Used Yamaha 581 or new Powell Sonare 601?

[kendel1]

Buying my daughter - high school honors band player - a stepup flute. She currently plays a Yamaha 385II. Looking for a solid silver body, open hole, in-line G flute that can take her through her high school years and possibly beyond. Budget up to $2000. Going to test a few today which include a used Yamaha 581, 574, Trevor James Master and Virtuoso, and Sonare 6000. Also will try a new Powell Sonare 601 and an Eastman 420. From what I've learned, seems like used Yamaha 581 is best. Any thoughts?

[fluttiegurl]

I personally love the Yamaha 581. The 581 is an older model, which has been replaced by the new 600 series (which costs considerably more now). Given the opportunity, I would buy a 581 if I could find one in good condition. This is one of only a few flutes that I have loved for some time and have found to be consistent in quality and sound. But that's just my opinion.

[kendel1]

She chose a flute - the Amadeus 600. Tried about 10 -12 flutes and she "clicked" with the Amadeus. It produced a lovely, even tone through the high and low ranges. Most importantly, she liked it. I was a bit iffy given some of the reports I've read but it's what worked it her hands and that's what counts. The Yamaha was good, don't get me wrong, but the Amadeus had a cleaner brighter sound. Hope we don't run into some of the issues I've read posted by others though I'm glad to have learned that some of the manufacturing kinks have been ironed out in the newer Amadeus flutes.