poll - Best for $1000
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
Phineas is right about skipping the 300s-they're kind of a glorified beginner flute. When suggesting a 500 series flute, I think I did say "used". It's possible to find one sometimes, but usually $1400-$1900. Worth it. The 400s have the CY head, and the 500s are the least-expensive models to use the EC head. The new 600s replaced the old 500s, while the new 500s are kind of an extra level of flute, offering the "better" EC cut silver head but on a plated body. This flute plays well, though. I sold one last week. I say 'better' in quotes because if a student's embouchure isn't developed-enough to take advantage of the better cut, then he or she should stay with current flute just a bit longer. As for the Allegros, one is basically a 300 flute, and the other a 400 flute, but with a couple extras (check Yamaha site for details). These were offered to a limited number of dealers.
I am relieved that most of the Selmer flute designs went into file #13 during the merger--most of those were just Dawgs!
Sorry 'bout your 303 price--where do you live??? That's a very high selling price, especially if yours is a few years old! The retailer's COST for these instruments is, like, $400. Not kidding. The current list price for the 303B is around $1300. Don't buy their junk about the warranty expiring--that clock starts ticking when YOU buy it, not when THEY buy it. It sounds as if they just sold it at the full retail price from the year in which they acquired it. I mean, my store has a 303B and silver-plated piccolo combo (2006 list price $2100) right now that's been around for about two years (still new condition), but there's no way my manager would sell it for even the new sale price (20%-30% off), let alone the new retail price! He'd rather have a decent instrument in a deserving kid's hands, being played versus collecting dust, than a ridiculous profit margin.
You're right that it's a good flute that'll get you reasonably far, but certainly if you're pursuing music in college, you'll need that upgrade.
On the bright side, at least now we have choices. Waaaaay back in the dark ages, even through the early 1960s, after your mediocre beginner instrument fell apart, your next decision was "Haynes or Powell?". Guess it was sometimes determined by whose waiting list was shorter
I am relieved that most of the Selmer flute designs went into file #13 during the merger--most of those were just Dawgs!
Sorry 'bout your 303 price--where do you live??? That's a very high selling price, especially if yours is a few years old! The retailer's COST for these instruments is, like, $400. Not kidding. The current list price for the 303B is around $1300. Don't buy their junk about the warranty expiring--that clock starts ticking when YOU buy it, not when THEY buy it. It sounds as if they just sold it at the full retail price from the year in which they acquired it. I mean, my store has a 303B and silver-plated piccolo combo (2006 list price $2100) right now that's been around for about two years (still new condition), but there's no way my manager would sell it for even the new sale price (20%-30% off), let alone the new retail price! He'd rather have a decent instrument in a deserving kid's hands, being played versus collecting dust, than a ridiculous profit margin.
You're right that it's a good flute that'll get you reasonably far, but certainly if you're pursuing music in college, you'll need that upgrade.
On the bright side, at least now we have choices. Waaaaay back in the dark ages, even through the early 1960s, after your mediocre beginner instrument fell apart, your next decision was "Haynes or Powell?". Guess it was sometimes determined by whose waiting list was shorter
"There is no 'Try'; there is only 'Do'."--Yoda
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tothepointe
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 12:49 pm
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flutepicc06
- Posts: 1353
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 11:34 pm
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tothepointe
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2006 12:49 pm
