Is Lapel a good flute brand?

Question

I found a good deal on a lapel flute, but I've never heard of the brand. Does anyone know the brand? Is it very good?

Answer 1

These are TRASH - made in the far East.  Get a decent brand, even a USED decent brand.  

Answer 2

That's what my friend uses i think. She likes it, and the sound is excellent.

Answer 3

You get what you pay for.  If you want a flute that will only last a couple years go for it.  They are able to offer the lower price by constructing the instrument out of softer metal.  This metal bends easier and causes repair needs.  By the way most repairmen won't touch them because they know the repairs will only be temporary and you'll be back telling him he didn't fix it right.

Answer 4

Hi Sadie,

Mamianka, is so right.....   That is a no name brand very poor quality piece of metal that was falsely called a flute with a WOW like price which entices people to buy them... only to find out later just what crummy flutes they really are.

Stay away... Don't waste your time... or money because you are going to be spending more time and money on a decent flute in a few weeks.

The Chinese have been heavily exporting instruments to the USA for about 3 or4 years now.   They are meant to be competitive with other manufacturers but truthfully they cannot come close.   Think about the types of merchandise YOU know that is made there.  Most are made in bulk, in the millions,  and then shipped to the $$ store.  Right??

I have seen these no name brand flutes on eBay... with a starting bid of $00.98.   So if the final sales price is $35.00 and the company is still making a profit off of the sale.... just how much do you think it really cost to make???  Maybe $12.00?   CAN YOU IMAGINE A GOOD $12.00 FLUTE?

So I have told you what not to get...  Let me mention what brands to look for on the beginner level:

Yamaha - new or used

Gemeinhardt - new or used.

Pearl - new or used

Armstrong - not as good as the others but better than 3rd world types

Artley - Used  - not as good as the others but better than 3rd world types

Selmer - Used -  not as good as the others but better than 3rd world types

Selmer Bundy - Used  - not as good as the others but better than 3rd world types

You see any other brands...  stay away... or don't buy and come back and ask about the specific brand.   You could also look on the body to see if Made in _________... is engraved on it.  But if you stay with the list I have give you,  you will come away with a sturdy flute.

Thanks for reading and

good luck finding a nice flute.  :))