There are many different types of flutes on eBay. This article will help you decided what kind of flute that you need (or want..)! First, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. How long have I been playing?

2. Have I ever owned a flute before?

3. Where will this flute be used?

4. How much money am I willing to spend on this flute, including work that may or may not be needed?

These are some of the main questions that you need to ask yourself when you are deciding what kind of flute that you are searching for! Here are the answers for the questions above:

If you answered 3 years or below on the first question, then you will most likely want to get a STUDENT MODEL flute. These flutes are obviously less difficult than a more professional flute. The typical student model flute is either silver plated or nickel plated, has a C foot joint, off-set G keys, and is closed hole (also known as plateau). The downside to nickel-plated flutes is nickel plating will wear off faster than silver plating will, so it would be wise to choose a flute with silver plating or solid silver if possible! If you where to compare a more professional model flute with a student model, you would definitely see a major difference. More professional or intermediate flutes are solid silver (sterling), B foot joint, in-line G, and open hole. Some reliable flute brands to consider are Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Pearl, Jupiter, Bundy and Selmer, Emerson, Armstrong, and Pearl (a more expensive brand). These flutes usually run from $25-$600.

If you answered 4-6 years, then you might want to get rid of that old student model flute, and consider getting an intermediate (or step-up) flute! A step-up flute usually will consist of a solid silver head joint, a silver plated body (sometimes the whole flute is solid silver!), open holes, in-line G, and a B foot joint. If you are just stepping up to an intermediate flute, the flute will definitely take some getting used to. You might want to consider getting some hole plugs (for the open holes on the keys) just to make it easier on you, and you can take the plugs out one at a time so you get used to the feel little by little. Some intermediate brands to consider are Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Haynes, Pearl, and Muramatsu. These flutes usually run anywhere from $60-$2000. Here is an example of an intermediate flute:

If you answered something over 6 years, than you will definitely want to consider getting a professional model flute. Most professional model flutes are sterling silver, open hole, B foot joint, and french pointed keys. These flutes get pretty expensive. If you where to purchase one from eBay that was hand-made, it could run anywhere from $1000-$36,000! It really all depends. Do some research before you do anything. That will help you get an idea of how much you should pay and what you should not go over. Some good brands to consider on professional model flutes are Muramatsu, Pearl, Powell, Yamaha, Trevor James, Haynes, Altus, and Allora.

For question number two, please make sure you read number one. If you have never owned a flute before, then it would be smart to start out with a less difficult flute, such as a student flute. If you have been playing for a few years, then you might consider stepping up to an intermediate flute. If you have been play since you where in 5th grade, and you are now out of High School, or are in your last year of High School, you should consider getting a professional flute.

Question number three is extremely important. If you are in High School and in marching band, NEVER use a nice flute for that. Use a student flute! If a student flute gets damaged, just think, it could have been your intermediate or professional flute! It's not worth damaging a good flute when you could do that to a student model flute!

Finally, question number four. How much are you willing to spend on a flute? I mentioned above the price that student, intermediate, and professional model flutes run for. You also need to decided on a brand. You could decide this by going to a local music store and trying out specific brands and comparing them. See what you like most.