What is the best brand of flute?

Question:ive played the flute for 3 years and im going to high school next year,so my parents promised to get me a new flute.i figure i should the best i can.any suggestions?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: ive played the flute for 3 years and im going to high school next year,so my parents promised to get me a new flute.i figure i should the best i can.any suggestions?

it depends. Yamaha is what i have.. germinhart are good for beginners, but if youve played any length of time theyre crap. Pearl is good, but they have a different embechoure hole, so it might take some getting used to. Jupiter has a very sweet sound, but they are pretty thin, really fragile.

Gemeinhart all the way the last like 10 years

While I currently own a Yamaha, the only reason I still have it is because it is a family heirloom and it's almost 100 years old. If given the chance, I would definitely choose the Gemeinhart. I used a friend's once, and was hooked. The keys are smoother, and the pads are tighter, making for a more "in-tune" instrument.

Muramatsu if you prefer a new instrument !! but if money is no object and you are willing to go the pre-loved route, a post WW2 Powell or Haynes. A good source for used instruments in general is the AFofM's monthly newspaper or on the bulletin poard of your local musician's union.