This doesn't seem right at all. The Powell factory is in Boston, so how could they be making the bodies? Why do people insist on calling a Sonare a Powell? UGH!
But the interesting thing is that the receiver section does not have the model number on it. So there may be a question as to whether or not it's a Yamaha knockoff. So one asks, how can they sell a brand new "Yamaha" with a starting bid of $1.00?
You can zoom in on the receiver writing on that photo by passing the mouse pointer over the spot. You can see that generally the pads are pretty good looking and that the dent in the body probably isn't going to be too difficult to get out.
I do like that zoom feature. The only bad thing about it is that it may detract buyers as now they can see how dirty the flute really is and nicked up. I can never understand how other flute sellers can sell a flute without cleaning it up at least. Yuck! Maybe I am just super clean, but I could never sell a flute that I am afraid to blow into. lol!
How true but my point (As a realist) is that I want to know what's wrong if I'm going to buy. I don't want blurry landscapes on the ad and then get the nick and dent special in the mail.
I wrote to the seller of the 'Sonare' flute and they enlightened me with the following:
Hello, whoever you got the information from is incorrect; there has been a lot of confusion about this newest model 705... I guarantee that the body is sterling silver and made in US at Powell flutes and has the Powell scale... I am one of their dealers... their German partner Keilswerth produces the keys; so after the bodies and headjoints are made at Powell in Boston, they are sent to Keilswerth where the keys are installed, thats why they say Germany. [Keilswerth is very famous sax producers and is part of the Sonare Winds Group]. Please contact Powell/Sonare to confirm if you wish... I also have their marketing materials with this information if you wish for me to send you, I sure can. I always offer a 1 week trial, so if you don't care for the flute you can return it.
THanks for writing,
RObert
As for the Yamaha flute I'm selling (ebay #: 190216386960), there are some small spots I did NOT clean. You don't have to be incredibly rude about it-- to each their own-- on the flute board that you KNOW I'm lurking on. How rude can you possible be? If you have personal issues, please write directly to me and not about me in these darn boards. I apologize to anyone it may offend that there may be small spots of tarnish or fuzz from the inside of the Yamaha cases as 1. playability of flutes I'm selling is the #1 priority and 2. I currently have about 10 flutes here that I need to polish and compared to how this flute was received, there's a night and day difference.
My apologies, I didn't realize it was one that you were selling, I didn't look at the ebay ID. I am not trying to be rude at all, but you may be able to sell flutes better and for more money if you cleaned them up. I am only speaking from experience and years of selling and only trying to help I am sure you realize that all those fuzzies in between the keys can get into the mechanism and gum it up. If a flute is going to be re oiled, then it would be to me the logical thing to do. It is not only for looks to clean a flute, but simply part of the process in a COA. I do not mean to offend at all and again my apologies from before.
I cleaned between the keys on the Yamaha, believe it or not, and the interior of the case comes off during the flute's storage, etc. which is apparently what these black-lined cases are known to do due to the material Yamaha used. I've sold flutes slightly tarnished for the same amount as untarnished and I find that the main objective is proper descriptions and accurate, clear photos in auctions. I've been selling flutes for probably the same amount of time as you (5 yrs this June) and not everyone is focused entirely on cosmetics. As my friend, a professional bassoonist, once said 'Pretty don't play' which merely states that a flute may look nice but not play for crap. I agree with my bassoon friend as well as long as whatever flaws the flute(s) in question has no affect whatsoever on the sound produced. If I were to invest $300+ on a flute finish would be important but if it's less than $100, and nevermind the fact that fellow bidders would be determining the price, then finish, tarnish and other small cosmetic issues would be pointless to worry so much about as flute parts alone sometimes sell for more separately than the purchase prices for entire flutes!
Yep, no need to clean a flute. What ever was I thinking. So sorry.
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No, seriously, cleanliness is not all for cosmetic reasons. It is sanitary and also, like I said before, the grime can also affect the playability if getting into the mechanism. I also hate those Yamaha cases. On the newer models they have changed them. A lot of times I re line the cases that come like that or try to find another case for it if I have the time. 10 or 20 flutes that I have at the time, I always clean them for sanitary and functional reasons. To each his own. If it sells, then great. I am just a clean freak to begin with! lol!
What's the point in investing in a new case for a flute that is going for under $100? You would then end up not making very much off of the instrument at all. If the person buying the flute pays under $100 for it they can easily get a new case themselves. Last time I checked fuzz and tarnish aren't health hazards. You can only do so much to a flute that's only going to sell for $70 without ending up with a loss.
My flutes do not go for under $100. I only sell very nice instruments that are close to new. As far as the grim goes between the keys, please read my last statement on it again. Nice to see you sticking up for your buddy though
searching...
I am sure you realize that all those fuzzies in between the keys can get into the mechanism and gum it up. If a flute is going to be re oiled, then it would be to me the logical thing to do. It is not only for looks to clean a flute, but simply part of the process in a COA. I do not mean to offend at all and again my apologies from before.