I am with you Kara and think the scale on the Yamahas aren't very good. Perhaps for a student instrument, but not for a higher end instrument such as the 674.

I feel that for the same kind of money, you can find something much more reliable and that has a better scale, regardless of the silver content. Don't let the silver content be your determining factor. A Muramatsu EX is a much better flute than a Yamaha 674.

Personally, I've only played on a Pearl 765 coda... less handmade than the 795 from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong!). I noticed that the headjoint that is standard on the 765 has a thinner tone than the Yamaha (I've played on the 674 because that is our studio flute), but the mechanism seems MUCH more reliable on the Pearl. When I played on the Pearl, I ended up putting my Muramatsu head (which I had at the time) on it. It actually fit perfectly... I was in a competition and my flute came out of adjustment about 5 minutes before. The Muramatsu head made the Pearl sound like a whole new flute.

The head on the 765 is the same head (only in silver) as found on the 505. All the quantz are the same cut. Dolce and Elegante are different and, of course, the pro stuff is completely handmade.

Joe B

Hands down winner is the Pearl. There's not a YAmaha made that can compare with the 700 series. I play professionally and have done for 30 years. I rate the CODA so highly I bought 3 and put two in storage just in case they stop making it as some crazy makers do.

Gowant, that is a complete personal taste issue. I think the opposite and would choose the Yamaha. One is not better than the other.

Hi,

I ordered a yamaha 674H from Flute World and am very happy with it, I only play it in earnest 3 months ago to use for my ABRSM exam and thanks to this flute, I played my pieces really well, the examiner commended on its clarity and focus of tone! Thanks to this flute I passed with merit. My teachers also love the depth and resonance of this flute. I think Pearl is also a very good flute, but for me its the Yamaha. I also love the EC Head. The mechanism is well made, light touch and very well fitted together!

One is not better than the other.

Just pointing out that this pearl model is an intermediate flute from Taiwan and the Yamaha is a considered an entry level pro instrument from Japan.

Pearl's entry level pro flute from Japan is the 8800 Cantabile series and differs from the Yamaha in that Pearl's 8800 has solid silver keywork, not plated and similarly has a completely handmade headjoint (like the flute) with many different cuts available. (most popular being the Calore and Forte cuts)

That being said, The 795 and 684 are close enough to be compared even given the differences I've mentioned. Indeed, many do consider the 795 a professional flute. Terminology in these crossover model points is a bit subjective.

Crossovers in manufacturer's product lines make these comparisons inevitable even when there are certain apples vs oranges in the specs for the price range.

Joe B