Where to find a flute?

cluelessfather · Post by **cluelessfather** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:14 pm

I have been charged with finding a better instrument for my daughter. Any tips on where to look for quality used instruments?

Parameters: open hole, offset G, split E mechanism, B foot.

Her teacher keeps talking about the beautiful tone from a Muramatsu, but I don't want to spend $4000 for a 14 year old.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:41 pm

See the Flute FAQ here:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411

Also, try these for starters. The first two are reputable companies and they will allow you to get instruments on trial. The last one is for private sales - individual-to-individual.

http://www.fluteworld.com
http://www.flutesmith.com

http://www.usedflutes.com
See the used MURAMATSU GX - $2,700 plus shipping. Paypal payment only.

cluelessfather · Post by **cluelessfather** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:12 pm

pied_piper wrote:See the Flute FAQ here:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411

Also, try these for starters. The first two are reputable companies and they will allow you to get instruments on trial. The last one is for private sales - individual-to-individual.

http://www.fluteworld.com
http://www.flutesmith.com

http://www.usedflutes.com
See the used MURAMATSU GX - $2,700 plus shipping. Paypal payment only.

Thanks for the fast post & the links . I did not see that FAQ when initially perusing this forum.

I got all excited abut the Muramatsu at usedflutes.com, but it was an inline G and C foot.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 6:51 am

Sorry about the false lead on UsedFlutes. I saw Muramatsu but forgot to check it for the options that you had listed.

You could get lucky and find a Mura in your price range, but it gets tougher with more options. The offset G and B foot are fairly common but the split-E adds about $500-800 more to the cost of the flute. One alternative to consider if you can't find one with the split-E is to have a high-E facilitator/donut insert added. I have a Muramatsu flute myself and I installed the donut. It serves the same purpose as the split-E but is much cheaper. See the FAQ for more info about the split-E vs. donut. I think it works just about as well as the split-E and you can get a good flute shop to install it for less than $100.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:27 pm

The Muramatsu is a completely handmade flute. It is a HUGE upgrade from any 'band' flute that she is playing now. At the very least, go for a flute with a handmade headjoint. So, you would need to take a look at: Amadeus (all models below $3K but no split E mech), Avanti (All models below $2.5k but no split E mech), Azumi (all models below $2k with all specs you listed), Pearl (Dolce or Elegante series- all below 3.5K).

These prices are from FluteWorld.com

Going for a flute that does not have a handcut headjoint is not going to be that big of an upgrade in the long run. She will just need to upgrade again.

macika · Post by **macika** » Tue May 26, 2009 10:18 pm

Dont listen to fluteguy18. Their price is too expensive what u'll get. Those are really crappy flutes. I recommend Miyazawa PA101 or maybe 202 or Sonare flutes wich is very nice flutes with the Powell headjoints. These two company make a reliable mechanism on the flute and good tone quality flutes. I like muramatsu too, but not for me. I can't make a good sound on it

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed May 27, 2009 7:13 am

Macika, excuse me, but I don't believe I have welcomed you to the board.

Hi.

One of the first things that you will learn here, is to politely disagree with someone (because calling out by name is embarrassing).

I stand by what I said before. While you may disagree, it is important to realize that not everyone plays the same way. So while you may not sound good on a Muramatsu, it doesn't mean that someone else won't sound good on them. I know a few people who sound wonderful on their Muramatsu flutes. I for example don't like my sound on a Sonare flute.

The Sonare and the Miyazawas that you recommended (both of which are completely appropriate in this situation), are two completely different types of flutes. Miyazawa flutes are handmade (like Muramatsu). Sonare flutes have a handmade headjoint, with a machine made body and mechanism. There's a big difference. Trust me. Amadeus, Avanti, and Azumi flutes are exactly the same except that they are made from the companies: Haynes, Brannen, and Altus. All of which are very reputable flute manufacturers who produce a great product. These flutes (including Sonare) have handmade headjoints with machine built bodies/mechanisms.

macika · Post by **macika** » Wed May 27, 2009 7:42 pm

fluteguy18 wrote:Macika, excuse me, but I don't believe I have welcomed you to the board.

Hi.

One of the first things that you will learn here, is to politely disagree with someone (because calling out by name is embarrassing).

I stand by what I said before. While you may disagree, it is important to realize that not everyone plays the same way. So while you may not sound good on a Muramatsu, it doesn't mean that someone else won't sound good on them. I know a few people who sound wonderful on their Muramatsu flutes. I for example don't like my sound on a Sonare flute.

Lmao. I haven't said muramatsu is crap i just said i dont sound good on it. I said they're nice but not for me. That's why everyone has to try a bunch of flute. I think it is so stupid to ask "what flute should I get/buy?" we only can recommend handmade ones. Not by brand. For example: On miyazawa flute I really really liked it and when I changed the MZ7 headjoint to MZ5 I was like whatta... is this s**t?! and it's the same brand.

Oh and one more thing. Thanx for not having welcomed me to this board.