What should I be looking for when I'm buying a new flute?

Question:I've been playing for about 7 years and I want to upgrade from my student model. Something around $1,000 and open holed and will last me through college I know that much, what else?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I've been playing for about 7 years and I want to upgrade from my student model. Something around $1,000 and open holed and will last me through college I know that much, what else?

I am a professional flutist, teacher, and competition judge in NY. For around your price, or a little over, you can get an Azumi, Yamaha, Pearl, Emerson, Brio, or Jupiter/DiMedici. You will want a silver head, (plated body and keys for that price), open hole, B foot, *something* to assist with E3 (split E, donut, RF key), and pointed arms if you can (instead of Y arms. Get and OFFSET G - not inline - your wrist and hands will thanks you! Do NOT NOT NOT get a no-name flute off eBay!! Go to Yahoo Groups and join FLUTENET - there are over 3,000 of us flutists who will help you, and you will learn TONS. Go to the website of Jen Cluff and read what SHE has to say about purchasing a flute between $1,000 and $1,500.

If you are going to play flute in college, your teacher THERE will want to advise you on your next upgrade. Do NOT buy a new flute just before you go to college - let them help you choose. All the best with your fluting!

Well, I see a Pearl Quantz model "for the advancing flutist" at woodwind & brasswind for a little over $1000.

But let's step back--what are you planning to do with the flute? Will it be your major instrument as you pursue your bachelor of music degree with an eye toward professional fluting, or will you just be using it for marching band?

If it's the first, I would try to skip the intermediate model and go all the way to the top. Oh, I know, $13 grand for a top-of-the-line Pearl is more than you can do right now. So maybe as close to the top as you can go. I'm seeing some interested used Haynes sterling silver models on ebay, there's an open-hole model there currently at $2000. If you can wait a long time, incredible bargains come up on
http://www/shopgoodwill.com
tho' of course you must be prepared to have their merchandise professionally serviced.

If, on the other hand, you're just planning to use the instrument for your amusement, and there's nothing wrong with what you currently own--use it. I was a flute major in college and now, years later, my primary instrument is my old Bundy (OK, I don't play professionally now). Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, greatest rock flutist of all time, at the height of his success used Artley student models--he'd buy a dozen of them, used, and cannibalize parts as they got broken down while on tour.

So shop vigorously and try to find something that will exceed your immediate needs if you must upgrade--stopping off with an intermediate model only means you'll lose money on the resale. And if not, why not keep your lips where they've been happy???