Actually, im not *positive* that she isn't willing to pay for it.. but when I was wanting to order 3 flutes shipping was like $50 one way and ya.. that was too much.

For just one though, maybe. Its $18 one way for one flute.

It'd be much easier to go somewhere and try and eliminate a whole bunch of flutes right there instead of paying shipping to find out you and that flute do not work good together :P But Im definately going to try this Pearl, it stood out immediately when i saw it (i wish i would have ordered it then, they are going to be getting some though)

My teacher said that she wouldn't advise ordering flutes to try like that as most send them direct from the factory which need to be adjusted and stuff, but you guys and FluteWorld says they are all adjusted and everything before being shipped out

Like I mentioned before, contact Phil from Flute Center of NY as his shipping prices are much cheaper. He has his instrument insured already and ships them USPS Priority mail. That iliminates almost half the cost right there. You are paying so much because of the insurance. When you so to send them back, they don't need to be insured either. That is why I like going through him.

Another thing, he does not put a hold on your credit card like other places do.

It'd be much easier to go somewhere and try and eliminate a whole bunch of flutes right there

It would be. Have you checked your local flute society yet? Miyazawa and McCanless flutes are located in your neck of the woods. There may be a flute specialty shop in your area.

I've lived in my area (SoCal) for over 20 years and I never knew that I had a local shop that just specialized in Japanese flutes till I visited a Japanese church and saw the flute shop advertised there. Now that I've been playing with a local flute choir I realize EVERYONE involved with flute life in the area knows about it.

Local specialty shops may also have insanely low prices versus online prices. It's to your benefit to check out what's really in your area.

Im going to send a message to Phil at the Flute Center of New York

I have a lesson now, but as far as I know there arent' any small specialty stores around here, as my teacher would probably know about them.. Im going to check our phone book when I get back.

I have to ask is your teacher familiar with flute world? because flute world is known for sending out flutes on trial and them being in good adjustment (most of the time). flute center as kara spoke of is also a good place to look.

She knows what it is and stuff- she knows its a good place for things like music, but shes never had anyone order a flute to try from them.

Try Carolyn Nussbaum's site. You can try out some flutes by paying shipping. I have bought from her and it sure beats a store. You can actually keep each flute for a while.

Piper, Arabians already said that shipping and cost was a problem. I am sure she is getting tired of repeating herself

If i did get the Miyzawa 102, after playing it for a while would I learn to get my sound to be better/more focused?

My opinion is that when buying a flute (especially one that costs a good bit of money, as the ones you're considering do), that you need to be completely happy with it, or not buy it at all. There are a huge number of flutes out there, and one of them will suit you to the point that you don't have to compromise one thing for another....It's just a matter of patience and persistence. Keep playtesting instruments until you find such a flute. You may not find it immediately, but in the long run, waiting a few months to purchase the right flute can really pay off in how your playing improves. Very rarely is it urgent that we purchase a new instrument, so take your time, play all the options, find the flute that works for you, and then buy, rather than simply playing whatever you can within a month (or a week or whatever timeframe you have), and then choosing the best of the lot, even if it's not a terribly good match for you. There's no reason to accept an OK flute at this price range, as there are some very high quality instruments available.

As for how those heads compare to one another, I don't think our opinions can help you at all. Even more than with a flute body, every player has their own preferences. And, more importantly, every player sounds different, even when playing the same head. What anyone of us gets out of a headjoint could be the exact opposite of what you'll get out of it. When you get to playtest Pearls, try the Forza and form your own opinion of it.

they said there was NO WAY that the Dolce CODA model was only $2,015 as the normal Dolce is $2,105

I've read that the Dolce is/(was?) a Japanese made flute and all CODAs are Tawian made. So it is possible for a Japanese Dolce to be higher priced than its equivalent Taiwanese CODA.

-Stephen (Piko)

from what ive seen, the 695-RBE coda is anywhere from $2300-$2500 but those prices are from british sites. not sure how they would compare to american sites.

i know that theres always the message that goes "be wary when looking at ebay" but i just found the following

http://cgi.ebay.com/PEARL-FLUTE-DOLCE-SERIES-SOLID-SILVER-HJ_W0QQitemZ120161279810QQihZ002QQcategoryZ10183QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

this may be something you will want to look at, since it is the coda model but without the gold lip plate and is significantly cheaper.

also, it ends very soon so... yeah.

but enjoy, nonetheless

I use eBay only to purchase exotic or unusual instruments that I won't play much or don't need to be a perfect match for me or in particularly great shape (such as an Eb flute or a marching piccolo), and while you certainly can snag a great deal on it, I wouldn't advocate using it to purchase what will become your primary instrument. Even if you had tried the a Pearl with the same features, and liked it best, there's no guarantee that one listed on eBay will play the same way (the same goes for any other make/model of flute). It's very important that you be able to playtest an instrument before purchasing. Then there's also the possibility that the flute is not as advertised or is in otherwise poor condition and needs significant work. The uncertainty of what you'll get and the risk of a relatively large sum of money means Ebay just isn't a good way to when you're looking for what will be your main flute for (hopefully) several years.

I realize that this is an older post ---- and you might well have (finally) purchased the flute you're looking for.

You asked if there is a "flute store" in Chicago. (I assume this is because Iowa is closest to Chicago).

Might I direct you to Gordon Woodwinds, at 410 S Michigan Av, Chicago (in the Fine Arts Building, next to Orchestra Hall)? The number is 312-663-0414.

Why? Because Sam Gordon is, first of all, the "best" repairman" in Chicago --- in fact, he repairs all of the Chicago Symphony flutes. Secondly, he has been doing this for many years. Thirdly, he is a former professional flutist, and is VERY capable of testing the flute you want to buy: and, most important of all -- he is VERY conversant on flute makes and models, and SELLS flutes on consignment, or NEW flutes.

I feel these are important considerations.

There is no more "personal" instrument than the flute.

You simply MUST try out different flutes, side-by-side, to see which flute best suits your style of playing -- and which flute is most comfortable for you, provides the sound, intonation, and projection that you're looking for.

And, when you're in his shop, you'll get to test everything from "student model" flutes to "high-end" Nagaharas, Miramatsus, Powells, Miyazawas, etc. And, he'll "test" it, along with you. AND, will adjust it (tension, etc) according to your specs --- right there! Can anything be better than that?

IMO, it sure beats "shipping and returning --- shipping and returning", etc., from music stores --- especially on the Internet, where you DON'T know what you're getting.

IF you've already purchased a flute, then great. Hope you're happy with it. IF you haven't, then why not consider Gordon Woodwinds? Or, if you HAVE purchased a flute, and find that it's NOT what you were looking for, then Sam Gordon can "adjust" it to your specs --- or help you decide which flute is better for you.

Good luck.

Best from Chicago, Jean.