Looking to Upgrade

[Hiroitt]

I've played a student flute for 6 years. I have reached the point (according to my director, and the flute instructor at the college I plan on attending next year) in which my best next move for my flute playing is a step up or intermediate flute.

I am currently operating on a donged-up, well-used Gemeinhardt 2SP. I've had it since 6th grade, and am now a 12th year.

I'd LOVE to have a new flute, but one slight problem: my family, myself, etc... We're all broke. We got lucky to grab my 2SP off craigslist for $50 so I could join band. It has served me well, but like any tool, there comes a time when its simply not up to snuff anymore. Pads are worn out, rods are bent and i ngeneral not in as good a shape it was in when i bought it. All the music repairmen around here tell me they will not--can not--work on a gemeinhardt, that they are too finicky and stubborn for them. They refuse my customer-ship.

We aren't in quite the same state financially as we were six years ago, when $50 was four months of spending money. Now I alone can make $50 in a week or two. But ,we aren't rich and can't shell out $1000 for a flute. Is there a step up somewhere (used or new, s'long as its in good condition!) in the around $500 range? I know I'm asking a lot, but... I really want a better flute so I can improve.

[RicksMusic]

I cannot speak for the repair shop you went to, but in our case, we would not work on the flute if it was going to cost more than the flute is worth, especially if the flute can never be right again. This would be a disservice to you, and we would perceive it as unethical behavior on our part to advise otherwise and take money for something that is going to cost money.

As far as your inquiry into an upgrade flute, $500 is unrealistic for something new. However, we have in stock some excellent flutes which are not terribly much more, some of which also qualify for manufacturer rebates. To better assist you, and be certain that you are getting the right "tool" for you, I ask that you please contact us directly. You may ask for Scott.

--
RICK'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
2342 Mendon Road
Cumberland, RI
USA

401.658.3404

www.ricksmusicalinstruments.com

[fluteguy18]

I second what RicksMusic said but without the sales pitch. You aren't going to honestly find a quality, new step up flute for less than 1200 USD, but there certainly new entry level flutes below that price range. These would likely be a step up as it is merely because they won't have any hidden mechanical problems a used Gemeinhardt 2sp will have after several years of use with minimal servicing.

However the problem still remains that you're ready for a genuine step up and you lack the funds to do so. Furthermore the 'step up' that the collegiate teacher is expecting is probably higher than you anticipate as well. A lot of collegiate teachers are happy for non-majors to have a step up flute in the $1500-3000 price range. Others prefer in the $4k-8K range and still others occasionally require something in the $12k+ range (it just depends on the teacher). I would get specifics from your future teacher (while being conscientious of a budget) and then start knocking on doors. Be looking for additional work to raise funds, and be on the hunt for a music company that will work with you. Many reputable companies have a lay-a-way plan available so you can make payments, or offer 3rd party financing. I have even heard of companies that will give you a flute as long as you sign an agreement to work X number of trade shows/conventions as a trade (product for labor). These circumstances however are rare and should you break the agreement you're on the hook for the whole balance immediately.

I recommend also keeping a close eye on craigslist, pawn shops, antique stores, and goodwill. You NEVER know what might show up. Last week a vintage Haynes piccolo was found in a goodwill and was priced at $100. All it needed was an overhaul (roughly $1400) which was way cheaper than replacing it (around $6k).

[RicksMusic]

I would like to add a caution to the comment about online sales such as on CL:

BUYER BEWARE. With much respect to fluteguy18, the find he spoke of is not typical in our experience. If you do find something, get the seller to agree to let you have it looked at by a qualified technician before purchasing. We have countless stories of customers who thought they got a bargain, ultimately overpaid, and then were faced with spending more money to repair then they would have spent to purchase new.

Also, there are in fact quality step-up instruments available from respected manufacturers for less than $1000 USD at current prices and promotions, which is why I encouraged you to contact me directly.

Good luck.

--
RICK'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
2342 Mendon Road
Cumberland, RI
USA

401.658.3404

http://www.ricksmusicalinstruments.com

[fluteguy18]

I would like to add a caution to the comment about online sales such as on CL:

BUYER BEWARE. With much respect to fluteguy18, the find he spoke of is not typical in our experience. If you do find something, get the seller to agree to let you have it looked at by a qualified technician before purchasing. We have countless stories of customers who thought they got a bargain, ultimately overpaid, and then were faced with spending more money to repair then they would have spent to purchase new.

Also, there are in fact quality step-up instruments available from respected manufacturers for less than $1000 USD at current prices and promotions, which is why I encouraged you to contact me directly.

Good luck.

I agree with the first paragraph completely. Such finds are really rare and you have to know exactly what you're looking at and you have to know exactly what it's worth and exactly what it will take to get it in playing shape. Example of a flute that came in for a consignment once: 'It's 4 years old, mint condition, never needed any repairs or servicing, and plays every note.' They wanted 95% of the current purchase price. No way. Even if it was in cosmetically perfect shape, had been regularly serviced by a technician and had just received a servicing it would be lucky to fetch 80% of its current replacement value. If they had said something like... 'It's 4 years old, needs some work but plays every note, I just want to sell it as is...' If they were only asking a couple hundred bucks for it and its replacement value was over $2000, then we might be talking. If it was like this one story I heard and it was a vintage handmade powell in a pawn shop for $50, then heck yeah! A $10k+ flute for $50 is a steal regardless of what work needs to be done (even if the body is smashed/bent, needs a headjoint or a couple keys replaced).

Now that Conn-Selmer is discontinuing most of their flutes (Emerson, Avanti etc.) excluding the student Armstrong line (and the Galway Spirits until their contract expires) the less than $1000 range *might* be true depending on where you get it from. Some retailers might do a blow out clearance sale to clean out their inventory. And also considering that many manufacturers are offering end of the year rebates this increases the likelihood. These however generally only range from $50-100.