Musing

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:22 am

I was just wondering what price range I would be looking at for a professionally made flute preferably plateau keys and a C-foot. I would probably be looking at the lower end of such a price range. I don't have the money yet but I'm on my way.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:44 pm

Typically people mean handmade when they say professional. So, going in that train of thought, a closed hole flute is probably a special order. But, a lower priced handmade flute with closed holes could easily be found for around $2-3k. Maybe even cheaper. With this said however, you must understand that it will be most likely silver plated unless you find one used. All solid silver will run you upwards of $4-5k.

Or, you could go another route with Yamaha. They put hand cut heads on machine built bodies [which the keys are fitted by hand I believe] [500-700] series, and they are slightly cheaper. But, my info may not be 100% correct on this. You can find prices on fluteworld.com Even though the prices will be for open hole, all you would have to do, is contact them to make a special order for the closed hole. Usually makers don't charge any extra for closed holes whatsoever.

Any other thoughts?

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:06 pm

How are Yamahas? People I've talked to don't hold them in very high regard. Too, do you know anything about an online website called The Flute Exchange at www.flutes.com.

Other than those none at the moment. As I said I'm just kind of mulling over the idea and don't have the money yet. I know I need a better one for college and don't really want to be fighting with open holes. I'm still playing on my beginner *sigh*.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:26 pm

http://www.miyazawa-flute.co.jp/catalog ... el_03.html
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/wind/wood/fl/fl-pr.html

You will need to translate the pages into English.

I own both of these models.
Miyazawa Legend 1E
Yamaha 514

The Miyazawa will run about 2500 USD, and the Yamaha will run about 1700USD

In the Fareast, close hole professional models seem to be a standard. I guess people in the west have to have an open hole to feel professional. Anyhow, you may have to special order them where you are, but they are produced and available in Japan at least.

My personal preference is the Miyazawa, although the Yamaha is a very nice flute also.

Do not let anyone tell you how good or bad a flute is by preference alone. Always play on it and try it for yourself. Most people complain about Yamahas being over priced. In Student models, this is true. Where Yamahas really shine is in their upper level models in my opinion.(500 up models)

Phineas

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:32 pm

How would I go about playing on one? There is one major music shop that I know in my area but if I don't want to go through them how would I do it?
Like I said I'm still on my beginner and have never test played any flute before.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 5:45 pm

fluteworld.com has a fairly good trial program. Flute Specialists Inc. in Michigan does as well if you set it up in person [if they are at a local flute fair for example].

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 5:16 pm

Was looking for the Miyazawa and Yamaha and they seem to be offered only internationally. The Yamaha particularly was only mentioned on the international part of the Yamaha website. Interesting. I found a Haynes with c-foot and plateau keys. Any thoughts?

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:50 pm

Talk to your flute dealer. Both of these brands are made in Asia, your deal just has to do a little foot work to get their hands on one. I know several people who have gotten at least the 514 here in the states.

Haynes is a nice flute. I use to own one. I have my opinions, but overall it is a nice instrument.

Phineas

sidekicker · Post by **sidekicker** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:55 pm

kflutist wrote:I found a Haynes with c-foot and plateau keys. Any thoughts?

Do you happen to know about when it was made? If you have the serial number, you can find the year. When a Haynes is made will make a pretty big difference, IMO, in whether I would recommend someone purchasing one.

SK

kflutist · Post by **kflutist** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 6:15 pm

Well, I found that I can get a new one beyond that I've seen two new used ones #30165 and #30082. They are listed under used instruments on fluteworld. I've also found that I could do a Muramatsu. I don't know much about this brand either. If anyone has any comments on anything above posted let me know.