Beware Fake/Counterfeit Yamaha flutes on eBay

[pied_piper]

The counterfeit flutes are typically sold as new not used. Also, those are typically sold by sellers in China. That case was a style used by Yamaha for a while. With used flutes, it's a good idea to be sure that it is in good working order. I'd suggest getting it checked over by a flute repair tech in your area. The tech can also confirm if it is a genuine Yamaha or not...

[Erginefendi]

How about this one? Should I buy it?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/321159647440

Im freaking out after reading you guys comments!

Dear keinle;
I would like to buy same flute from the same seller which you illustrated on the below message. I want to know whether you bought it or not. I wanna be sure that is original authentic yamaha. The price is really cheap.

Thanks so much

[alexandrazerner]

Hello everyone!

10 days ago I started playing the flute - a long-time dream of mine. I borrowed a Yamaha 211S and I am progressing quickly, due to the fact that I am a multi-instrumentalist and a professional musician for many years. I planned to get the same model but I saw this topic and I got scared that the one that I found on eBay might be one of those fake flutes, despite that it looks just like the original, described in the first post in the topic. Nevertheless, the price is quite low, therefore I am suspicious.
Here is the link to that flute:
URL DELETED
Do you think it's safe to purchase it?
Thank you in advance!

[pied_piper]

There are some red flags that would give me pause:

Yamaha does not include black tenon covers with their flutes but this one has covers on both the headjoint and the body tenon for the footjoint.

The ad says it is a 2018 YFL-211 but the YFL-211 is not a current model. See the official Yamaha page for a listing of the models they currently produce.
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical ... oduct-tabs

The logo engraving (shown in photo #7) appears to be laser etched but Yamaha does not laser etch. Yamaha either stamps or engraves the logo. That very photo is the poster child for the Facebook counterfeit musical instrument group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/392707677823174/

So, if you don't want to make a very risky purchase, you might want to look at buying a flute from a well-known flute dealer.

[alexandrazerner]

Thank you so much for the detailed reply!
I joined the Facebook group so I can see what to avoid.
Sadly, my budget is very limited and at this time I can't afford anything more expensive and I couldn't find any model on a legit store that fits my current budget.

[LarryS]

Spotted one of these today, a 211 at a ridiculously low price. Yes I know the 211 is now replaced by the 212 but even so a 'new' 211 would cost more than £117!
Same with clarinets. A Buffet B12 at a silly price. Obviously fake, but those not in the know could easily be fooled.
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is...