Recommendations for flutes for beginners

[Peridot]

Hello Hera,
Although they are a long way from you I would seriously recommend talking to a specialist music shop in South Croydon called Just Flutes (the name says it all!). Sorry I don't have their number to hand but they have a website with detailsl. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Whatever you choose I hope your daughter enjoys playing the flute; it's a lovely instrument and also very easy on the ear when they're practising at home!
Peridot

[Guest55]

You can buy VAT free through a County music centre.

Think we started on a Yahama 211 which was OK up to grade 5/6.

There's a good flute shop in Chesham near the station.

[2childmum]

Our LEA no longer offers the VAT free scheme. My son is in a neighbouring borough and he couldn't take advantage of the scheme either because his school is an academy. There is a flute shop near Waterloo station called Top Wind which may be easier to get to. They were helpful when I contacted them, but their second hand flutes were more expensive. We were fortunate that the localish music shop (which really specialises in strings) had some second hand flutes we were able to take on a trial basis for my daughter's teacher to try. It may be worth just asking around locally before travelling too far.

[Hera]

Thanks for all the advice. I don't think Herts offer a vat free scheme as I searched and couldn't find anything. I think I am just going to bite the bullet and buy a Trevor James TJ10x which seems to be quite a good flute that I have been told will last to about grade 5. The online shop ( I have used before to buy a Clavinova) has said that they will do it for £315 delivered which seems like a good price. If I rent the same one and we end up buying it, it will be £100 more. If anyone thinks that this is a bad idea and not a great flute please let me know. The Yamaha is a bit too much of a stretch. The first lesson is next Tuesday so I need to get organised.

[justkeepmoving]

Hi - Not sure where you are located but we used Dawkes Music shop in Maidenhead. They offer various ways to buy or rent. We went for 6 months rent, if you dont get on then you return it, if you carry on then the amount you already paid goes towards purchase. We had a Yamaha which is what Teacher advised. When we took back for 2nd annual Free service we upgraded for better model for 6 more monthly payments. The old one went into second hand stock although nothing wrong with it, so you could get a good buy there. We now own the better one. Seemed good deal all round. Dearer than buying out right from start but much more flexible options. Hope it goes well

[Peridot]

Hi Hera - that looks like a good price. Might still be worth a quick look at the Just Flutes website to read their "7 tips on choosing a beginner flute" under Instruments/flutes/student flutes.

[Hera]

Thanks Peridot, I did look at Just Flutes which was helpful. I have now ordered a Trevor James TJ 10x which is arriving on Monday with the first lesson on Tuesday. It sounds as if it will do the job. If I'd had more time I might have done things slightly differently. DD is very excited and if we need to upgrade it in the future we will.

[TiffinGirls]

Just another vote for the Yamaha 211 my daughter still has hers and is going Grade 7, though she should really upgrade. If you shop around there are some online shops and providers who do instalment plans if you can't afford the initial outlay.

There is also an excellent flute shop in London, All Flutes Plus (Warren street near Euston) who sell flutes and do very reasonably priced repairs. Fantastic customer service.

[silverysea]

Sounds like OP has got it sorted but for reference to the VAT scheme see http://www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/ins ... -purchase/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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[Hera]

Shame I didn't find that before I ordered the flute silverysea, although I probably wouldn't have got it by Tuesday. I got the 10x for £299 in the end from a reputable shop, although online as they are in Blackburn, I have used before so hopefully it will be ok. Wss tempted to return and buy one of these but then DD won't have it in time. Some reviewers suggest the newer Yamaha isn't as good now made in Indonesia not Japan and I quite like the idea of buying British with the Trevor James given that I have done it anyway and it also gets good review as a beginner flute. Thanks again for all the comments from everyone.