Cheap chines alto flutes on Ebay - any good?

[zorrosg]

I have an irresistable urge to buy an alto flute, but have a very limited budget. I noticed on Ebay some chinese made alto flutes, going for about $600 shipped, with two headjoints and it looks tempting. I wonder does anyone here have experience with the cheap china made alto flutes, and whether they were decent instruments for a doubler/beginner? Many thanks!

[fluttiegurl]

My experiences (and curiosity) in this ended up with a flute that played well for about a month. The keys bend very easily (even when it is in the case) and it is impossible to keep adjusted. Too bad since it really does have a nice tone. It is now in my junk pile.

[flutego12]

I have an irresistable urge to buy an alto flute, but have a very limited budget. I noticed on Ebay some chinese made alto flutes, going for about $600 shipped, with two headjoints and it looks tempting. I wonder does anyone here have experience with the cheap china made alto flutes, and whether they were decent instruments for a doubler/beginner? Many thanks!

I don't know much about cheap chinese alto flutes on ebay but I sure have heard about the fast becoming if not already popular Taiwanese GUO flutes. They might be within your price range and RAVE reviews all around.

[flutego12]

My experiences (and curiosity) in this ended up with a flute that played well for about a month. The keys bend very easily (even when it is in the case) and it is impossible to keep adjusted. Too bad since it really does have a nice tone. It is now in my junk pile.

Good advice