Common Brands and Models
Warning: If you buy off brand, repair shops may not take your instrument
You will end up paying a lot more to replace the instrument than just buying a decent instrument.
Yamaha
Student Model: YFL-222
Intermediate Models: YFL-362H or YFL-482H
Gemeinhardt
Student Model: 2SP
Intermediate Models: 3 or 3B (3B includes a low B key)
Armstrong
Student Model: 104
Intermediate Model: 303
* Consider a Yamaha or Pearl for a step-up instrument
Pearl
Student Model: PF505 or 525
Intermediate Model: PF665 or 695
I personally like Pearl flutes for their affordability as well as their performance, feel free to compare!
Piccolo
This instrument is not a required purchase but can be useful when auditioning
or when in College Level Marching Bands.
We currently use a (Pearl) PFP165E with a High Wave Headjoint and a (Gemeinhardt) 4SP with a traditional headjoint if you are looking for a piccolo to try/compare to before purchasing.
Options when buying a flute or a step-up instrument:
Gold plated lip plate
Produces a warmer tone, shields against nickel allergies.
Open holed vs. Closed holes
When getting a step-up instrument, it is recommended to purchase an open hole flute. Plugs or even scotch tape can be used at first before adjusting a young musician to an open holed flute.
B key or no B Key
If you are planning on playing in college (even if you don't major!) a B key would be suggested
for collegiate pieces; however, if you are not planning on joining a collegiate ensemble, youth
group, or community ensemble a B Key is not a necessity.
Looking to purchase? Try the sites below:
Woodwind and Brasswind (mostly new): www.wwbw.com
Taylor Music (used, refurbished, or new): taylormusic.com
Music Go Round (used only, may need a little repair): musicgoround.com
Music stores in the area (if you'd like to rent or buy):
Allegro Music (Fremont) http://www.allegromusic.net/
C&L Music (Fremont) http://www.calmusicinc.com/
Forrests Music (Berkeley) https://www.forrestsmusic.com/
Note: Forrests Music is Double Reed Instruments Only
House of Woodwinds (San Ramon) http://www.houseofwoodwinds.com/
JAMS Music (Dublin) http://jamsmusicdublin.com/
Honestly though, don't buy a flute just because it's cheap. Unsure if it's a decent brand/model? Please ask before buying- I really don't want to have anyone waste their hard earned money!
You will end up paying a lot more to replace the instrument than just buying a decent instrument.
Yamaha
Student Model: YFL-222
Intermediate Models: YFL-362H or YFL-482H
Gemeinhardt
Student Model: 2SP
Intermediate Models: 3 or 3B (3B includes a low B key)
Armstrong
Student Model: 104
Intermediate Model: 303
* Consider a Yamaha or Pearl for a step-up instrument
Pearl
Student Model: PF505 or 525
Intermediate Model: PF665 or 695
I personally like Pearl flutes for their affordability as well as their performance, feel free to compare!
Piccolo
This instrument is not a required purchase but can be useful when auditioning
or when in College Level Marching Bands.
We currently use a (Pearl) PFP165E with a High Wave Headjoint and a (Gemeinhardt) 4SP with a traditional headjoint if you are looking for a piccolo to try/compare to before purchasing.
Options when buying a flute or a step-up instrument:
Gold plated lip plate
Produces a warmer tone, shields against nickel allergies.
Open holed vs. Closed holes
When getting a step-up instrument, it is recommended to purchase an open hole flute. Plugs or even scotch tape can be used at first before adjusting a young musician to an open holed flute.
B key or no B Key
If you are planning on playing in college (even if you don't major!) a B key would be suggested
for collegiate pieces; however, if you are not planning on joining a collegiate ensemble, youth
group, or community ensemble a B Key is not a necessity.
Looking to purchase? Try the sites below:
Woodwind and Brasswind (mostly new): www.wwbw.com
Taylor Music (used, refurbished, or new): taylormusic.com
Music Go Round (used only, may need a little repair): musicgoround.com
Music stores in the area (if you'd like to rent or buy):
Allegro Music (Fremont) http://www.allegromusic.net/
C&L Music (Fremont) http://www.calmusicinc.com/
Forrests Music (Berkeley) https://www.forrestsmusic.com/
Note: Forrests Music is Double Reed Instruments Only
House of Woodwinds (San Ramon) http://www.houseofwoodwinds.com/
JAMS Music (Dublin) http://jamsmusicdublin.com/
Honestly though, don't buy a flute just because it's cheap. Unsure if it's a decent brand/model? Please ask before buying- I really don't want to have anyone waste their hard earned money!