Me, myself, and the old battle-axe Artley Wilkins....

[Little Lisa]

Hi fluteland!

I'm a newbie here, let me introduce myself:

I'm Canadian.
I've been playing flute/piccolo for 18-ish years.
I currently play in a community band (University level-ish), and sometimes some small ensembles if I'm lucky!
I do not consider myself a professional, more of a hobbyist that still has a passion for music and loves to play flute.
I'd love to look into the jazz-side of flute playing at some point in my life...loves me some jazz, I do.
My current instruments are an old Artley Wilkins flute and a Selmer piccolo. Looking to learn Alto Sax before I die!

I'm here because I desperately need to downgrade (upgrade?) my flute and I would so appreciate the input of intelligent, professional flute players! My old battle-axe Artley is too heavy for me to play since I have developed severe tendonitis in my shoulders. I'd still love to play flute for as long as I am possibly able to.....anyways! Expect more posts from me soon. Love to get to know some flute-nerds.

[pied_piper]

If you just switch flute models, it is unlikely to help very much. There is not a significant weight difference between various brands/models of C flutes. Frankly, the discomfort from tendonitis in your shoulders probably has more to do with the position holding the flute than the actual weight. You may find that a curved headjoint flute may alleviate some of your issues by altering your arm and shoulder position, but I'd suggest trying one before buying. Check out the Fluteland FAQ. You will see a list of flute vendors there that will allow you to get a couple of flutes on trial before your buy. You didn't mention if your flute has a B foot. If it does, try one with a C foot. That will reduce the weight a little bit.