I'm upgrading my flute

[mrhappyballoon]

Hi everyone, this is my first time on this forum. I am a jazz saxophone major, and just started my 4th year as an undergrad. I've been playing flute for a while and need to upgrade becuase my demands as a doubler are increasing. I currently own a Yamaha 225SII (I know, it's not hard to upgrade from that) and am looking to spend from $1000-$3000 (but I'm flexible). I would prefer solid silver body and headjoint, open hole, and B foot (offset G might be nice because of my sax fingerings). Could you suggest some flutes to try out between $1000 & $2000, and between $2000 & $3000. I would prefer to spend less than $2000 if possible. If you have any other suggestions let me know. I've currently been looking at:

Pearl Quantz 765RBE
Pearl Dolce 695RBE
Pearl Elegante 795RBE
Sankyo Silver Sonic
Sankyo CF301
Sonaré SF6000
Sonaré SF7000

Thank you for any help you can give me.

[flutepicc06]

I would also suggest checking out Azumi, Amadeus, Yamahas, Trevor James, Brio, Emerson, Miyazawa, and Muramatsu (not solid silver at that price, but an extremely nice flute). Any should work for a doubler, so it's just a matter of finding one you like. May I ask why you feel the need for a solid silver head and body, though?

[mrhappyballoon]

I don't actually need it to be solid silver. I have just found that generally I like the tone more. I also will be auditioning for the university wind ensemble next year on flute, so I will be a little more than just a doubler (it will be more of a second instrument).

[flutepicc06]

A fair enough answer, though likely you were comparing other small differences rather than the material, so you're right to be too hung up on it. ANy of the flutes I suggested should work just fine as a second instrument. They are all solid, intermediate level flutes, and should do what you need, so good luck shopping around!

[Phineas]

In my opinion, the Silver Clad bodies have a more hotter sound(Projection) than the solid silver ones over all. I actually prefer the Silver Clad bodies over the Solid Silver one for this reason. I own a Yamaha 514, Pearl 665, Buffet International, and a Miyazawa Legacy 1e. I could have easily found a solid silver model in this price range, but I just did not prefer them. Once you try them out, you will see what I mean. I play alot of Jazz/Fusion/Latin/Brazilian music, so I need as much bite as I can get.

One more thing, I am not a "horn doubler". What does that have to do with picking a flute that you like? A lot of the brands mentioned would make excellent primary instruments. I make a few dollars with mine, so I guess that makes them "Intermediate Professional"

Phineas

[briolette]

I have a Pearl Quantz 765RBE, so I'm a bit biased but this is a nice solid flute with very comfortable key action. It gets a nice big projecting tone. The Emerson 88B worked well for me as an intermediate flute soundwise, but I have had adjusting screws come out more often on that flute than others. The Boston Legacy Emerson is nice too, but will be at the high end of your budget The problem with flutes is that sometimes workmanship varies from batch to batch.
By the way www.weinermusic.com has awesome prices...but you may already know of this site since you're a sax player

[sherbert789]

I have a Sankyo Silversonic and I LOVE it. You can definitely find one used in that price range.

[MeLizzard]

I can also recommend the Yamaha 500s (silver EC head w/plated body), under $2000, and the Muramatsu EX (silver head, plated body, but handmade) at about $2700. Also try an Armstrong Heritage--don't remember model #--60 or 61? Some of the sax players I know like these; there's one in our store right now that sounds really good!

[Zevang]

I would suggest you to try playing the Sankyo 301 with a NRS1 Headjoint.

Zevang

[fluttiegurl]

I suggest taking a hard look at the Muramatsu EX and the Altus 900. Both are handmade flutes in your price range, and neither are solid silver. However, being handmade, I believe you will be pleased with the sound. Otherwise, the flutes that you listed are all good flutes. Just be sure to play test tham all before deciding.

[woof]

Ihave a Pearl Elegante- the thing that really sold me was the easy upper scale, the great projection and the ease of changing the "color" of the sound. I still have a lot to learn about the low C and B. I also like the Muramatsu EX it is a great flute as well. As others have mentioned "try before you buy".