I've played guitar the longest and most consistently, but in my life I have learned to play Trumpet, Bass, Banjo, Violin, Dulcimer, Piano/Keyboard, Ocarina, Harmonica, Xaphoon, LittleSax, Fipple Flutes (tin-whistles and records), Dong Xiao (a type of Chinese flute), Didgeridoo, your stereotypical dru
m-kit, and the list goes on... - all of that to say that I've been learning and playing a wide variety of instruments over the last 25 years or so. Lately I've been obsessed with getting into and playing wind instruments again, but I've never had the opportunity to play a transverse concert flute like this - it is my first keyed flute, and my first experience using such an instrument; I have no instructor - just myself, time, and a ton of free learning resources. That said - I am very pleasantly surprised at the quality that is offered for such a complicated instrument at this price point. It seems ludicrous to me. All of the keys operate smoothly, and all of the pads seal completely - no squeaks or squawks to be heard when blown properly. The head and foot fit snuggly as they should. The finish is highly polished and reflective - I have found no obvious flaws with the flute at this point. Tuning was achieved with just a few millimeters of adjustment on the head; I've only bothered to test the lower register, but every note has played spot on. The case is very nice, and the cleaning cloth and rod to wipe out spittle is greatly appreciated. If you're like me, an older adult who loves to collect, learn, and play all sorts of instruments, or if you're an adult looking to get a flute for a child, I believe this is a really good starter option. Unlike CHEAP guitars, this INEXPENSIVE flute is probably as good as it gets at such a low price point (again, it seems ludicrous to me) - and there is definitely a difference between CHEAP and INEXPENSIVE; this is NOT a cheap flute - it has been very playable and seems to have a decent tone/timbre. I look forward to spending dozens, if not hundreds of hours playing this flute. I would highly recommend this for anyone who is on a budget and curious about learning the concert flute.
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