Pearl PF-661

[among]

Has anyone heard of this particular model? What are your thoughts on it? I've found one at an estate sale and am considering buying it. It looks to be in excellent shape! I just can't find any information about it. It's obviously an older model since I can't find it on Pearl's website. Please help! Thanks!!!

[fluttiegurl]

You are correct, it is an older model that Pearl no longer makes. It is pretty much comparable to the current 665, without french pointed arms and the "CODA" option. The 661 had a silver head an plated body. Email Pearl and you may get a date and full discription. I would not buy a Pearl produced more than ten years ago. I have played a few both 661 and 771 used models in stores, and had no real complaints. They were not that much different from the current flutes except for key design. Apparently, these have only been gone from the Pearl line for a few years, and I think they were considered decent flutes (not the ones from years back that were not that great), but I would still check into that. Pearl flutes have had a great deal of maintenance issues in the past. The biggest thing that I would be concerned with would be condition and past service. Make sure the pads are good and the body is straight, among other issues such as bent keys, etc. Some techs do not like to work on Pearls because they are hard to regulate. The older models seem to have been worse. Most importantly, play before you buy. You really can't tell how a flute will respond until you play it. Depending on price, this may be a decent flute, yet it could be one to avoid. It is very hard to tell without playing it.