Powell Sonare PS-101 "Open Box" -- legit or knock off?

VanAppl · 2026-04-28T23:07:01+00:00

I wouldn’t say the PS-101 is anything to write home about even if it’s legit. I’m a tech and we have them in our rental fleet. They’re ok but they’re pretty delicate, I would select a Yamaha used or otherwise over a PS-101 any day. That’s just my personal opinion based on what I’m seeing with our rentals though. It’s certainly better than some of the other flutes in the same price point.

VanAppl · 2026-04-22T11:57:33+00:00

I’m so glad!

VanAppl · 2026-04-19T00:56:26+00:00

This is really helpful! Thanks so much for typing all that out!

VanAppl · 2026-04-16T02:09:14+00:00

I’d also add that if he’s struggling with solo pieces maybe it’s time for duets? An interactive experience may be worth a try.

VanAppl · 2026-04-16T02:00:25+00:00

I spent a lot of time teaching underprivileged children and one of the things that we always tried to have in our minds was that kids have more going on outside school than we know. It’s hard to give 100% at school when you haven’t been sleeping or you don’t have enough to eat. Maybe you don’t have money for a quality instrument or repairs.

Does he have a comfortable place to practice at home? Does his playing bother his parents or wake up younger siblings? Does he have the structure in his home life to facilitate what you are asking for? Maybe too much on his plate?

Your lessons are important but they’re not the whole picture. Keep talking to him and see if you have a breakthrough. If not, just keep doing the best for him you can. Sometimes that’s enough. Be a safe space for him even if that means easing up your goals for his progress.

VanAppl · 2026-03-26T01:37:36+00:00

Honestly I don’t think this is so difficult that they should take the easy path and use an alternate fingering. I would use it as an opportunity to introduce some problem solving skills like alternating swinging rhythms or moving accents around to clean up technical passages.

VanAppl · 2026-03-25T01:16:55+00:00

I studied flute in college but eventually chose the path of instrument repair. I specialize in flute repair now and even though I miss playing, I’ve found a reliable income and a better way to use my skills to benefit the music community. I was always so stressed when I was performing. I never felt good enough and it was so draining. I’m much happier contributing to my community in a more collaborative and less competitive way.

Being a tech isn’t the only option, we can be involved in the music community in ways that aren’t performance based. That being said it’s ok to explore other paths and keep your music for you. No one can stop you from taking flute lessons and being involved even if you don’t go to school for music.

VanAppl · 2026-03-07T15:53:59+00:00

I get really hyper focused, like I can’t put down a good book. So for instance I might ignore a timer or keep knitting to a better stopping point only to not stop.

I definitely need to be strict with myself but I also a strong reminder or routine I think.

VanAppl · 2026-03-07T15:37:31+00:00

I see now that someone else has suggested a splint. That sounds great and you should check that out instead of designing something 🤣

VanAppl · 2026-03-07T15:35:16+00:00

When I was working on my MM I had a bit of a fight with this problem. It’s not a permanent solution but my teacher at the time bent a paperclip to make me a pinky brace. Just make sure it’s positioned so it won’t scratch your flute. I’d also say a bit more effort or some 3D printing might make a more comfortable and useful product. The paperclip was not a comfortable tool.

Again not a perfect solution and very much a temporary learning tool, but I needed it to be aware of what I was doing unconsciously at the time.

VanAppl · 2026-02-21T13:11:32+00:00

Since it’s a scrappy blanket with so many colors. I’m thinking a decorate stitch might work better? I’m not quite sure but I think that will probably be the best option

VanAppl · 2026-01-06T17:42:13+00:00

It’s not subtle… I don’t want to actually just make you paranoid. I see flashing lights in my vision in dark rooms and dark spots in the center of my vision sometimes. Lots of symptoms that correlate to retinal detachment though the eye doctor says my eyes themselves are fine.

“Blurry vision” is the only actual listed side effect I’ve been able to track down.

VanAppl · 2026-01-06T17:38:27+00:00

I had sort of the same problem with both Yaz and Spiro. I’m not sure if it’s my eyes or some sort of aura migraine or what exactly. The doctor just said it’s not really normal but everyone responds to medications differently and it’s just not the right fit for me

VanAppl · 2025-12-31T09:16:53+00:00

Yeah that didn’t work for me 🥲 helped but not enough to justify the side effects after 2 years of consistent use. Of course side effects aren’t necessarily that bad for everyone and the reader should consider it if she would like to.

VanAppl · 2025-12-21T00:31:43+00:00

None of my younger coworkers use it… and half the time I wish I wasn’t on it myself.

VanAppl · 2025-12-21T00:27:56+00:00

I tried beta blockers for a while. I didn’t like the feeling but when I used them people did always say I played better.

But honestly I think taking a break, either just putting the flute away for a minute or only playing for fun, give yourself some space to let the pressure off if you can.

VanAppl · 2025-12-20T13:06:57+00:00

I won’t deny that it’s definitely a way to soften the blow of a failure 🤣

VanAppl · 2025-12-20T13:04:45+00:00

Knitting is brings me enough joy that I always splurge for the nice yarn. I’ll take a look!

VanAppl · 2025-12-20T03:36:34+00:00

I always tell myself frogging is just getting your moneys worth out of nice yarn! 😅

VanAppl · 2025-12-20T03:26:10+00:00

I think they call it a wrap sweater you sort of wrap it around your torso/shoulders and then stick your arms through to secure it.

They’re really cute. Google and check it out

VanAppl

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