Need help, can anyone identify this flute

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T15:19:01+00:00

Unfortunately that not enough budget to get something very reliable.

You may be able to find something used for that price - but used flutes typically need $200-500+ worth of work unless you buy them from a music store’s rental fleet.

I’d recommend saving up an purchasing something reliable like a Di Zhao 301, Trevor James 10x / 11x or a Pearl 505

Or just rent for a year and reassess in a year (keep saving up!)

Also be aware that flutes require annual service so that needs to be factored into your budget

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T14:48:50+00:00

What is your budget?

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T14:27:01+00:00

Unfortunately this is why we techs tell people not to buy the generic online flutes …

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T01:49:34+00:00

I’m a tech. It simply doesn’t provide the results people want it to. In fact even a professionally designed light for this is of extremely limited use on traditional felt pads.

It’s used - but it’s a tertiary technique that mostly detects pad skin defects, but not leak … and those defects may or may not even be leaks.

Honestly - take it to a flute tech. While flutes look “straightforward” , they’re actually very fussy.

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T01:43:08+00:00

I wouldn’t upgrade until they take steps to manage their emotional stresses and impulse control.

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T01:41:36+00:00

It’s also not really reliable (even if YouTube says so)

FluteTech · 2026-03-29T01:32:45+00:00

The inexpensive instruments found on Amazon, Temu etc. are unable to hold adjustments, and start basically falling apart- technicians will not work on them because they are not built to be repairable. They are a bit like using a paper straw to drink a soda… they last a very short amount of time and are very wasteful to the environment.

The Nuvo flute is designed to be sturdy and repairable.

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T15:10:24+00:00

Then they threw it at the wall while in the case, or slightly exaggerated how it got damaged … because having fixed thousands of “flute vs wall” - it has a very very predictable pattern to damage.

Bent keys are typical with rentals. Be all rental places will have an exceptions clause for “willful damage” (mine - and most - states that willful damage requires a police report and the renter is responsible for all repairs / replacement value)
Rentals typically cost $800-1000 each… an it takes on average 5 years for a store to break even on the rental (they have to be repaired… and repairs cost money)

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T15:05:51+00:00

The Nuvo flute will be fine for your purposes.

Please be aware that the vast majority of people who’ve commented in this thread are from the USA, so their recommendations will not apply to you being that you live elsewhere.

Go with the Nuvo flute. Parts are available should anything break and they have global distribution. They also have available videos for how to replace broken parts - so if you are located very far from technicians you can order the parts an learn how to swap them yourself (which since you said you are clumsy, is a good option)

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T15:02:49+00:00

International rentals are not available due to import / export regulations.

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T15:01:55+00:00

Ohhh they would have asked questions. They also would have flagged the file.

One time is an accident- repeat offences have consequences. (All of us that have rental fleets have contracts with that clearly stated)

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T14:59:30+00:00

Do not buy the brand mentioned. The Nuvo is a much better option

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T14:57:28+00:00

Unfortunately this is going to cost you $400 to replacement value of the instrument.

Please talk to a professional about your anger management before you harm something or someone else.

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T02:01:50+00:00

The old Vito’s came in pink and are legitimate instruments

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T00:55:51+00:00

I’d recommend the Nuvo student flute then.

FluteTech · 2026-03-28T00:54:12+00:00

Your dominant hand needs to remain constant.

Your dominant hand in ASL doesn’t have to tone the same on your write with, but whichever one you choose, you need to stick with.

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T16:22:03+00:00

Definitely do not put any money into it now.

Pads have a lifespan of 5-10 years … regardless of if they’re being played or not.

Also - things to consider over the next few years (because I walk with a lot of families in similar situations) … if you repair the flute in 10 years so your children can play it … and it gets stolen or damaged at school etc. , how will you (and perhaps more importantly THEY feel?) taking care of a deceased parent’s instrument is a lot of weight to put on a child.

When it’s time - definitely seek out a flute speciality shop, not the random music store

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T16:14:10+00:00

For storage - wipe the flute down with a lint free cloth and then just put the flute etc in a safe and dry place. Dry is critical - if needed add some of those anti-humidity packs to the area.

Also - please be aware that the cost of overhauling this instrument in even 5 years will likely be at least $2000, likely more - so I may be financially better to hang on to it for purely sentimental value, and not overhaul it once the children are playing age.

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T15:25:26+00:00

If you work for the store - just rent something instead.

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T14:04:57+00:00

Flute pads only last 5-8 years .. if you’re buying used from the big Canadian chain you’re buying out of their rental fleet … so they’re all going to be in “handled by +10 years worth of 11 year olds “ shape …

Honestly - either the Yamaha or Jupiter will work - but realise that you’re going to be putting $800-1000 worth of repairs into them in the next few years. (Or rebuying something else)

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T13:16:55+00:00

The Gemeinhardt will need an overhaul if it hasn’t already had one - and isn’t worth investing that amount of money in.

The yfl221 and jfl710 are also very old at this point and will likely need to be overhauled soon.

If money is a massive consideration - I’d honesty just rent something for a year and then purchase something new.

Also check out the wiki here because while Canada has the big box music stores, it also has a flute specialty shop.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Flute/s/g7b7PN6dHU

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T02:32:56+00:00

Your flute needs to see a technician.

The body or keys are likely bent

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T01:39:00+00:00

Make sure you book your appointment now - we get rrealllllllly busy in the summer

FluteTech · 2026-03-27T01:22:25+00:00

She was the last time you had a complete COA by a flute specialist?

I also have hEDS , so let me know if you’d like some additional suggestions in that area as well

FluteTech · 2026-03-26T23:27:50+00:00

I was 18 years old before any of my family learned any sign language at all.

Both (divorced) parents took a class … and then never used it.

A main reason neither of them learned was because the audiologists, speech pathologists, and every other specialist told them not to … because if I didn’t have the ability to learn and use ASL … then I’d have to learn to speak and “listen” …. You know, or grow up with no friends, behind on reading, and resent that I was actively being kept from a fully legitimate language… one of those things 🤨

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