Starting to look for a (used) flute

[Formerflautist]

Hi all,

I've been looking around, and just registered.

I recently started searching for a flute. I haven't played seriously in a long time. I'm not sure what level of player I would have been...and now, I'm probably terrible

A long long time ago...

My last flute was a Sanyko silver sonic. I bought it from Miles Zentner (went to his house with a friend of mine--that was a trip!). I must have tried at least a dozen flutes before settling on that particular one, and really hope to be able to try several flutes before deciding. That flute was purchased in 1990 or 1991, and was very special to me for many reasons...that flute was stolen in 2005.

I have about $2000 right now. If I wait, I'll have more, but I'm not sure that I want to.

I haven't played because a) getting my flute stolen was completely depressing and b) I developed cervical spondylosis...but am now finally getting treatment.

While the Guo flute sound interesting, the whole thing sounds kind of spacey to me. But a flute on the lighter end would be nice. Good action. SplitE, off-set g (required), open hole is fine, but I'd be plugging it for awhile--and it was the open holes and in-line g which killed my hand. I'm looking for a warm, very round sound with high notes that are not shrill. A used flute would be fine.

Because I had a Yamaha 481h before the Sankyo, I'm partial to Japanese flutes. I'm kind of thinking of going with another Yamaha, but there don't seem to be many used ones. An unlikely miyazawa, Murmatsu, or Sankyo that I can find for that price would be awesome... But unlikely.

Just out of curiosity, are there any Zentner piccolos out there? I was pretty much a piccolo player, and went and bought a piccolo #3030 from Mr. Zentner.... And after the depressing flute incident and increasingly problematic neck problems, I sold it.... Sigh....

I don't even know if Mr. Zentner is still around--am very much out of that scene...

Anyway--nice to meet you all...

[Classitar]

Welcome!

[Gandalfe]

I remember returning to music performance after a 30-year break. Buying my first instrument then was such a heady trip, I was sure there would be the perfect instrument out there. 12 years and 50 plus instruments later (buying for my wife, son, daughter, grandkids, etc.) I have come to realize that there are a lot of great instruments out there. You sound like the kind of person who will carefully consider your choices before buying an instrument. Just don't be too tough on yourself about buying the perfect instrument, because to my mind, there is no such thing.

Cheers.

[Formerflautist]

Thanks!

At the flute place in LA—Flutacious—there's two flutes that look interesting. There's a commercial Haynes, and a Pearl Elegante. There's also two Yamahas—I believe a 481 and a 581. I haven't played a Haynes since I was 18, and as I've never had one, I don't really know what they're like—Same goes for Pearl. The Yamahas, to me, are just this all around, dependable instrument. But not necessarily exciting.

So these are four. And they're in this area (sort of. I'm about an hour away). If anyone knows anything about them—like how they are to repair—if it's going to be a real pain—I'd love to hear it.

Also, if there's anything else around.... that'd be awesome.

My greatest fear is more that I'll get a flute, and that I'll just end up back in the land of neck and hand injuries. I have not seen a place where musicians talk about the physical aspect of playing—if there is one out there, I'd love to know! I was one of those musicians who believed if I just play more, I'll get better. Wrong idea.

[Kaylyn]

Good luck in your search. Here is what I can tell you from my own experiences:

1. I own a lower end Guo flute. I only use it for outdoor concerts. I would not consider it for my main instrument. It is great for what I need it for. Now, if you are considering one of their Grenaditte flutes, that may be worth looking into. I have never played one but have heard good things.

2. Play test that Yamaha 481 if it is something you are considering. I also owned one of those. It was a great, solid instrument, but TBH I don't really feel any difference between that one and a 221 at a much lower price. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that flute, it just is pricey for what you are getting. The 581 is a different story and would probably be the better of the two.

3. If you loved your Sankyo (sorry about the theft!!!!) please be aware that if you are considering Muramatsu, they are very different flutes. I know, ALL flutes are very different from one another but these are two I have personal experience with. The Sankyo to me was very light and airy and the Muramatsu is much darker and thicker. Both are nice, depends on your preference.

4. I don't think your budget is all that limiting, especially if you are willing to buy used...especially especially if you are willing to risk a venue like eBay. Some things to consider to help stretch your budget: a C foot over a B foot, and closed holes. Again, to use myself for an example, I purchased a near-mint Muramatsu EX for about 75% of your budget. This is because I chose closed hole and C foot. Even if you want open holes, just having a C foot over a B foot will help your budget out quite a bit. It will also be a bit lighter for you. I switched from B foot to C foot about 4 years ago and haven't looked back.

I hope some of this helps you and good luck in your search!!!

[Kaylyn]

FWIW, Winds101 on eBay has a Sankyo Etude in great shape in your price range. They are very reputable. You also get 14 days cash back.

There are also a few very nice Muramatsus in your price range, albeit closed hole.

Again, good luck!

[Formerflautist]

Thanks Kaylyn—that information was really helpful.

I made an appointment to go to Flutacious on Thursday! I'll be able to try those four I listed (and maybe some others, just to get a feel for things). I was absolutely clear that I'm trying these flutes. Buying one will come.

I looked on the Winds 101 website. I would totally go for the CF-201, but it's an inline. I hope to get an off-set g. The CF-301 would be great!! but it's out of my price range.

I do have to consider plateau keys and a c foot. I have no idea why I feel more comfortable playing an open-hole flute, except for the fact that I spent the majority of my flute playing on one.

And I didn't know that about the Muramatsu. hmmm...

And if anyone can explain what the thickness of the wall does to the sound—I'd love to know! I just play what sounds good. But heavy, not so good.

Anyway,
Thanks again,

[Kaylyn]

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 11&alt=web

Here's an offset Etude well in budget!!