Boosey & Hawkes or Yamaha?

[Amy]

Hi everyone. I was thinking of buying one of two second-hand flutes that I have seen in my local pawn shop. There is a Boosey & Hawkes Regent for £69 and a Yamaha YFL-211S for £129. They look in fairly good condition. I don't know which would be the best to buy. I don't mind spending the extra money but don't want to spend £60 extra for something only slightly better. What do you think? Any advice would be very helpful. Cheers.

Amy

[Gordon (NZ)]

in my experinece, of working on, then playing dozens of each, the Yamaha is vastly superior, in every way, including cost of maintenance.

[BrianL]

You'll probably save money just on future repairs (Or rather repairs that WONT be made) if you get the Yamaha. I think you'll like that flute better anyways. I love my Yamaha flute, its a different model, but I imagine you'll probably do well with it.

[Bootman]

Both instruments are of the same level. The older B&H can be ok if they have been looked after. The Yamaha is fine but also only if it has been well maintained. Both instruments are of the lower level and depending upon the usage level in the past is how I would appraoch this upcoming purchase.

I have seen many abused instruments of both types. Many of the older Yamahas weren't particularly good.

[Gordon (NZ)]

The 211 model is not THAT old. Its predecesor was 21. As far as I know 211 Series 11 was still current until superceded about a year ago.

However it may well be due for repadding.

Indeed, the B & H may be too.

An important consideration for the price.

[curious]

DITTO ON THE YAMAHA...

JUST BOUGHT A USED SILVER G'HARDT ONLY BECAUSE FOUND AN EXCELLENT DEAL AND BECAUSE WANT TO WAIT AND UPGRADE TO YAMAHA ONLY AFTER WE'RE SURE THAT WE WON'T JUST HANG IT UP ON THE FLUTE BUSINESS AFTER A BRIEF AFFAIR

[Bootman]

Amy, try both instruments out before buying anything.