Image flute?

[JenLaughs]

Good morning all! I have a student who is trying out an instrument from the local music store, without me knowing she was interested in getting a new flute. I cannot find out a single thing about this flute. It's apparently an "Image" flute; that's what is stamped on the barrel and embossed on the case. It appears to be a fairly decent instrument on first glance; offset open hole, French arms, B foot, split E. I don't want her getting an instrument, however nice it seems at first, that is going to disintegrate in six months. Her mom agrees. The flute usually goes for $1000, the music store is selling it (apparently a big sale) for $500. If I knew anything about the flute I'd say go for it, but whew, I cannot find a thing. Does anyone here know anything about Image flutes? This feels off, but I need proof. Thoughts? Thanks so much!

Jen

[Kaylyn]

I have been playing for 18 years and have never heard of the brand before, and it seems suspicious that there's no information online (I looked, too). I'd avoid it if I were you, but hopefully someone else will chime in!

[pied_piper]

Unknown brand = unknown quality

It might be good, it might be bad. Your student is taking a risk and unfortunately, there is no insurance to cover that risk.

There are many Chinese flute makers and some of them are quite good and some are quite bad. The Powell Sonare and the Burkhart Resona are examples of flutes made in China that are quite good. These companies perform the final quality check and adjustments before they are shipped to stores. If you buy an unknown brand without the backing of a major U.S. flute maker, you have no way of knowing what sort of quality you are getting.

In today's global market, anyone can have flutes made with any name on them. An individual store can buy a dozen or so flutes to sell. Below is an example where anyone can buy flutes by the BARREL and make a lot of profit selling them for any price they choose. They can say it's a $1000 flute, put it on sale for $500, and STILL make a huge profit after the cost of shipping and import duties have been paid. This example shows a student model flute but similar deals can be made for flutes with open holes, low B, and split E. Just because the flute has those features does not not guarantee that the quality will acceptable or that they will be durable.

Flutes-Barrel.jpg (11.87 KiB) Viewed 4098 times

[JenLaughs]

Oh, I'm not going to argue the point of features = quality, not by a long shot. LOL! But I played it and it played well, which is why I'm confused. I've been searching most of the day, have asked colleagues and they've asked colleagues, and we're all coming up empty. I'm going to tell my student that this is most likely a bad buy, and steer her towards something more reputable...starting with a recognizable brand.

Also? OMG you can buy flutes by the BARREL? Like a barrel of rum barrel? Who knew...a murder of crows, a barrel of flutes...

Thanks for your help.

Jen