Hi,

I'm thinking about buying the yamaha 361H flute. Does anyone have any experience with this flute? What do you think?

Thanks for your help!

Yamaha makes some great flutes. Have you tried any others?

No, I currently play a bundy student model flute. I don't like the sound or the quality. If I buy a new flute, I would like to upgrade versus buying the same level of flute again.

It's not available at the store so I can't try it out. Would I be safe just trying any yamaha flute for comparison?

Yamaha makes some good flutes all the way up to the pro level. It will be much better than the flute you play now.

Would you like something else better? Who knows. You would have to try a bunch of flutes.

If there is a student Yamaha around it would give you an idea of what kind sound you would get. I think the cut of the headjoint is the same as the 371. The only difference would be that the 371 has a silver headjoint. The student flute would probably have the same feel as the 371 too. All the other upgrades start happening in the 500 series I believe.

Hi!

In my opinion, buying a Yamaha 300 or 400 series flute is a complete waste of money! The truth is, the headjoint cut is the same throughout the 200, 300 and 400 series! So, I suggest you get something MUCH better, for a very similar price! The Azumi 2000, Sonaré 501, Brio B10 (much cheaper, but varied opinions!) Amadeus 600...
There are lots of better flutes out there, at a very similar price! However, if you have completely decided on Yamaha , buy a 200 series equivalent!!!!!
Happy flute hunting!
P.S A used Avanti 1000 flute would also be excellent!!!!
P.P.S Dont rule out a flute because it's used!!!!

P.S A used Avanti 1000 flute would also be excellent!!!!

It so happens that I have one that I just put up. I am working on the description, but you can see pictures of it.
If you are a guy though, you probably wouldn't like the crown. Sorry, I love purple!

http://fluteragious.phanfare.com/4573587#imageID=93580272

Thanks for your help! I want to make an inform decision before buying a new flute and get the right one for me. I plan to try some yamahas and other brands today. I have a couple of questions for you folks.

The 200 series for yamaha flutes are silver plated versus the 300 series that has a sterling silver headjoint. Will this make much of a difference in sound? Isn't sterling silver headjoint better than the silver plated headjoint?

Why is the embouchure hole cut so important?

What is better open holes vs closed holes? I've never played an open-hole flute.

Please keep in mind, I want to purchase a flute that I can grow into.

Ok,

The embouchure hole is vitally important! The thing is, the air is going to hit that riser and lip plate, and produce a sound. The way it is cut dramatically changes that sound! The silver may make it sound sweeter, but barely. Not enough to actually make a noticable difference.

I can't really tell you which is better with the open hole vs. Closed hole thing! IMO, open are better because they give you more flexibility and if you decide you don't like them, their are plugs to convert them into closed. They give you options and flexibility! Also, I believe they let you go faster more easily. That could just be rubbish, but I don't know!

Also, i'm going to stick to my guns about those brand names! Yamaha are very expensive, and IMO, not the best by a long shot! Their student flutes are great, but after that, it falls.
I recommend:

Azumi
Amadeus
Avanti (probably used, if on a budget)
Brio (these are cheaper, but varied opinions!)
Sonaré

Good Luck!
Pearl (not bad, but not the best IMO!)



<Added>

Sorry, Pearl should be with the recommended brands!

A Yamaha 300-series will be a big step-up from a student Bundy.

It will not PLAY much differently than a 200-series, silverplated Yamaha.
The 300-series Yamaha would 1)have open holes and 2)have a B-footjoint, which to the un- and under-informed, are the marks of a 'step-up' flute.
You will not likely ever need to play a low B. In the few pieces that do ask for a low B, there are usually alternatives written for a C-foot flute.
The open holes are best reviewed here:
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?108257-Open-holed-flute-or-not

In short, I think you will only need open holes if you attend a college program and will take coursework in extended technique and jazz. Some people really get into this, but most don't, and unless you do I would say that you will not need them for traditional work such as concert band/wind ensemble/wind symphony or orchestral work.

When most students (with 'real' flute teachers) move up from a student flute, they generally will have the help of their flute teacher. The usual procedure is to try several flutes in your price range, along with your teacher. Often students are encouraged to try the flutes 'blind', so they aren't thinking 'oh, this solid silver flute is more expensive so it must be better than the silverplated model' as they play.

So, you are being encouraged to try several flutes in order to find an upgrade flute that suits you well. You might ask a local teacher for a few lessons specifically to help you find an upgrade flute.

Otherwise, I would say that a Yamaha 361 is indeed an appropriate upgrade flute for a student playing a Bundy.

That is rubbish (like you thought) about your open hole theory. Open holes are used for special techniques such as bending notes like in Jazz playing. They don't sound any better.
I much prefer Azumi and Avanti over Yamaha. They are priced at a more affordable rate and I prefer the hand cut headjoints on them. A Yamaha 221 is going to play the same as every other Yamaha up until the 500 series. Material does not matter, as stated MANY times on this forum. I suggest you do a search in this forum as these type of questions are asked on a daily basis here and many people stopped replying because they most likely are tired of repeating themselves. Nothing that you would know of about of course since you are new to the board.

It so happens that I have one that I just put up. I am working on the description, but you can see pictures of it. If you are a guy though, you probably wouldn't like the crown. Sorry, I love purple! http://fluteragious.phanfare.com/4573587#imageID=93580272

Neat! xD

<Added>

It's so pretty.....I would definitely consider buying if I could get my parents to help pay...

Thanks for your help! I appreciate it. After some research and listening to your comments, I'm planning to still get a YFL-361H. I would stick with the 200 series if it had a b-foot. I know I will probably never use it and it will sound the same as a 200 series flute. I want to have it just in case.

I'm never going to play at the pro level and don't have the desire to do so. Due to my illness, it's not possible for me to engage in private lessons. IF I do get better, I will strongly consider this. Right now, I'm basing my decision on reputation of a brand versus trying many flutes out. I know this is not recommended but in my current health condition, it's not realistic for me to "shop around."

I reviewed the prices between the Yamaha 200 series and the 300 series and it seems like there's only $100 difference. I'm willing to pay that difference to have this option available to me, regardless if it is necessary or not. There's a sale at the end of the March at my local music store and I can get the 361H for $900CAD. At this price, I think it's worth it.