It's pretty astounding the cost of a new flute in 2024 vs 1985 when I got my Powell. In 1984 when I placed an order for my new Powell custom, soldered tone holes, C# trill, low B, with 18K embouchure, the final price was $5400. Now that same instrument is nearly four times as much. Financing also wasn't an option then either, so despite the huge investment nowadays, at least there are options for flutists looking for their dream flute.
True, I got my first professional model Haynes in 1988 and had to take out a loan but it was only $2000. Today that is $10000 and up. You are right, The financing does allow for it to work for people.
I think generally in the $1000 range. Price isn’t the issue you just need to make sure you have a solid silver headjoint. That is what makes biggest difference.
Yeow. I am a classically-trained flutist but I decided not to pursue a professional career. In 1974 (on the recommendation of my teacher at college) I upgraded from my student model to a slightly-used 1970 Armstrong Heritage C-foot, at the time a top-of-the-line instrument, for all of $550. It has some tuning quirks, but I know them so well after all these years that I automatically adjust on those notes. It's a thin-walled model and was pronounced "a real honker" by my repair technician (also a flutist). It's certainly a very good instrument for an amateur like me, and hopefully I won't ever have to replace it and suffer the sticker shock of today's prices!
So many things go into the cost of pro. flutes, But if you are making a living playing you can justify the extra cost. Depending on the location sometimes you can claim the tax back (Self employed in the UK The tax currently on musical instruments in the UK is 18%) I got real value for money with my Pearl flute. I contacted Pearl and found out it was hand made in Japan in November 1984 early in the history of Pearl flute making Great video . 👍👍
Question please, I got a $99.00 Amazon flute during the pandemic, and then graduated to a $300.00 Jean Baptiste flute from Sam Ash…I do now play on average twice a month at assisted living facilities ( for pay)…whether that make me a pro or not…but not being a person of big means..what would you suggest as a next step up? I did recently have the better flute serviced and it helped….thank you for your thoughtful videos, 🙂⭐❤🙏🏼
You are welcome. I think it’s fantastic that you play so often at these facilities. The residents love it so much. If you could move to an intermediate model in the $1000 range you would probably notice a big difference. But if you can’t afford that it sounds like what you use is working for you.
hi, thanks for your videos, which powell model are you playing? I bought a Signature and I'm really happy with it, especially with the mechanics, thanks again for your videos, have a nice day.
This flute is a sterling silver professional model. I agree that the signature is also a really nice flute as an intermediate model. You have a nice day as well!
It's pretty astounding the cost of a new flute in 2024 vs 1985 when I got my Powell. In 1984 when I placed an order for my new Powell custom, soldered tone holes, C# trill, low B, with 18K embouchure, the final price was $5400. Now that same instrument is nearly four times as much. Financing also wasn't an option then either, so despite the huge investment nowadays, at least there are options for flutists looking for their dream flute.
True, I got my first professional model Haynes in 1988 and had to take out a loan but it was only $2000. Today that is $10000 and up. You are right, The financing does allow for it to work for people.
Hello, thank you, very interesting, I'm especially interested in intermediate models, how low can we go in price and have something playable.
I think generally in the $1000 range. Price isn’t the issue you just need to make sure you have a solid silver headjoint. That is what makes biggest difference.
Just stepped up from a Gemeinhardt 3SB purchased and played on since 1991.
The Sonare 705 hit the sweet spot. I will probably upgrade the headjoint
Yeow. I am a classically-trained flutist but I decided not to pursue a professional career. In 1974 (on the recommendation of my teacher at college) I upgraded from my student model to a slightly-used 1970 Armstrong Heritage C-foot, at the time a top-of-the-line instrument, for all of $550. It has some tuning quirks, but I know them so well after all these years that I automatically adjust on those notes. It's a thin-walled model and was pronounced "a real honker" by my repair technician (also a flutist). It's certainly a very good instrument for an amateur like me, and hopefully I won't ever have to replace it and suffer the sticker shock of today's prices!
Wow that sounds like you got a great instrument. Yes, that sticker shock!!!!!!
So many things go into the cost of pro. flutes, But if you are making a living playing you can justify the extra cost. Depending on the location sometimes you can claim the tax back (Self employed in the UK The tax currently on musical instruments in the UK is 18%)
I got real value for money with my Pearl flute. I contacted Pearl and found out it was hand made in Japan in November 1984 early in the history of Pearl flute making
Great video . 👍👍
I bet your Pearl sounds fantastic!
Question please, I got a $99.00 Amazon flute during the pandemic, and then graduated to a $300.00 Jean Baptiste flute from Sam Ash…I do now play on average twice a month at assisted living facilities ( for pay)…whether that make me a pro or not…but not being a person of big means..what would you suggest as a next step up? I did recently have the better flute serviced and it helped….thank you for your thoughtful videos, 🙂⭐❤🙏🏼
You are welcome. I think it’s fantastic that you play so often at these facilities. The residents love it so much. If you could move to an intermediate model in the $1000 range you would probably notice a big difference. But if you can’t afford that it sounds like what you use is working for you.
hi, thanks for your videos, which powell model are you playing? I bought a Signature and I'm really happy with it, especially with the mechanics, thanks again for your videos, have a nice day.
This flute is a sterling silver professional model. I agree that the signature is also a really nice flute as an intermediate model. You have a nice day as well!
I forgot...you think it is possible to use your code for the flute center from Italy? Thanks again
Unfortunately not, they ship internationally but they don’t do flute trials so my code wouldn’t help you.
uff...I am still looking for my flute....wish I was a flutist.
You can always begin!
Just stepped up from a Gemeinhardt 3SB purchased and played on since 1991.
The Sonare 705 hit the sweet spot. I will probably upgrade the headjoint
Beautiful!