Buying a Used flute?

flutegirl49 · Post by **flutegirl49** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:36 pm

I'm not sure if I will get a used flute or new flute....
but I was wondering where the best places to buy a used flute would be?
I looked at flute world, i think it was, and they didn't have what i needed..

i need a intermediate-professional flute
open hole, b foot, solid silver head and body... engraving on the lip plate would be nice but it isnt necessary..

please help me out if you know places that are good for finding a good used intermediate flute.. thank you!

Mango · Post by **Mango** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:58 am

If you're in band in school or have a private teacher, try asking the instructor. They might be able to point you in the right direction.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 4:37 pm

I buy and sell on usedflutes.com and have had no problems, other than [b]obvious[/b] fraudulant offers to buy. Be very cautious, however, when buying a used flute online. Be sure to ask for pictures, when it was serviced last, and the condition of the pads. Keep in mind that when you are buying a used flute, don't expect it to be perfect. You are also somewhat limited to many options simply because you are limited to what people have and want to get rid of. Be sure to know the flutes that you are interested in as well as their new prices before making an offer on anything. Don't pay more than 2/3 to 3/4 the new price (as a general rule), and make sure that the person you are dealing with has some kind of return or trial policy. This insures that if you get a dud, you can send it back. Good luck!

boglarka · Post by **boglarka** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:36 am

Try www.flutesmith.com or www.fluteworld.com or www.wwbw.com

I think all 3 have trial periods on their instruments, but I don't think wwbw sells them used.

There is also a publication called the Flutist Network (perhaps flutenet.com, but I"m not sure). There are advertisements there every month, but they are mostly from private parties, not shops.

gollum · Post by **gollum** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:36 am

If possible I'd go in somewhere and play different models of intermediate flutes. I don't know where you are located, but Woodwind and Brasswind (also listed on previous post as www.wwbw.com) carry alot of models at the intermediate range. Their prices are very good and they offer a trial on their instruments. They sometimes do have some used instruments also. This way you can compare sound as you play instead of trying to remember what one sounded like at home. You have the option of buying new, or if you decide to go for used, you might be able to have narrowed it down to what brand and model you want. Narrow your choices, do you want all silver, silver head, Bfoot, Cfoot, open hole, closed hole, how long are you planning to play it before upgrading? Are you in a band, orchestra or a private studio? If so, ask your teacher their recommendations or band instructor. Some school districts also have a band boosters type groups and they often know of instruments for sale as people move up to higher end instruments. Also, ask friends in band or students in a teachers studio to try their instruments out, everyone sounds a bit different even on the same instrument, you might find something you like or dislike. They key is to narrow it down and find what you like. That done, price them both new and used. Student models are much easier to find used, but some intermediates are out there. If you buy used, make sure you have a trial period and get a reputable repair person to check out the instrument before final payment. I have to admit I have bought on Ebay before and been very pleased. But, always check feedback, trial periods, and use an escrow service for any large amount of money. Hope this helps a bit.

juneroses · Post by **juneroses** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 4:47 pm

First find out your price range before anything. New professional flutes (im making an estimate) are around $2,000-and up. I'd ask a band teacher or professional flute player before anything for their store reccomendations. I'd personally reccomend JB Weissman which sells new and used professional flutes. The man who runs the store is a genius and really knows how to help a customer find the right flute by giving them blind tests on all the insturments in thier price range. He also only sells the best brands, Murumatsu, Miyazawa, Yamahas, Trevor James, Sonare, Powell, and I'm sure there's a lot more I'm forgetting. Yeah, they have a site so you should deffinatly look into that store. It's located in Queens and the owner's home is in Paramis New Jersey.

flutegirl49 · Post by **flutegirl49** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 7:37 pm

thanks for all your help everyone!
After thinking about it.. I decided to just not buy a used flute b/c its kind of hard to find a good one and it takes SO much work. but my parents decided to buy me a new flute now so yeah

thanks for all your advice