Pearl 765CODA vs Yamaha 674HCT vs Di Zhao 700

[laurenkaye1995]

So, I currently play on a Pearl 765CODA. This flute really isn't working for me, and I want to upgrade. (For sale, if anyone is interested ;D)

My two choices for step-ups are the Yamaha 674 and the Di Zhao 700. Which of these three flutes would be considered the 'best' option. I really like the Yamaha, and have heard nothing but great things about the Di Zhao.. or would if just be a better idea to stick with my Pearl?

[Phineas]

So, I currently play on a Pearl 765CODA. This flute really isn't working for me, and I want to upgrade. (For sale, if anyone is interested ;D)

My two choices for step-ups are the Yamaha 674 and the Di Zhao 700. Which of these three flutes would be considered the 'best' option. I really like the Yamaha, and have heard nothing but great things about the Di Zhao.. or would if just be a better idea to stick with my Pearl?

Why dont you try a COA(Cleaning/Oiling/Adjustment) on the Pearl, and hunt for a new headjoint? After all, the headjoint may be your only limitation. IMHO, going from a Pearl 765 Coda to a Yamaha 674 or a Di Zhao 700 is not a big jump.

What kinds of issues are you having with the flute you have?

If you just want a change of pace, that is a totally different matter.

Phineas

[vampav8trix]

I agree with Phineas. Get you flute serviced and see if you like it better.

I do have to say. I just got a Yamaha 674HCT and I am impressed. My flute teacher likes it better than my Muramatsu. I guess I just happen to sound better on the Yamaha. It is solid silver and my Muramatsu is only silver plated. That might have something to do with it. I play on a Drilenger head joint and it fits both flutes. I am thinking the body has something to do with the sound in this case.

[laurenkaye1995]

The flute has been fully serviced, and taken into the shop multiple times. Every time I have taken it in, my repair tech (who is VERY reliable, I should add) finds nothing wrong with it. It's a fine flute, it really just isn't working for me. It just doesn't feel right under my hands - the keys feel very far apart, where on other flutes I've played I don't get that. My hands are incredibly small, and it just feels like the flute is too large for them. I've found that the head joint cut doesn't suit my playing at all. The Yamaha EC cut worked perfectly for me, and a Jupiter student model head joint on the Pearl worked better for me, while the head joint from my Pearl worked much better for the owner of the Jupiter I played on.

When I played on the Yamaha 674 and 784 on a jazz band trip, all of the other members in the band were blown away by how much different I sounded. I was able to play my dynamics to extremes, my tone was fuller and my vibrato was much smoother. Playing in the low register stayed strong, and my high register was controllable, unlike on the Pearl. I've considered just buying the Yamaha EC head joint to put on the Pearl, but I don't currently have the funds, and it wouldn't much help the problem of the awkward feeling of the flute in my hands.

[vampav8trix]

I understand the small hands part.

I too have small hands. The foot joint on the Yamaha is quite a reach for me. I can barely reach the gizmo. I don't have that problem with the Muramatsu.

Some day when you have the funds, maybe you should try a Muramatsu. I find the keys are easier to reach with smaller hands. You can also visually see the difference in key placement.

Keep checking Ebay, you might get lucky and find an EC headjoint for cheap. I found one a few years ago for $250 I didn't realize the great deal I got at the time. Unfortunately, I sold it with the older Yamaha I had at the time.

Good luck.

[laurenkaye1995]

Reaching the gizmo key on the Yamaha wasn't much of a problem for me when I was testing it. On my Pearl, it's nearly impossible for me. At the last honor band I went to, the girl that was sitting first chair (I was made second!) made sure I was using the gizmo to stabilize the high C in one of the pieces we were playing. She even struggled trying to reach it.

I definitely want to try a Muramatsu. I've found a few used for just a bit over my budget if my Pearl were to sell. I currently have a guy very interested in it, but he's not sure if he'll be able to afford it yet. He's going to let me know in a few days. If this sale falls through, I may just wait and try and sell it in May, so I'll have a few hundred dollars more saved from my birthday. If this sale does work out though, I have a Yamaha 674HCT on hold for me for a really great price, so I'm really hoping that will work out.

[vampav8trix]

I have never used the gizmo. Growing up, my flute didn't have one. I just stuck my pinky up at the top of the rollers on the B foot. Works just as well. Old flutes don't have a gizmo.

[cflutist]

If you have small hands, you might consider a Brannen-Cooper. They make an Angled Foot Cluster just for that very reason.

[laurenkaye1995]

If only I had the funds for a Brannen...
Unfortunately, I'm a broke high school student.