Want to buy a flute

[Bob Ross]

If you're a beginner, I would advocate looking for a closed-hole model with an offset G.

Unless you'll be playing "recent" (like, from the last 100 years) symphonic or concert band works, you don't need a low B, so maybe save a few bucks by not getting that feature.

And if you're going to buy used, have a qualified repair person check out the condition of the pads and the air-tightness of the headjoint before committing to purchase.

[yosefTux]

Your local band instrument shop will likely rent you a student model for a semester. That way you won't have to sell it when you're ready to move up.

[jdsowa]

Just pick up anything off craigslist or ebay. Artley, Selmer, whatever. Doesn't matter. Flutes can be had easily for $40. It will almost certainly need a re-pad. So take it to Sam Ash or any local band shop. That process should run you $50-75. At which point, you should have a very playable and recordable instrument. Just make sure to clean it with a rod & rag after use to prevent build up of moisture.

[initialsBB]

Thanks for the responses guys! I kind of forgot about this thread since it was silent for a while.

Closed hole, offset g, student model sounds good. I really just want this to record simple kraftwerk-like flute textures now and then, probably multitracked or through tons of delay or something. more of an effect than anything.

I play the sax and recently learned that the flute's fingering is similar so I thought, hey I should get one.

Used student model plus pad replacement sounds like the way to go. thanks again.

[mcgruff]

Get a Yamaha. Best tone/$ ratio I know. If you can, get one with a silver head because the denser metal has a better sound.

The fingering may be the same but it will take you about a year to get a decent tone if you're good and practice a lot. Maybe more.