Hi, I'm a Flute Performance Major looking for a new flute; I'm venturing into the Handmade flute domain, and I have somewhat of a spending limit. I'm looking for a flute that will last me a while and I've done a lot of research and looking lately and this summer I will be trying many flutes in my search to find a flute for me.

Right now I'm looking for some input on a few flutes that I'm looking at now; If anyone here has had experiences, good or bad, feel free to reply; I'll take all the extra help and opinions I can.

I should also add that yes, I know flutes are completely personal, right now I'm looking to see what others have to say on flutes that I'm looking into trying.

Heres the list:
Burkart & Phelan Professional model (Kind of expensive, still on my list)
Haynes Classic Q3 (I like the haynes sound, not sure about the out-sourcing of their flutes yet.)
Pearl Cantabile (I play a pearl now, I like their flutes; wondering if the Cantabile's mechanism is good or not; scale also. Joe?)
Powell Signature (also like powell's sound, their flutes are great)


Any help is greatly appreciated.
Jdkmusicbmx

If you're looking for used as well, you could probably find a Powell 2100 (I think it was the past Conservatory) which is of better quality than the signature, but for around the same price. Sorry if I'm wrong, though.

Good point, and I'll keep it in mind although I'm not looking used.
Thanks!

Anyone else?

Cantabile is a pinless mechanism. no problems there. Flute is all sterling, Keywork as well.

Cantabile flutes are Sterling and then silver plated over. Scale is basically a modern cooper, no problems there. You do have a lot of options to choose from to fit your budget. Most important of these will be the headjoint cut to go with your flute.

If you like the signature a pearl Calore cut will be similar. Vivace or vivo cut comparable to Haynes, Forte or Calore for Burkart.

But you should try some first before making a decision.

Joe B

I'll definitely try before I buy; I want a flute that will push me to new musical hights, not one that holds me back. Im looking forward to trying out the Calore cut, so I'll have to do that. I was just hoping that the mechanism is good on the pearl.

Thanks!
Jory

Just thought I'd post I'd still like peoples opinions on these flutes.

Thanks
jdkmusicbmx

Does anyone have opinions on any of these instruments?

Well I was looking for information like Joe gave me, which was very helpful;

but thanks anyways,
jdkmusicbmx

Well I was looking for information like Joe gave me, which was very helpful;

Well that's facts not opinions, no?

good call; I would also like facts on the matter too, if anyone has some

Here's a fact, you can get much more bang for your buck if you buy a used professional flute. The $5000 you would spend on the semi pro Haynes Q3 new will buy you an $8000 flute used that will be of a higher quality.

some more information might be helpful.
have you played any of these flutes?
what kind of sound are you looking for?

Pretty much the whole flute studio at the college I attend plays on Burkart and they all really like them. Their keys are really flat which is not something that I like. I like them to have a little more rise in them. Also there are so many different brands in the same price range that are handmade and really good. For example. Sankyo, altus, miyazawa, muramatsu. all good flutes.

oh, and im not sure about the powell but i am fairly certain that the haynes is not handmade. can someone correct me if i am wrong?

Okay, oops, I thought I posted in this thread but didn't.

1. Check with the professor you are going to be studying with if she/he recommends a certain model (some professors have their biases).

2. Within the models recommended, try out a couple different ones to see what you like best. Just because it's super expensive does not mean it's the right flute for you.