Another First Flute Question - Reputable dealers, new v used

[canoeWest]

I'm an adult beginner at the flute (I'm a decent saxophonist so I'm not a totally beginning musician). I've been learning on a borrowed YFL-225S but I need to give it back and I'm thinking I'll buy my own instrument. I've only been playing for a few months, so I don't want to commit to anything too expensive.

I've been looking online for a good deal on a student Yamaha instrument. I've found new YFL-221 models for what might be too good to be true prices:

$549 from Kohn Music Store through Amazon

$470 on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-YAMAHA-YF ... 3f0ac0d2a9

If people are selling what they call brand new YFL-221 flutes for these prices, is there something fishy, or is this reasonable?

Another alternative I was considering was getting a used YFL-225s from Tim Moran Woodwinds. He sent me the following description of his used flutes:

I replace only the pads, corks or felts that are worn out. I clean, but do not polish the keys and body. Occasionally I buy a used flute that needs a complete overhaul before it can be sold. Most times they only need a few pads, corks, etc. In either case, the flute plays great or it doesn't get shipped out of my shop. They come with a one-year warranty, just like a new flute.

For this he charges $350. This seems like a good deal, especially if he stands by his work but I don't see a reason to pay $350 for a used instrument if I really can get a new one for $470.

Thanks for your help!

[Phineas]

I'm an adult beginner at the flute (I'm a decent saxophonist so I'm not a totally beginning musician). I've been learning on a borrowed YFL-225S but I need to give it back and I'm thinking I'll buy my own instrument. I've only been playing for a few months, so I don't want to commit to anything too expensive.

I've been looking online for a good deal on a student Yamaha instrument. I've found new YFL-221 models for what might be too good to be true prices:

$549 from Kohn Music Store through Amazon

$470 on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-YAMAHA-YF ... 3f0ac0d2a9

If people are selling what they call brand new YFL-221 flutes for these prices, is there something fishy, or is this reasonable?

Another alternative I was considering was getting a used YFL-225s from Tim Moran Woodwinds. He sent me the following description of his used flutes:

I replace only the pads, corks or felts that are worn out. I clean, but do not polish the keys and body. Occasionally I buy a used flute that needs a complete overhaul before it can be sold. Most times they only need a few pads, corks, etc. In either case, the flute plays great or it doesn't get shipped out of my shop. They come with a one-year warranty, just like a new flute.

For this he charges $350. This seems like a good deal, especially if he stands by his work but I don't see a reason to pay $350 for a used instrument if I really can get a new one for $470.

Thanks for your help!

First off, the prices you are seeing are about right. Even though the YFL221 retails for $900+, you can find one for around $500 any day of the week.

As far as YFL225s, you can often find those for $200 - $350 dollars. It really depends on the seller. Frankly, for this model, I would find one of the cheaper ones, then take it to a technician to have it worked on. I have NEVER purchased a used flute off ebay that did not need at least $50 worth of work on it. About $100 - $150 is about average. I have even gotten new instruments that needed adjustment. If the seller is going to guarantee the instrument is going to be in decent playable condition, I might pay $350 for it. The only problem is location. If something is wrong, you will have to send it back to the seller to have it fixed.

Whether to get one or the other is a wash. IMHO you could wind up paying the same money one way or another. I would just go with the one that feels like the best situation for you.

Hope this helps.

Phineas