Hi Everyone,
I am a saxophone player who doubles on flute. I think I'm a pretty decent flute player at this point so I'm looking to upgrade my flute soon... I'm getting more and more embarrassed bringing my Gemeindhardt 3hsb or whatever it is to gigs. My budget is about $4000-4500 dollars and I'm wanting to get a pretty serious flute. I'm looking for a flute that projects well and that also has a more heavier/darker sound that a lighter/lyrical sound. Does anyone have any particular models that they would recommend?
Thanks,
Wes

You might want to look into the Haynes or Muramatsu line as they tend to have a darker sound to them and may be what you are looking for.

A Haynes, unfortunatley, does NOT fit into your budget. The Muramatsu's will, and I think they are your best bet. Try some out if you can.

You can get a previously owned Haynes flute in your price range.

Check:

http://www.fluteworld.com/index.php?action=pk&wart=uflt

http://www.flutes4sale.com/used.html

I purchased my used Haynes flute & piccolo from the Flute Center. They have a nice trial arrangement.

A Haynes, unfortunatley, does NOT fit into your budget. The Muramatsu's will, and I think they are your best bet.

That is not true. Haynes now make Classic Q1, Q2 and Q3 model all under $4250.00

http://www.fluteworld.com/index.php?action=pk&wart=hayn

And also as suggest above, you can get them used for under $4,000.00.

Kara has it all correct as usual. Muramatsu flutes probably cost more in fact at the highest levels. Both are priced out of this world. 10K++++ for the top end ones. I played one that cost 45K in 1996 and it was like playing a dream, that cost 45K...Actually a 9K Powell played better in my opinion.