Anyone needing a flute for a "serious" player of any age should contact the flute instructor at any major school of music. Not only will they provide great information but will generally have a line on some really great used flutes - instruments being sold by other serious players wishing to upgrade etc.. Another great source of valid information would be your local symphony.

I can't tell you how many times I have seen really good students held back with crap wind or reed instruments because someone decided to "give it a try" to see if the kid would take to it.

All this talk brings back a lot of great memories. Here in Texas high school bands were right up there with our high school football. Most of the top bands played music that would challange a lot of college bands. It was a real ball.

Final analysis I guess is - buy a good instrument and find a great teacher.

What part of the country are we talking about? I might actually know someone in the area if I knew where and I could send you contact info etc..

Hammer

Hammer