To Buy or Not to Buy? Yamaha 421

[JoeP]

I have been considering a flute for about 6 months.

My sax teacher plays a lot of flute and has, based upon my budget of $500-700, steered me towards Yamaha, closed-hole, offset G with as much silver as possible.

After much searching I've found a Yamaha 421 on a Canadian website. They are asking ~US$675. The serial number is 010XXX (which I understand is fairly meaningless in determining age).

The seller has sent pics and described condition but can't estimate age because of the purported ambiguity wrt Yamaha serial numbers?

Any thoughts from you experienced flute cats?

Thanks!
JoeP

[JoeP]

This link may be worth several thousand additional words :D


http://brassandwoodwind.ca/Yamaha421Flute.html


Remember, I saw it first! :D

JoeP

[I. Fallon]

I don't know about the specifics on that model Yamaha, but I would agree with the general parameters of your teacher. I might add Split E and C foot.

Yamaha must be doing something right. I just played a 574 from Japan and I was really impressed with it. At about $1,500, though, it is out of your budget.

[Anji]

These are great people, and they handle their instruments with care.

The price is MUCH higher than the Orion guide offers for these.

Try Bill and Rick at <www.musiqueweb.com> in San Antonio, or Dave Hoskins at <www.junkduded.com>

I think Musique web can process credit card orders.

The Yamaha is a nice flute, but the 421 is not going to resell for anything like your cost when you move on to something else.

Just my 2 cents...

[JoeP]

Anji,
Your 2 cents is worth much more to me! Thanks! Is the Orion guide available online and what does it list as fair value for the 421?

Thanks,
JoeP