
Grenadite II ($2300-2800) just out and headjoint cut is handfinished for even better tonal properties Grenadite Original (<$2000) plays like a reputable wooden flute - maybe even better. I hear that the Guo keys are unlikely to wear out and maintenance is mininum. No need to oil (as in wooden flutes) nor worry about temperature fluctuations which could affect flute mechanisms even the metal ones.

Easy maintenance, wash and wipe or simply wipe down. LIGHTWEIGHT (for the v young or v old) Ease all registers. As Giant Bike's has somewhat become the Trek/Cannondale of the east, perhaps the GUO will become the Powell/Abell of the future. So - if you are brave enough, get the GUO New Voice. Even professionals use their mid to high end and are raving about it. But I am currently intrigued by the Guo flutes, if you are open minded enough, seriously consider one. Will post link if I find it.įorgive me for getting ahead of myself (above). There was a blog by a technician himself but I can't find it. Google for comments on Trevor James and Pearl. However these comments were from a few years ago and may not apply anymore. These would be the student models and users would be careless kids. Tone is reportedly beautiful but not sure about durability and maintenance needs.ĭuring my purchasing process I had also read on the internet about some horror stories of how fragile some of the brands you've listed are and parent's having to make multiple trips to the technician for constant adjustments. You can buy one new just within your budget. Rave reveiws about the Azumi 3000 which comes with the bells and whistles of an advanced flute. For secondhand go no more than 3 years old. Superior construct and what a pleasure to play. But properly adjusted they put you in good stead to go the distance with simple headjoint upgrade. The only qualifier is that in Australia, these babies need to be serviced by special technicians and they charge an arm and a leg for their annual service. Not sure about maintenance.ģ) Altus 807,907 ($1050-1500) Miyazawa 202 ($1400-1700) or Muramatsu EXIII ($2200) - these you can get quality secondhand ones well within your budget from reputable resellers - I got my Altus and Miyazawa from ebay (shock n horror!) but they came MINT and after some embouchure adjustment, what a dream to play. Great value.Ģ) Jupiter step up or intermediate - have heard great things about this.

Own a 371 ($770 MINT fr ebay last year) and am loving it more and more.
IS THE ALTUS FLUTE BRAND GOOD UPGRADE
If you looking for a reliable, well constructed flute which will not become a technician's nightmare, then I must recommend in the following order:ġ) Yamaha 371H, 471H (however some are saying for the price just get the 271 and upgrade a good headjoint as you progress which is not a bad strategy for economy) - student yams are built like a tank, economical to service as you do not need to make multiple side trips every so often for adjustment which some other brands on your list does. Some of those are the usual suspects, though I've not played Azumi, Amadeus, Avanti, Di Zhao, Lyric, Dean Yang.īTW has anyone ever dealt with Briolette flutes (not pics)? I know the company died, and there's no info online.
