So I'm having an issue with getting a new flute. I play flute for fun and in a cadet marching band where I need to be loud but not particularly great-sounding. All these mentions of 'harsh', 'soft', 'full-bodied' sounds don't really mean much to me.

What I actually play right now is a cheap-as-hell Cecilio that I bought because it was cheap and I wasn't sure if I was going to continue playing flute on a regular basis. (For the record, NEVER ever buy one.) It's been in the repair shop multiple times over the past 3 years (not counting the times I had to pop springs back into place and screw in loosened screws) and the tone has gotten ridiculously breathy. Despite the fact that my embouchure has improved, my (crap) flute changes octave and/or randomly fails to play notes.

What I need is a flute that is durable, which is to say, can take a few small dings, and isn't going to fall apart after a year. I'm planning on buying used, which is why I need to know a few things that generally apply to brands.

At this point in time, my options are Yamaha, Jupiter, Armstrong, and Geimenhardt. All of them are student models; the only ones I know the actual model # of are the Yamaha (221) and the Geimenhardt (2SP). I'm not really considering the Yamaha because my budget is massively limited, so the latter three are my options.

I've heard a lot of hate in regards to Jupiter, Armstrong, and Geimenhardt. Doing my homework, the most common complaints seem to be that Armstrong and Geimenhardt need to be repaired ridiculously often, while Jupiters have weird sounds.

So, I'm asking the other floutists out there, given that I need a durable, not particularly amazing-sounding, but reliable-playing flute, which is GENERALLY better - Jupiter, Armstrong, or Geimenhardt?

My beginning flute was a Gemeinhardt 2SP. I played it for years and I don't remember it ever needing repairs other than a few very minor adjustments to the keys (we're talking about 5 minutes in the repair shop). I passed it on to my brother when I upgraded--he never really played it, but the flute still works when he occasionally pulls it out of the closet. I didn't like the intermediate model I bought later, but I think it's a good brand for a student flute, and it should hold up well as long as you treat it right.

I've heard that the older Geimenhardt flutes are great but the new ones are sketchy. How long ago did you get yours? Otherwise, thanks for the info.

Also, anyone have any opinions on Armstrong/Jupiter flutes?

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When I say seriously limited I actually do mean seriously limited. Used Yamaha 221s seem to go for 400 to 450 dollars, and that is not that much less than the base price on fluteworld etc. If I found one for less than 400 I would consider it, but otherwise - well, there IS a reason I'm asking about the other brands.

I'm guessing my used Yamaha cost between 200 and 300.

I'm guessing my used Yamaha cost between 200 and 300.

A used Yamaha would be good. But I started on a bundy, and was decently happy with it. Also pearl quantz 505s are good. But of the three that you mentioned I would go with jupiter. I use a school student jupiter whenever I don't bring my azumi and it plays very nicely.

I'm slightly bothered by the concept of buying a flute on ebay. There's simply no way to tell what you're buying, whereas with the flutes I mentioned I am able to try them out and see their condition. Anyway, thanks for all the replies and info. I think I'm going to go for the Jupiter.

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On the other hand, do you find ebay sellers to be reliable? The one you linked seems to have excellent feedback, but how trustworthy is a feedback rating? (Ebay newbie here. I've only ever heard bad things about it.)

Alright then, thanks. I think I might consider buying a Yamaha then. The link posted above is great, but shipping to Canada is 65$... Better keep looking I guess.

Also look for the yamaha 225. I believe its the same as the 221, just slightly older. I saw one on ebay with a lot of tarnish for $100. If the tarnish is the only problem, that's a good deal. If you are really price sensitive, you should look for things like that which reduce the appeal for most buyers, but don't really impact quality.

One thing in favor of the Yamaha is that when you need to do an upgrade of your flute, it easy to find a suitable headjoint to your Yamaha so your next upgrade will be cheeper. I have a Miyazawa but my Yamaha with a Sankyo headjoint is better.

I do not know if this is still an active thread or post or whatever, but...

I am a die hard Gemeinhardt kind of guy. I have easy access to a Gemeinhardt dealer and his technician.

I own a 2SP and a KGM and I would not trade them for anything. Now that I have the KGM, I rarely play the 2SP. There are several reasons why I no longer play the 2SP, BUT it still works just fine and I am hoping my son will use it in the next few years. My only complaint about the 2SP is the fact the low C and D cannot be tuned, which is hardly important if the goal is to play loudly.

Although my daughter picked up the clarinet I am hoping she will play the 2SP with me at occasional ensembles. If you are looking at inexpensive, yet sturdy flutes, I do recommend the 2SP.

By the way, I bought the 2SP from ebay brand new with music stand. The KGM was purchased locally from the local dealer.

I also have a Gemeinhardt 4SP pic and I am dieing to upgrade to a KGLTD pic.

As a beginner I loved my Yamaha 200 series. Easy to blow and learn the notes of all octaves. They have great reliability( mine was Japanese made flute). I then upgraded to a Pearl Dolce after I lost my Yamaha!! But about time anyway as I was doing ABRSM grade 6. Now doing the advanced repertoire I just upgraded to a very beautiful Altus headjoint

I would defiantly say Yamaha or used pearl Dolce if you are in anyway ambitious

Hi,
If you're interested I'm selling a used Yamaha Flute 281 made in Japan (open hole). It's an advanced beginner/intermediate flute.
I've compared it with my friend's Yamaha 221 (assembled in Indonesia) and this one has much more variety in tone, and easier to play.
If you're interested, check out my recent post!

P.S: I'm selling it in the price range of a 221, so definitely worth it!