Hi guys, I'd really appreciate any help on this matter.

I am in Australia and have had no luck getting my hands onto a Dolce to compare it to a Elegante. I really liked the Elegante and is a far step up from my 19 year old Yamaha student flute. The only difference between the two is what the body is made of, does this really make a difference to the sound?

I know, I know, its try as many different instruments as you can but as I said, I am in Australia and not in one of the major cities so getting my hand on different brands is damn near impossible.

I have tried a intermediate Yamaha, a Pearl Elagante and a Trever James. I thought I got the best sound from the Pearl and I liked the feel of it. I liked the feel of the Yamaha even though it was a bit stiff but the sound quality was not so great and was a LOT more money. The Trever James felt so awful in my hands.

So if you have any other suggestions of Japanese brands that are good I would also appreciate input, again it just sucks because I need to upgrade my instrument but I can not get my hands on any other brands to try.

As a player I have a very soft delicate sound, and my biggest struggle personally is dynamics. The Forza head joint even on my old Yamaha gave me a lot more dynamics but I when playing pp was a little lacking in the amazing tone it has when you play mf. Also must have offset G as I have small hands.

Thank you so much in advance to anyone who can help me here.
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The body material makes no difference in the sound - at least that humans are capable of hearing(dogs and cats might I guess?) The headjoints are identical. Therefore, the smart money is on the less expensive one. Especially since the chances of it getting damaged or stolen at college are greater than zero.

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Sorry - didn't know if you were in school or not. You might try the other headjoint option if you can, though. I believe Pearl makes two - and that will be the only difference in sounds between them.

Thank you so so so much for that. I have been looking everywhere for the answer to that question. I poked the music shop again and they just can't get their hands on a 695 for me to try.

Yes you are right I am going back to uni.

Once again thanks.

Oh forgot to say that yes they have 3 different 795 for me to try, with different head joints and options so I will play about with them and pick what I like.

Heh. That's the smart thing to do Figure out what headjoint you like and then get the less expensive body with that headjoint.