Yamaha Models? 
 
   11:10 on Sunday, September 12, 2010
 
           
 
  
  
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Re: Yamaha Models? 
 
   16:17 on Sunday, September 12, 2010
 
           
 
  
  
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Re: Yamaha Models? 
 
   19:59 on Sunday, September 12, 2010
 
           
 
  
  
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  Watcher (58 points) 
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I'm an adult beginner, and have been playing/taking lessons for a year and change.  I currently play a Yamaha 225N.  I had an opportunity to play two other flutes last week - an old Haynes, and an old Powell, and was interested to see how they cleared up some problems which I had assumed were my technique.  I also had a chance to have a professional flautist spend some time on my Yamaha.  She noted that it was a bit inconsistent - sometimes it played fine, sometimes it gave trouble. 
 
Budgetwise, I'm thinking of spending between $2.5k and $3.5K.  My guess is that this puts me at a flute which is better than I really need at this point, but I'd rather get something that will last me a while (or forever), instead of needing to upgrade again in a couple of years. 
 
The Powell I played had open holes, which didn't cause me much trouble, so I'm thinking of going that way.  I'm also thinking of a B foot, and definitely want an offset G.  I've been warned away from the split E mechanism from a number of sources. (My third octave E can be spotty, but it played like a dream on the Powell).  The one issue I had with the Powell was that the sound was a bit too bright for my taste. 
 
I'm currently thinking about the following options: 
Sankyo CF-201 
Muramatsu EX 
Resona R200-O 
 
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you have to share. 
 
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Re: Yamaha Models? 
 
   08:05 on Monday, September 13, 2010
 
           
 
  
  
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Re: Yamaha Models? 
 
   08:05 on Monday, September 13, 2010
 
           
 
  
  
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Re: Yamaha Models? 
 
   11:41 on Monday, September 13, 2010
 
           
 
  
  
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  contra448 (771 points) 
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sometimes it played fine, sometimes it gave trouble. 
That indicates that the flute needs some attention from a repairer. You might find that for a small outlay the sound & reliability will improve greatly & you might be happy with that for a bit longer. 
Many times I have spent an hour or less checking out instruments that owners, who have upgraded, wish to sell on & I get comments to the effect that they now play as well as the new one!
 
But don't let me put you off buying a new one - there have been some good suggestions about possibilities in your price range. The message I get from many players & teachers is that the higher models of Yamaha don't really match up to other makers for a similar price despite their 200 range being the best of the student flutes.
 
Good luck & happy playing.
 
 
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