Today I was looking at fluteworld and they have a Pearl Dolce 695 Coda model for $2,015, which is less expensive than the normal Dolce model, and the quantz 765 coda model. The exact model number is PF-695RBE Coda The only thing is that I do not really want the split E, (my flute now does not have it and im fine. Ive also read on here lots of you guys do not like it at all) but I've found all the Pearls (and lots of other brands, like a Yamaha 574 I have ordered) I'm looking at (with Offset G) all have split E and I don't think theres an option without it, unless you want an inline G. Is it an option to buy it (providing I love it) and later get the split E removed if its a problem? What problems can split E's cause?

Also it says it comes with the "Forza" headjoint- I noticed the other Dolce models (non coda) just had a handcut solid silver headjoint. Does anyone know anything about that particular headjoint?

And my last question is about Fluteworld. We asked me teacher if she would order a flute to try from them (she never has), and she said most places would not usually adjust flutes before sending them out as they are just send from the factory so they are not adjusted properly. I know they say on their website all the flutes are adjusted and everything, are they?

Thanks so much for answering all my topics.. about basically the same thing :P

I can't speak for the Pearls as I have no real interest in them but I have purchased two flutes (Yamahas) in person from Fluteworld and they had a person go over them before they left the store.

Since the Dolce is made in Taiwan, I'd play it first somewhere before making a decision. I hear that they're not as good anymore at the lower end as they once were.

$2500 or so will get you a nice Yamaha 600 though. Kind of like watches - the Yamaha is the Seiko as it were. Nothing fancy, but it is a good, reliably built piece of engineering - that's a significant step up from the cheap stuff.

OPTION: YFL674H - Offset G, B foot
$2514. Good price. I have something similar(and older 500 series roughly the same as the new 600s but the the heavy wall for a slightly darker sound) If you want that, it's about $100-$200 more.

but I've found all the Pearls (and lots of other brands, like a Yamaha 574 I have ordered) I'm looking at (with Offset G) all have split E and I don't think theres an option without it, unless you want an inline G. Is it an option to buy it (providing I love it) and later get the split E removed if its a problem? What problems can split E's cause?

Split E is an option on all pearl flutes. There is no price difference with or without a split E. Japan Pearls have split E in-line or offset as an option. There are more regulation issues to deal with when a split E is present. Get it the way you want it. It's more trouble than it's worth to have it taken off later.

Also it says it comes with the "Forza" headjoint- I noticed the other Dolce models (non coda) just had a handcut solid silver headjoint. Does anyone know anything about that particular headjoint?

Forza is the Taiwan cut more similar to the Japan Forte cut. The 2 Japan cuts are Forte and Vivo. Forte is the more popular squarer, more undercut and a higher riser. Vivo is more oval less undercut and a lower riser.

And my last question is about Fluteworld. We asked me teacher if she would order a flute to try from them (she never has), and she said most places would not usually adjust flutes before sending them out as they are just send from the factory so they are not adjusted properly. I know they say on their website all the flutes are adjusted and everything, are they?

That may have been the case in the past but this has changed. All pearl flutes now leaving distribution will be setup and checked before shipping. Most good dealers will then go ahead and double check them as well to make sure nothing happened in shipping.

Pearl's new facility will have a full shop setup for this purpose and will include warranty service as well on any Pearl flute. If you encounter any setup problems with a Pearl that a dealer can't resolve, I'm the person you contact and send it to as a last resort whether or not it was supplied from the previous distributor.

I am still in the process of setting up the repair center, but every single Pearl flute will be checked and setup before shipped to dealers. Pearl is now in direct control of all facets of its product...things have changed...

Joe B
Pearl Flute Product Specialist

Split E is an option on all pearl flutes. There is no price difference with or without a split E. Japan Pearls have split E in-line or offset as an option. There are more regulation issues to deal with when a split E is present. Get it the way you want it. It's more trouble than it's worth to have it taken off later.

Where could I order one without the split E? Its not an option for offset and no split E from Fluteworld or any other place I can find online. The only music store around us probably could not order us one as they are having a hard time ordering any pearls right now.. not sure why.

OPTION: YFL674H - Offset G, B foot $2514. Good price. I have something similar(and older 500 series roughly the same as the new 600s but the the heavy wall for a slightly darker sound) If you want that, it's about $100-$200 more.

Thats a bit out of my price range.. the most my mom is willing to spend is about $2300, and thats pushing it. According to Fluteworld and the Yamaha website, the 674H DOES have the split E..

Thanks for the replies

I have a better solution. You could get more flute for your money by getting a reburnished used flute. A friend of mine sells used flutes that are usually like new condition and she has a tech go over them and completely overhaul them to play as new again. She has MANY very nice flutes in your price range without the split E too. I would really check her out. She offers trials too. Here is her site..
http://www.winds101.com/

Sorry, I did not mean to use the board as an advertising place but I really feel that this may help.

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Tell her Kate sent you. She will know who I am, then maybe you may be able to get a discount of some kind.

<Added>

Oh, one more thing. I have done a lot business with FW in the past and have only had one piccolo that needed some adjustments. Now their used flutes are another story. Be careful on the condition of some of them.

There are more regulation issues to deal with when a split E is present. Get it the way you want it. It's more trouble than it's worth to have it taken off later.

I have taken off just the lever on the split E of a flute before and this was very simple. It worked fine. I still could not get used to the extra bar though.

The Pearl supply issue is one that will be worked out over time. All the old dealers are getting setup with corporate and the initial supply of flutes are just arriving. It may be a little bit of a wait to get something without the split E since we are getting stuff in based on previous manufacturing orders. If there is something you want talk to the dealer. The transition is very recent and getting everyone reset up and supplied will take a little bit of time.

Joe B

Arabians..

Sent you a PM about this. Look forward to talking with you privately.

Joe B

I second the idea of used as well. $1400-$1700 seems to be the typical range for a Yamaha 600 series, which is a very good flute for the money.

Joe,

Yay for Pearl! :-)

Thanks everyone!

We stopped by the other store (like the one near us.. but bigger, its about 45 minutes away and we were down there anyway) and they ordered us a Pearl 765 Coda to look at from yet one of the other stores and will send it to ours for us It should be there next Thursday/Friday.

They said that they have NEVER have had any of the Dolce in stock.. im kind of assuming because most people aren't usually looking for the somewhat higher level of flute? I still want to try one from Flute World depending on what my teacher thinks of it online.. i mentioned it to her at my lesson and she said she'd look on the pearl website.

And the Yamaha came in today, we are going to try/look at it tomorrow! I'll let everyone know how it goes

I'd like to add that being made in Japan for the Japanese makers is a big deal. Most Japanese are anal about the fit and finish these days of anyting they buy. They'll literally look at a GM car at an auto show and complain how it's put together and then turn around and do the exact same thing with a Honda. We're talking white glove anal most of the time. So made in Japan for their market tends to get you the same product but with that last little bit of quality control thrown in. For an instrument, that's a very important thing, IME.

btw - what model is the Yamaha? The critical part of course is the handmade EC headjoint. I think you'll like it a lot.

Its the 574

For the money, a 574 is a good deal. If you like it, consider finding one used to save even more money. Yes, it's a bit rude in a way, but if you shop at the local stores new and then look around, you'll likely find a 500 or 600 series used for less money. Of course, many shops have a 500 series or better in their used section. It's a pretty common flute, thankfully.

Oh - how did you like it? I got so into this post that I forgot to ask