Does anyone know anything about a flute called pathfinder?

[alli_smiles]

I was recently given a flute....It was a friends ex-girlfriends- she never came back for it, so after 7 yrs, he asked me if i wanted it- It says it is a pathfinder-made in china.*Red flag #1?* It does not appear to be cruddy metal, the keys spring back appropriately-and from what I have seen of pictured on the net vs this one it looks like its pads are in good condition. I can't find it anywhere online though, and i have noticed the head joint does not have cork. (I shined a flashlight inside it) It has a flat end of metal, w/ a rubber band thing around it, and if I go to the outside, the "crown" unscrews from the other end of this flat metal end. *red flag #2?* I did successfully make the high and low bottle blowing noise with just the head joint, and then played middle range b, c, d, e badly-(I didn't try sharps and flats) my question is, is this a flute that i will be able to play notes on appropriately if i practice long enough, or is it a messed up one that will never play right? everything I have read online about made in china has me worried. Has anyone heard of or played one called "pathfinder?"

[pied_piper]

Pathfinder is certainly not a known brand and yes, a lot of flutes that are made in China are not very durable. The Chinese quality has improved for some makers, but that is not universal and there are inconsistencies between makers. Many times they will play OK for while but then go out of adjustment and become difficult to play.

Your description of the cork stopper in the headjoint does not really raise any flags, though. On most flutes, the cork stopper actually has three pieces: A threaded rod with a metal disc on the end, the cork itself, and another metal disc that screws onto the threaded end. When removed from the headjoint, you can see that the cork is actually sandwiched between the two metal discs. When the cork is in the flute, if you look in either end, all you will see is a metal plate, so that is normal.

Although the pads may look OK, that is no guarantee that they are sealing properly when the key is closed. You mentioned that the flute had been sitting around for 7 years or more. Pads can change a bit over time swelling or shrinking. Usually, it's a good idea to get a COA (clean, oil, adjust) every year to be sure everything is working correctly.

Your best bet would be to have it evaulated by a flute repair technician. Many will check it out and give you an estimate at no charge. However, be forewarned that I do know some repair technicians won't even touch some of these unknown brands because they are simply too problematic. Anyway, get a professional opinion, then you can decide whether it's worth it or not. If it's out of adjustment, you will become fustrated very quickly because it will be impossible to play it easily.