Hello, I have the flute that I used in elementary school, it was purchased used (from someone who purchased it used, etc.). It's an Artley and the serial number is 288702, it also says Nogales, Ariz. 18-0 (or 18-9?). I don't remember what year I started playing, but it would have been pre-1980 as that was the year I stopped playing. Does anyone know what year this flute was made?
Over the years I've had two daughters play it and I've spent at least $200 on repairs (not counting tune-ups). The daughter playing it now is in 9th grade and plans on playing at least through High School. It is about to go back more repairs: a bent key and missing pad(s).
I'd like some opinions on whether it's time to purchase a new one or not. I've done some searching and can get a new Prelude Blem Flute or a Kohlert 420 Flute for under $200. How would these compare quality-wise to the flute we already have? (I don't want to downgrade) Is there a better model in that price range? Or for that price range would it be just as well to keep the flute?
avoid off name flutes for a low price, there are many threads on this forum and many knowledgeable posters who can steer you in the right direction..the student flutes made by yamaha, jupiter, Pearl are light years ahead of what we had back in the 70's...
If you bought a Prelude or Kohlert you most likley would be trading in one problem for another. Stick with the well name brand flutes as Patrick suggested. My favorite for student flutes would be Yamaha or Jupiter. If you need a new one or used (like new) GOOD flute for a low cost then you are welcome to send me a private message as I can help you there. To answer your original question, I do think that it is time for a new flute.
Hmm... With Artley's, aside from the Artley Wilkins models, the only Artley flutes I've found to be "decent" were the Elkhart-made flutes which were, actually, made by Conn (or so the story goes). I'd bet that your flute was made around the 60s or 70s-- I can check my serial number list if you'd like =) . Honestly I wouldn't trust the Prelude nor the Kohlert flutes and for $200 and under, you can find something MUCH better! I just stumbled upon (in the other room) a Gemeinhardt 2SP flute in great to mint condition that I'm going to be eBaying off either this week or next week. Yamaha student flutes, although good, usually range between $200-300+/- and Gemeinhardt's (I prefer the J and J1 headjoints for ease of playability and decent tone, etc.) usually sell for between $100-200 (I usually sell them for about $175). Jupiter's seem to be decent flutes although I've only played one-- a 611RBS-- however was quite surprised with it. I usually stick with Gemeinhardt flutes when I resell them with Yamaha's slowly-but-surely creeping up there on my list.
I also happened to *stumble* upon an as new and I mean AS NEW Jupiter with a gold lip plate and crown that I will be also selling for $165.00. No tarnish or grim either like you see on a lot of flutes on ebay. (Yuck!) It is perfect. I know Suzie likes to sell the Gemeinhardt flutes, but honestly I do not like them and would not recommend them only because they are harder to play and are known to produce an airy tone because of the headjoints not being all that great. Sorry Suz I like to stick to Yamaha and Jupiter.
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Well if no one objects, I will list some of my ebay auctions and you can see if I might have something you would like. We were trying to get a page on this forum that we could list things, but I don't know what became of that. If anyone else has something listed that could help out our new poster, please do so.
Kara, I did send a message to Admin in January and reported the thread with the supporting posts to have a space in this site for announcements.
I still think this space is much needed and would be helpful to many people, newcomers and veterans. But so far I have seen no reaction.
It could be time to write to Admin individually and confirm that this interest exists and that such a page would be a valuable addition to this great site.
BTW, the three flutes announced on Ebay look great! And the accompanying text could be taken as a model for correct and serious auctioning.
The one with the gem in the crown almost decided me to bid... but I do not need a third flute right now and I am low on financial resources at the moment.
Thank you so much Jose! That really means a lot to me
I have been lazy and have not gotten around to listing these flutes for several months. It would be so nice if we could get a wanted page or for sale page on here. There are so many times that people come on here looking for a good flute or used one for that matter.
That flute with the gemstone is beautiful! Her birthstone is Ruby so the color is perfect. But....it's open holed, she plays closed hole, is there a difference? And, unfortunately I can't afford it at this time, maybe closer to the end of March but not right now
So, Jupiter and Yamaha seem to be the most recommended around here for young players.
From reading these forums, it sounds as if different flutes feel/play differently. Should I be worried about buying her a flute sight unseen and then it turning out to not feel/sound right for her?
(I am curious as to the actual year mine was made if anyone knows, I've seen a list of serial numbers for Artley but that one isn't listed.)
Thanks again for helping me out, you guys/gals are awesome!
the best thing to do is to try to get a flute that you can try out, many dealers, such as fluteworld.com, will offer a trial period, which is good in the event the flute needs to be adjusted, rarely would any of buy a flute without such a trial period..
kara that flute with the gem stone looks a bit like it could be my dream flute *is very tempted to bid* but unfortunatley my mum is wary of buying it from america as we are in the uk
Awh.. that is too bad. You know, I have shipped several flutes to Angie who also lives in the UK and all over the world without any problems. I understand your moms concern though.
Your auctions look great, Kate! Beautiful pictures and nice layout. That jupiter 507rso is very very tempting, but I just don't have the funds right now, even if I did like it. I really do need a backup flute though. Arg! Why can't I be rich? I am half tempted to sell my piccolo to finance another headjoint and a backup flute. Or sell a kidney. I've got two.
Any flute that has open holes can easily and inexpensively have the holes plugged, so that it plays like a closed-hole flute.
A technician can fit the holes with cork or silicone, or plastic stick-in plugs can be used. Slightly more expensive ($20)are Powell Plug-Os, which are silver colored and can be removed (carefully) by the player, as can the plastic plugs ($3).
One thing about the powell plug o's is that they seem to stick up a little and I don't like that, so I find the silicone to be superior in that respect and also cheaper. Just my two lincoln's worth.
Yes, I also feel the same way about the Powell plugs o's and I also prefer the clear silicon plugs. The silicon plugs are much cheaper and easier to get out too. At the convention Flute World was selling the Powell plugs for $40!
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I like to stick to Yamaha and Jupiter.
