SOLID SILVER HEAD JOINT 16 KEYS CLOSED HOLE FLUTE WITH ITALIAN PADS & WOOD CASE

I'm not entirely decided about this flute. I have a solid silver Gemeinhardt, which is clearly a better flute, with better tone and better action. The reason I bought this one is that the Gemeinhardt need new pads and general overhaul, which is about $850. For half the price, this one is still good value, and will work for me until I get back to Southeast Asia, where I can get the Gemeinhardt totally overhauled for approx. $100. The sound, if not as good a the Gemeinhardt, is still pretty good, although it is a little more work to get a tone that is almost as good. The action doesn't have as smooth a flow. I guess it is unfair to this flute to compare them, as obviously an instrument which is more than 5 times as expensive is going to be better. However, the one thing about this flute that is really annoying to me, and I don't seem to be able to get over 100% is the fact that there is a rose etched into the mouth piece, right where my lip rests on it. Feels like there is crud on the mouthpiece, very uncomfortable and distracting. But I am giving it 4 stars, because the value is undeniable.

I have tried 2 of these flutes. They both came to me in poor condition with the key bumpers falling off, corrosion and chipping. The head joint was not solid silver. This flute has potential, but potential does not produce a consistent rich sound. More attention to detail should be placed on ensuring returns or rentals are not being re sold as new products. Receiving a damaged or used item could disrupt the ability for the beginner or novice to prevent air leaks and/or play in tune. The packaging, case, and the caring case are impeccable, but once taken from plastic the user can tell the item is not new and/or damaged.

So far I am very well pleased with the tone quality, which is why I purchased it. Ask me again in about a year. Hopefully this flute will remain in the same condition (as it was when purchased) for a very long time. Oh! I love the price of this Flute. I was almost desperate for a new Flute so I studied them for a long time before decideing. This one came along at the right time. It was within my budget. Thanks

Great beginner flute.

Quality flute!

I purchased this flute for a back up, second instrument while playing with the Atlanta symphony. It is very responsive (comparable to my Powell!). I did replace the head joint with a solid silver Haynes and find the sound much richer. It has been a reliable instrument for the past 10 years. I would definitley recommend it.