My wife was going to buy a bass recorder, but has now suggested I consider learning to play the flute, seemed quite a good idea until I searced the forum for advice, am now just a bit confused. What I would like to avoid is getting into the regular upgrading routine, I'd to have one that I can stay with for a very long time if I take to it. Searching the internet, and the forum there appear to be some Chinese bargains, but I suspect a good used instrument may be a better choice but which one. Any suggestions out there.

Guess that would depend on your budget?? A good intermediate flute which is what you are probably suggesting start at 1000 + These would include yamaha, altus, pearl and miyazawas, trevor james,sankyos and muramatsu to be honest the list is endless. You should be able to pick up most of these makes second hand. You would be looking at solid lip plates, or head joint although this is cause for debate ;-) the sound quality is made in the head joint so a good quality head may make all the difference without breaking the bank. chinese models are best avoided. There will be many other suggestions i am sure. But if you can play even a little you are best trying them out. Happy choosing

I think the same advice would apply for almost any instrument here:

First learn to play your chosen instrument and then, when you have gained some experience and can try out different makes to see which suits you best, buy the more expensive instrument. Otherwise you risk buying an expensive flute that doesn't really suit you any which you never really get on with. You could lose more on an expensive flute if you have to sell it than you might spend on a reasonable beginner's flute to learn on.

hi i started two years ago on a pearl pf-501 which i have played nearly every day and is still going strong which is more than can be said for the chinese cheapy flute which lasted 5 months and is now really nasty to play. i spent nearly 400 on my first lovely flute and only now reaching grade 6 pieces do i think i would like to try other flutes and maybe invest in a new head joint.

hope this is of some help happy flute hunting

monkey flute

I would recommend a Yamaha 211 as the best student flute as it WILL take you through to grade 8. If you decide to upgrade beyond that then it will have a good 2nd hand retail value. You would be looking at about £350 new I think nowadays.

I wouldn't suggest you consider an intermediate flute until you can play at that level and know what instrument suits you and there would be no need to upgrade at all unless playing professionally.

I would agree with the proviso that the new Yamaha 211s (made in Indonesia) aren't quite as good as the Japanese models. The Pearl 501 is equally good, but doesn't suit everyone. If you can stretch to £500 or so, the Azumi 1000 is definitely worth trying.