Cheap brand "Cecilio", how bad can it be?

[Doktor Dyper]

For a long time have I been interested in flutes, and just recently decided I might buy one.

I searched Ebay for some cheap flutes, I'm not looking for anything significant, since I won't be able to invest serious time in my flute playing any time soon anyway. For now piano/harpsichord (and work/school) has priority over flute, but eventually I'll have more time to pick up flute, which I'm already quite excited about. (I will take lessons then, too)

When that time comes, I will invest in a more proper flute than the one I am looking at now.

I currently have my eyes on a flute by a brand called Cecilio, which caught my interest by it's cheap price and it's stunning looks; Black nickel plated, with gold plated keys, something I really like but haven't seen on any other brand.

Is anyone familiar with the brand, and could this flute be okay to familiarize myself with flute until I have the time to take it up for real?

Thanks in advance, flutelanders!


Edit; Also, if any of you know of other brands that have this black/gold look, please let me know, I love it, and it's the main reason I want a Cecilio flute.

[lula]

I almost bought the exact same flute! I read the reviews on this flute and from what I read people said it was a cheap brand. I thought the black nickle flute was beautiful but my band director advised me to look for a better brand.

Sorry I don't have better news for you. My advise is too keep looking for a better flute. But maybe you should try it out and see for yourself if you like it.

[jakell2010]

You can get a gemeinhardt 2SP and a jupiter for under for under 300 that flute is a waste of money, unless your an 8 y/o 1st year band student who's going to throw it around and sit on it

[Phineas]

For a long time have I been interested in flutes, and just recently decided I might buy one.

I searched Ebay for some cheap flutes, I'm not looking for anything significant, since I won't be able to invest serious time in my flute playing any time soon anyway. For now piano/harpsichord (and work/school) has priority over flute, but eventually I'll have more time to pick up flute, which I'm already quite excited about. (I will take lessons then, too)

When that time comes, I will invest in a more proper flute than the one I am looking at now.

I currently have my eyes on a flute by a brand called Cecilio, which caught my interest by it's cheap price and it's stunning looks; Black nickel plated, with gold plated keys, something I really like but haven't seen on any other brand.

Is anyone familiar with the brand, and could this flute be okay to familiarize myself with flute until I have the time to take it up for real?

Thanks in advance, flutelanders!


Edit; Also, if any of you know of other brands that have this black/gold look, please let me know, I love it, and it's the main reason I want a Cecilio flute.

Read section 2 of the FAQ here.

http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411

The first thing is, you will have to find one that is playable. After that, you have to be very delicate with it. Celilio flutes are just not the better of the cheap brands. For $200-$300, you can either get a used Yamaha, Armdtrong, or Gemmy or a new one of these.

Selmer Prelude
Barrington Model 229SP
Bundy BFL-300 Flute
Etude Model EFL-100
Jinyin 2000s

You may even find one of these new/used

Armstrong 104
Yamaha 225
Gemeinhardt 2SP
Jupiter 500 Series
Pearl 501

I have a Saxophone that is black nickel with gold keys, and it is a decent quality instrument. However, I have yet to find a truely "decent" flute that has a color. I use to have flutes in all kinds of colors. That being said, you could either have a good experience, or totally hate it depending which flute you wind up with. Also, do not expect ANY repair person to work on a Celilio. If who ever you buy it from does not do a decent setup on it, you will be stuck!

Phineas

[Doktor Dyper]

Thank you all so much for your timely replies!

'T is a shame I can't get a flute in that nifty colour, but one that actually plays is, of course, a lot more important.

Following Phineas' advice I am now looking at a Pearl 501. Not black/gold, still beautiful!

[BiOniqqk]

its really good, i recentlyy bouqqht one it sounds really good, it goes up to the highest note you should buy it,,

[saxhorn]

Don't buy it!!! As a repair tech of 30 years...the Cecilio is the worst of the worst..beware

[StephenC]

I almost bought the exact same flute! I read the reviews on this flute music and from what I read people said it was a cheap brand. I thought the black nickle flute was beautiful but my band director advised me to look for a better brand.

Sorry I don't have better news for you. My advise is too keep looking for a better flute. But maybe you should try it out and see for yourself if you like it.

I agree with lula here. I read a lot of negative feedback bout it's quality. It may be cheap but the truth is, it's a waste of money. Go for Gemeinhardt 2SP, Selmer Prelude or a Barrington Model 229SP.

[saxhorn]

Also, may i add that the beautiful black plating??...will come off sooner than you like
Making it not so pretty!

[trumpettech]

Cecilio does not make flutes. They are a jobber. I have seen reasonably good and very poor Cecilio flutes. The just buy a hundred or so from the cheapest Chinese manufacturer at the time and see that as their model with the closest described specifications. Chinese flutes are getting better. I have one I can sell for $439 with a year free maintenance and 5 yrs warranty. It's a brand no one on here has heard of I bet. C.E. Paris I can sell these puppies all day long. I love it when I have a used Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Jupiter, or Armstrong in house because then I can show the customer how this one blows them all away. This instrument, that I sell, by the way, is a Trevor James, that can't be called Trevor James because the company is selling it directly to us. The only difference is I have shop-modified every one. If you're still looking for a flute, I would consider this one. Sorry, I have no pic, but feel free to call my store. (336)273-9696
I've been a repair technician for 16 years, and my wife plays flute very well. I play some flute myself.

[LondonFluteFixer]

Flute manufacturing (identifying) in the Far East has become a real minefield of late, due to the multitude of importers who can have their own trademark/name put on a flute for very little money extra, on top of an order for say...50 flutes.

Nowdays, with Ebay etc, everyone and his Uncle have become importers and retailers.

I have lots of student flutes go through my hands for repair/set-up etc, and I take them each one at a time, with no preconceived prejudices.

I have seen (like most people), the standard of Chinese manufacturing standards rise dramatically over the last ten years, and as a result, it is pretty near impossible to get a bad brand new student flute now, as long as it is set-up right before sale.

THAT...is the key.

And it really isn't rocket science.

Any half-handy Dad can do it for their kid.

Just start by pressing each key down, one by one, and make sure that all keys that are mean't to close, do so at EXACTLY the same time.

And if they don't...make the necessary adjustments by use of the adjusting screws, or a very careful slight-bending of an actuating arm.

Simples!

[Bo]

I think it is usually better to stay away from unknown brands on ebay, in particular with musical instruments and electronics...

[GregLee]

Just start by pressing each key down, one by one, and make sure that all keys that are mean't to close, do so at EXACTLY the same time.

And if they don't...make the necessary adjustments by use of the adjusting screws, or a very careful slight-bending of an actuating arm.

Hmmm. Thanks, maybe I'll try that. I just bought a cheap $100 flute on Ebay from China, and they included with it a small screwdriver.

Like some others posting here, I know nothing about flutes and am a cheapskate. I'm happy with the no-name from China I just bought, but I can only play a few notes in the lowest octave, so what do I know? Sounds nice to me, and it's very pretty (silver plate).

I also tried a Nuvo plastic flute -- $180 from Amazon. It's okay, I guess, but though it is supposed to be especially easy for kids to play, oddly the metal flute from China seems to me to be easier. The Nuvo flute is very light and easy to clean -- you just swish it around in sudsy water and rinse!

I accept that I might get a nice used flute to learn on, but how would I know what to buy, or what dealer or repairman to trust? I'm not part of the flute world. I'd rather take my chances on a new cheap flute.