Yam 261 vs Armstrong 80-BT

[Jacques5646]

Hello, flute lovers.
This is my first post, on this forum devoted to my first instrument, even if now I'm playing more saxophone than flute. I can be described now as a "doubler" but my practising flute is regularly improving, thanks to my activity in a jazz bigband where I'm both the baritone and "the" flutist.
After having played for years on a Sankyo CF 301 now pronounced dead by two great pro players, I'm now on my daughter's Yam 261 SII, with a 925 solid silver head I bought on the aftermarket. The result is quite decent.
I might have the opportunity to acquire a near new Armstrong 80-BT for a low price.
Has anybody on the forum a first hand idea of a comparison between these two flutres ? In other words, would the Armstrong represent (in theory anyway) an improvement upon my present setup ?

Thanks in advance

Jacques

[pied_piper]

Has your flute been run over by a truck? If not, an overhaul could put it back in top notch, like new condition. The Sankyo CF 301 is a very nice flute. I would seriously suggest that you have it checked over by a good flute tech because it is a much nicer flute than either the Yamaha 261 or Armstrong 80.

[fluteguy18]

I agree completely. Unless it has extreme damage to it (from sitting on it shaping it into a boomerang, a car running over it... a bomb going off inside...), an overhaul by an experienced flute technician (specialized on the flute and not general instrument repair) would bring it to new or better than new condition. On a flute like a Sankyo an overhaul would cost only a bit more than either of those flutes (new) and you would have a MUCH better instrument....

[Zevang]

Has your flute been run over by a truck? If not, an overhaul could put it back in top notch, like new condition. The Sankyo CF 301 is a very nice flute. I would seriously suggest that you have it checked over by a good flute tech because it is a much nicer flute than either the Yamaha 261 or Armstrong 80.

I couldn't agree more!

[avins]

I also asked advice on choosing a new flute In the Pearl flutes, but decided to try out the Yamaha 574 with EC HJ. somehow I didnt like the sankyo 301 and also 201 , I felt the Muramatsu was far superior all in all over the Sankyo. ,
The Pearls (665, 695 and 795) had a nice sound but somehow not so great when it came to articulation ,Ive read quite a few recommendations on the Yamaha 574 , so it came down to either Mura Ex or 574 , Unfortunately, the decision was not easy , especially as I couldnt find a store which kept both , so it meant skiping over from one store to another.
What shall I say , I thought the two were great , but the Yamaha is cheaper , and I acutally wanted a flute with a c foot, and ,at least with the samples I tried out, I prefered the Yamaha with C foot vz Mura with C foot , Im now a few days after buying the Yamaha and I love every bit of it , I think its a great flute ,has a nice clear sound , beautiful low tones although the Mura might have an edge over there, but it is fantastic in the middle and high tones.
Oh BTW , I was hoping to find a good 300 or 400 series Yamaha , with the CY HJ , but the 574 is so much better that I had to buy it ,
Avins

[Jacques5646]

Many (late) thanks for all these unanimous answers !

I confirm the Sankyo has not been crushed by a manoeuvering tank nor used as a hammer; I also was very skeptical about it's pronounced death (strange enough, it was from a renowned Canadian concertist, prof at the pro section of the Geneva conservatory; nobody is perfect...). I've now an appointment with a very good tech who is as convinced as you he'll revive the beast without too much of a problem. I'll give you a short report as soon as it's done.

For the record, I had bought the Armstrong and found it having a nice sound, broader and warmer in the lower register than the Yam; however, the 3rd register is way too sharp. I first thought the culprit was more my embouchure than the flute but a quick double check with a tuner showed I was very well on track with the Yam, up to the high C, so...

Thanks again


J

[Kaylyn]

Curious to hear about the Sankyo when it's finished.

I may be a bit biased. I play the Silver Sonic (old 301) and love it.

Let us know how it turns out!!!