Can anyone tell me about this Emerson flute?

Question:I am thinking about selling my flute that I played in high school. It is open-holed, gold lip and end-piece. I believe the rest is silver plated, the headpiece may be solid. The model is ELD, but from what I can tell, this is pretty vague. I assume it is a "C" flute, but again, could be wrong. I also can't remember what "inline G" means or any of the other technical details. I am going to get it apparised, but would like a general idea as to what it really might be worth so I don't get hosed! Also, it is about 15 years old, but only played for about 4 of them! Does anyone have any idea what it might be worth or if I need anymore details than that? Thanks in advance!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am thinking about selling my flute that I played in high school. It is open-holed, gold lip and end-piece. I believe the rest is silver plated, the headpiece may be solid. The model is ELD, but from what I can tell, this is pretty vague. I assume it is a "C" flute, but again, could be wrong. I also can't remember what "inline G" means or any of the other technical details. I am going to get it apparised, but would like a general idea as to what it really might be worth so I don't get hosed! Also, it is about 15 years old, but only played for about 4 of them! Does anyone have any idea what it might be worth or if I need anymore details than that? Thanks in advance!

How much the flute is worth will largely depend upon whether or not it is solid silver, rather than just silver plated. You need to find out whether or not the headpiece is solid, that will make a difference in how much it's worth. Since the flute itself is silver plated, not solid silver, and it's 15 years old, with a solid silver headjoint you can ask, fairly, around $250-300. (especially considering whoever buys it may need to have work done to it). If it doesn't have a solid silver headjoint, probably only $100. Most flutes w/solid silver HJs but silver plated bodies go NOW, for about $600-800. Some are a little more. W/out, about $300-500. You really should only ask for half of retail, and knock off some money for the fact that the flute is 15 years old.

As far as the other technical details:

A "C" flute means that the footjoint goes to low "C," rather than B. In flute-selling language, you would call it a "C footjoint." It is a C footjoint if there are two holes that line up with the pinky key on the footjoint (this doesn't count the hole for the pinky...) If it has 3 holes instead of 2, it's a B footjoint (and you'll be able to ask a little more for it.)

"Inline G--" It is inline G if the 2 keys on either side of the Ab pinky key (the key that sticks out in the middle of the flute) line up with the keys next to it. If they don't, then it's an offset G (preferred by most flutists and teachers today).

The flute may have "French Pointed Arms," though I'm guessing it probably doesn't. This just means you've got fancy-looking arms that attach the key to the flute.

You need to include whether or not it needs maintenance in your price. If it's 15 years old and hasn't been played in awhile, it will likely have some issues. Issues can get expensive!

When you get something appraised, it is best to get it done by someone who has no intention of buying it... that might help you out with the getting had part of it...

i play the flute go to a school nearby and see if the fine arts department wants to give u something for i did that to my flute once

Emerson has wife already!

Look for a number like "8B" or "6B". New, the 6b is $650. The 8B is $1150. They make an 88B (Professional) for $2130.

Best ro ask this question in a more specilised area try Larry Krantz flute lists. There are more professional players on there http://www.larrykrantz.com/fluteweb/flut...