off eBay for $28 reasoning that Artley had a lower resale value than other equivalents flutes, and it worked out for me. First the flute was in good condition and secondly I was also lucky that I got an older Artley which were good student models. They moved manufacturing in the early 70's and their reputation went down as a result.

If you think about it I was very lucky...a > 40year old flute that had been used by students but was in good order. Even as it is, I may have problems getting work done if I ever need major repairs done to the instrument - I have been advised by a flute tech that he will not work on some model Artleys.

In Australia, if a student flute needs major restoration it would probably cost about $500, and I can buy a new student flute for $600-$650 without much trouble if I shop around, so finding a flute that doesn't need major work is important.

The condition of the flute is important because it's really frustrating learning how to get consistently good sound from the flute (and I mean that in the nicest possible way!), even when you have an instrument that works properly.

Based on watching eBay I was prepared to pay $40-50 for an Artley and at the time I would have needed to allow $150-ish for a Yamaha. These prices are out of date, but if you come up with a short list of flute models and start watching for them on eBay you can work out the going price.

[sidekicker]

Hi Bryan --

Not sure if you are still looking for a flute or not. But if you buy new and want a good flute for what you pay, have a look at a Jupiter 511. It is their base model and, as you probably know by now, you do get what you pay for in the way of flutes. However, I bought one of these a couple years ago because I needed a reliable sturdy flute for outdoor gigs or for other circumstances that I would never put either of my professional flutes through. I have found it to be a surprisingly terrific instrument. Right now they are running about $650 new, but you might be able to pick a used one up on the cheap. I also had a very good friend of mine, who happens to own one of the most well-respected flute supply companies, find one and pick it out for me. That was mostly because I am still old-school and insist on in-line G, open-holed, flutes -- which are nearly impossible to find these days at the student level.

In any event, good luck on your quest and I hope you find something that meets your needs.

SK

[sidekicker]

In fact, here's a new one for $378:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 9124716001