Need help choosing several flutes and piccs.

[HighSpeedFlute]

I'm a flutist in a US Army Band and I'm looking for some flutes to replace our current stock (old Gemeinhardt intermediate-level flutes). Price isn't a major concern since we need professional instruments that will be kept for a minimum of 10 years (probably much longer). I have no idea why we even have these particular flutes.

We'll be purchasing three or four flutes once we make a decision. I'd love to play-test them before we commit to buying, but that may not be possible. I don't know much about the various brands of flutes and models available other than my Muramatsu EX which I'm very happy with.

We would also like to replace our current piccolos (Yamaha YPC-62). These aren't terrible, but our commander is really pushing for top of the line equipment. I've heard good things about Hammig and Jupiter. The best advice, of course, is to play several instruments to see which you sound the best on, but these are for the band rather than individuals.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can throw my way.

[Kshel]

If you are looking for something under $2000, I would suggest Trevor James, Jupiter, or Di Zhao. All of them play pretty differently, so I would get them on trial and test them out to see which sounds best to you.

If you have a little more spending leighway, I would shoot for Miyazawa, Muramatsu, or Altus. They are all fabulous!

My piccolo vote goes to Trevor James.

[cflutist]

You didn't mention your budget, but Burkart and Keefe make fabulous piccs. Keefe used to work for Brannen before he branched out on his own.