What is your favourite beginner flute? Has it been ousted?

[QueenMangle]

Mine would have to be my current Andreas Eastman EFL210
I've had it since my first year of band, despite it being broken at the moment (any g-naturals will NOT come out, several people have tried) it's lasted me 4 years so far, and it wasn't very expensive compared to other flutes. I guess I've kinda grown attached to my one flute. A senior from last year offered to sell me her Gemeinhardt 3 student flute, and even though I don't have an open-hole flute myself, I'd much rather stick with what I have.

[SylvreKat]

My only beginner flute is my old Gemi M2 in extra-shiny nickel. Great little horn to start on. And carried me for 5 or 6 years. Added bonus was nobody else's flute was chrome-shiny like mine Now ! I keep it at church during choir season, for when the director looks at me and asks "Say, did you happen to bring your flute for this song?"--he tends to not think to warn me beforehand to bring my flute. Still plays fine despite not seeing my repairman since high school (and not often even then). Although I think I'll take it in this summer as the head joint is getting a bit tight.

My bells director also plays flute, and started with a similar model of Gemi. Her niece decided to play flute, so she had the idea to upgrade her flute and loan her Gemi to the niece. She hated the upgrade. She has told me numerous times she just can't get a decent sound out of it. She can't cover the holes so still has the plugs in (to which I keep telling her that doesn't matter, but it bothers her) She's happy again, 'cause her niece hit hs and chose choir instead of band and returned her Gemi.

>'Kat

[Gandalfe]

This is hard because I really believe in starting an adult beginner on a decent flute. The Gemeinhardt 3sh has been my go-to recommendation for a long time because for a while you could get a new one for $300 on eBay (did it twice, once for me and two years later for my wife after she wanted my flute). A few years later I cheated and bought a custom head that was on sale (see avatar) for another $200.

[Muckmoose]

I got an Armstrong 104 in 1968. THey have my vote to learn on too. They are rugged and easy to play. I believe if someone shows any aptitude and better (different) flute should be considered as a priority.

[bennybjazz]

Another vote for the Armstrong 104 for starting out. I got the best sound from them vs. the other contenders.
Today, I keep one around as a "dive bar" flute because of the durability factor. Also, if it gets trashed, they are a dime a dozen.