Which flute?

[Zodlebud]

DD (7) is starting flute lessons in September after two years of nagging. She’s had a trial lesson and has been doing music theory for a year so feel she is fairly committed.

Unfortunately, my 30 year old flute needs so much work doing to it that all hopes of her being able to use it, combined with the fact she needs a curved head joint means I need to get a new one.

Hiring from local place costs £20 a month so after a year I am looking at £240.

My local, family owned and run (been there for 38 years, very highly regarded) has a couple of options to buy. Both come with a straight and curved head joint.

First is a second hand Gemeinhardt. A few small dents in it but fully serviced and sounds great. £250.

Second is a brand new Vivace at £299.

Both are guaranteed for a year by the shop and they offer a buy back scheme of 70% of price paid after six months so long as it’s in good condition.

Which would you choose for taking her through the early grades? We would invest in something more flashy if she reaches the higher grades.

[Trumpetdad]

We bought second hand Yamaha YFL211 from eBay for then just turned 8yo. And curved head from local shop, but was only used for a term at most. Sold them for roughly the same price a few years later when we upgraded.

[Zodlebud]

That’s really useful thanks. The Gemeinhart will probably be worth more in a few years that the other one is my guess. I just want to make sure that it won’t let me down in two years - it’s not a make I had heard of until now.

Most of the reviews are US customers (it’s a US make) too. I guess I’m just after reassurance on the quality side.

[ElstreeViaduct]

Have you played them both? Is either easier for getting a decent note out of?

My first and only flute was a Gemeinhardt, over 30 years ago. It was the cheapest one in the shop but it was a good music shop, so was probably ok quality. I didn't really gel with flute but I think that was me not that particular instrument. Sorry not much help. This one in the shop might be much better than my entry level one too.

[Zodlebud]

I guess I could play them both in the shop before deciding- that’s a great idea and so simple (yet had evaded me!!)

The Gemeinhardt sells for about £530 new so thinking it has to be better quality, although acknowledging it’s going to be nowhere as good as a Yamaha.

[Alsoplayspiccolo]

Gemeinhart are ok and certainly a better bet than a Vivace.
Yamaha are the gold standard for beginners, as has been said, but other good makes are Jupiter and Trevor James - might be worth looking online at places like All Flutes Plus, Just Flutes and Top Wind to give you an idea of second hand prices, and then keep an eye on Gumtree.
The thing about flutes is that there's not a lot that can go wrong with them, so what you see is what you get. Things like getting them repadded are pretty simple, so don't be too worried about buying online.

[bizzieb33]

Is she learning through school, I think that you can get new instruments free of VAT if you buy through the council music service. When we bought my DD's we went to the shop and reserved the one we wanted and they sent an invoice to the council that we paid. Its called the assisted instrument purchase scheme (AIPS)!

[SweetAsSpice]

Gemeinhardt vs the other one (I will be honest I haven’t heard of them)

Yamaha and Trevor James are also excellent for beginners.

I got my Yamaha on eBay, used but ‘perfect’ condition.

Second the suggestion for trying in the shop.

I didn’t know if it was private music lessons or through the school, in my experience the local authority (where I am at least) have a small number of musical instruments they can provide for students, if they are having the lessons at school. This might also be an option before you commit to buying.

[titchy]

Definitely try first - particularly a curved head joint - they need a lot of puff! And if her arms are long enough she won't need it.

Dd had Yamaha mentioned above then upgraded the head joint (Azumi?) after a couple of years.