What is a good type of flute for a very advanced student in a professional-level

Question:I currently have an open-holed, in-line G, B-foot Gemeinhardt with a solid silver headjoint that has numerous problems. It's not worth it to fix its problems. I am in my high school's Wind Ensemble, the highest band, and we play at a very high level. I would like to keep the price relatively low, probably under $1500 (or, more preferably, $1000.) I would like a very reliable, nice instrument at my current flute's characteristics or higher. What is a good recommendation for a flute for me? Thank you!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I currently have an open-holed, in-line G, B-foot Gemeinhardt with a solid silver headjoint that has numerous problems. It's not worth it to fix its problems. I am in my high school's Wind Ensemble, the highest band, and we play at a very high level. I would like to keep the price relatively low, probably under $1500 (or, more preferably, $1000.) I would like a very reliable, nice instrument at my current flute's characteristics or higher. What is a good recommendation for a flute for me? Thank you!

I am a professional flutist, teacher, music director, and competition judge in NY , since 1971. Congratulations on your accomplishments so for - YES, you need a better flute than that Gemmie! At your price point, I would advise an Azumi, a Brio, or one of the other fine flutes where the HEAD is made by A Big Name, but the body is contracted out (usually Taiwan). Some of the Jupiter/DiMedici models would also suit you - as would Yamaha flutes in the 300/400 series. I would check out www.fluteworld.com, among other flute-only shops - do NOT bother with a *band instrument* house. If you can attend a flute fair of a flute convention, even better - you can try EVERYTHING!

You want open hole, B foot, OFFSET G ( easier on your hands and wrist) and other possible options like a split E (or donut) and maybe a C# trill. If you have GOOD ADVICE, then perhaps your teacher can find you something that is a great deal on eBay - I buy thousands of dollars worth of flutes every year there, have them reconditioned, and resell them - but I AM AN EXPERT!!! Do not try this on your own! www.usedflutes.com may also yield results for you. But KNOW what you want first - there are TOO MANY great flutes out there to turn your head! Best of luck to you!

Go to Yahoo Groups and join FLUTENET - there are 3,000 of us there to help you. And find the webpages of Jen Cluff - she will give you tons of advice about flute shopping, too - she is a fine teacher in Canada.

Buy the 24 Carat King flute. Then, you have the best of the best. It is solid silver and coated with gold . This is why it has such a mellow and very responsive sound.
With what you want to spend, you want a trouble free respectable flute. You can't go wrong here and IT NEVER LOSES VALUE OR DEPRECIATION.

Go to fluteworld. com They have hundreds of flutes to pick from and you do is pick up to I think 5 flute max and they hold the money on your card. you're not paying for all 5 flutes but they are holding the money. They send them out to you and you try them for 10 days. pick the one you like best and send the rest back. Then they will charge you for that one flute you kept. I just bought one from them. in line or offset G depends on what you like best just buy a few in lines and a few offset and try them both to see what is more comfortable. I like inline better. Get a flute with the B foot. It is our choice if you want the C# trill key, there are other ways to trill it without that key but it is easier with that key. I was just in the same boat as you are. Really good band but bad flute. So, I just got a Brio it has rose plated gold and a Dana Sheridan head joint and I love the sound produced with those two elements. Gold is supposed to make the sound warmer and the head joint helps a lot too. The bonus of this flute is it's a subtle pink shade!