Hello,

First post!

I'm a self taught instrument player (Taught myself the Clarinet), and I'm interested in purchasing a flute. But I don't want to buy a poor quality one, or a super expensive one. (My budget is $400.)

I found 2 flutes that I'm interested in:
Jupiter - http://www.long-mcquade.com/?page=products&ProductsID=155
Fujiyama - http://www.tomleemusic.ca/main/band.cfm?details=1&id=7&inv=118194

I'd really like your expert advice....

personaly i wouldent buy either for ya dollar you would be better getting a 2nd hand student yamaha you would pick one up for around the same price and possably kara may even have one in stock

the yamaha would ba a far better flute that would do you indefinatly with maybe a handmade head joint in the future

Agreed. A used 200 series Yamaha (closed hole, offset G)in good condition plus a service and adjustment by a woodwind repair specialist will get you a good reliable flute which will last you a long time.

It probably wouldn't be a good idea to buy either brand. I'veheard of jupiter...not so good. I've never heard of the other brand though, usually that means that its a bad brand.
If you have $400 dollars then you may even be able to buy a student yamaha new if its important to you to own a new instrument. There have also been some student emersons on ebay reecently slightly used for around $200 dollars if you're looking for a slightly more intermediate mouthpiece cut, although with emerson student flutes the headjoint is slightly less forgiving, so many choose to invest in yamaha flutes, or even selmer flutes occasionally. (take note, yamaha flutes are usually better than selmerin my opinion.)

also- please, please buy from more reputable flute sights than the ones you linked too. If you purchase from sights like music123, etc, the flutes usually need A LOT MORE ADJUSTMENT THAN NORMAL when they come, and that is something any beginner wouldn't want to deal with, especially if you don't have a teacher to go to.

I personally like Jupiter flutes a lot. The two brands or beginner flutes that I sell are always Yamaha and Jupiter. They are my top two favorites. I was also very impressed by the Sonare student line. I only have a student Jupiter right now and an intermediate Haynes Amadeus (not listed on site yet) and have a couple of people waiting for a Yamaha right now.

http://albums.phanfare.com/5081214/3642259#imageID=64217921

I know for a fact that most long and mcquade stores carry used 200 series yamahas. I would suggest either calling them or going into the store and ask the orchestral instrument department. I was talking with a friend who works there and he told me they usually sell used 200 series Yamahas for around $350.

Wow, thank you very much. All of your advice is very helpful and informational. I've decided not to go with those 2 flutes.

To Kara:

That is a beautiful flute. I especially love the gem at the end, it's very elegant.

Thanks! I just realized that you were the one I sold the Jupiter to! I am sure you are going to love it.

Yes that was me! :D

Thank you so much, your service is top notch!

Oops! I am so sorry. I had thought you had said "Juniper" flute, then typoed it in my post.

Thank you I hope you like your flute! If you have any problems with it, then you always know where to find me!

I am very excited on learning how to play...

I want my flute now lol!! I'll be sure to put up some status reports or something :D

good luck with your fluting, Kara's creations look stunning, I love them, I hope you enjoy playing and hope you post a few videos for us the hear.