My flute teacher really wants me to upgrade to a sankyo 201 flute. does anyone have good/bad experience with sankyos??? thanks

I tried a Sankyo 201 at the NFA convention. It seemed like a fantastic flute, especially considering that it's their cheapest model.

However, it might not be a fantastic flute for YOU. You'll have to try as many flutes as you can before you buy one. Why is your teacher pushing Sankyo in particular? I mean, a Muramatsu EX or a Miyazawa 202 would both be comparable to the Sankyo 201.

Go for it!!!

My principal flute has been a Sankyo 14K for the last 3 years. I just love it!

I'm sure you won't be disapointed in any way.

Give it a go along with all the other flutes of that spec and get the one you like the best.

Thanks for the help. TBflute, my teacher has used sankyos for like 15 years and is in love with them so i think that is why she wants me to get one but I am not sure.

There's nothing wrong with Sankyos, They are great flutes.

However, buying a specific brand because your teacher insists because that's what they play is not the way to make a decision. It may be a good starting point, but not necessarily what you should end up with.

Try a few different brands, have your teacher listen, and pick the one that you are most comfortable with and sounds best.

Joe B

I played on a Sankyo for the past 10 years and loved it. I recently got to get an Aurumite Powell and am no longer using the Sankyo full time. However, it is a great flute. I have the Silver Sonic, which now translates to the 301 I think. But, I loved playing on it and my sound. However, I must agree, when making a decision like this...try, try, try! You have to find what works and feels best for you. Don't let a teacher force you into one brand. I always say, flutes are like pants...one size does not fit all!

Sankyo makes an excellent flute.
If one showed up as a gift, it would probably be a dandy to learn to get along with. I'd sure not kick one out of my flute bag!

But JoeB is absolutely right:

Try a few different brands, have your teacher listen, and pick the one that you are most comfortable with and sounds best.

Even better, have someone cover over the barrels of the flute so you don't know which flute you're playing, so there is no brand prejudice in your (or your teacher's!) impressions of pitch, tone and playability.
I would add that advice from a competent flute repair tech (the one that your teacher sends her beloved Sankyo to would be an obvious choice) about the reliability and repairability of your 'first choice' flute would be prudent. It won't help much to find a flute that suits your playing style and hands, and realize you've just bought a flute that spends a lot of time in the repair shop.