Eastar Open Hole 16 Keys Flute for Beginner Kids Student with Fingering Chart, Cleaning Kit, Stand, Case, Gloves, Tuning Rod, Silver, EFL-2

UPDATE: Nearly three months in...I finally broke down and bought myself a Gemeinhardt 3OB because after three months, I had a lot of trouble with certain notes (mid E, F, A, and high C). I had watched several videos that said often, beginners on cheap flutes quit, thinking that they are at fault for the lack of quality. I'm here to tell you... it's absolutely true. So - still 5 stars, still worth it for a beginner, still stand by my original review, but know that once you really start to understand how hard you're working to produce good tone, it may be time to move up into something better. Eastar's flute will have a place in my heart as the start of a great adventure, but after three months, five days a week, one hour a day... I finally had to move up and now? I've got a tone like butter... (or at least beginner butter. Ha ha ha!)Original Post:... I'm still playing it and enjoying it. A few things I'll touch on, which don't make this flute less than five stars, but are considerations for anyone wanting to buy a flute.1) If you are acidic, (like me and my wit - ahahahahahaha), expect this thing to begin to tarnish within two weeks (playing ~5 days a week). After nearly a month, the point where my left hand index finger holds the flute is black, the 4th finger key is black, and tarnish is showing up on my lip plate and other contact points and keys. Flutes do tarnish, and it doesn't affect the sound, but it's something to keep in mind as the price of this flute costs less than it will cost to get the tarnish removed. (And yep, I clean it after every use - inside and out.)2) It is a very bright and brassy sound. This isn't a mellow flute, for that, you're going to have to up your price point significantly. I don't think less of it for that simply because... I got a flute for 75 bucks.3) It's 75 bucks. Don't think you're going to get a $3000 sound out of it, or even a $300 one for that matter (though watching a professional play this flute on a YouTube video did make it sound maybe $200-ish). Make your peace now. It is fantastic for adults (like me) who are wanting to try out the flute to see if it's an instrument they'd like to continue. It seems like it'd be stellar for elementary school students (4th-5th grade) who are starting out as well. But - if it breaks, you're going to be buying a new one, as the price to repair it will be over the price to just buy another one to start out.So why five stars? Because I was ready for a $75 dollar instrument. That said, it impressed me with the workmanship. It is actually pretty solidly built, which is great. It comes with everything you're going to need to take care of it. It comes with a stand. It even comes with a pair of gloves so while you're cleaning it, you're not just getting fingerprints all over it again. It has a decent sound and, hey, did I mention it's $75 dollars? It is well worth that price. If you're on the fence, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Updated Review:I have to give five stars for their customer service. Eastar reached out to me to discuss the problem with the B natural key, which was not working. I received a replacement flute and everything is working wonderfully. All keys are working and no leaks. It's a solid flute that sounds beautiful. The low register is rich and warm. The middle register has a nice, clear tone. The third octave is a bit more rustic sounding but still sweet.I also spoke to Eastar about my son's saxophone which I also purchased from them. They were very helpful in answering my questions and giving recommendations for my son's saxophone, and he is very pleased with it. Thank you Eastar for reaching out to me and making things right. I am definitely happy I purchased from this company. 😊Original Review:I gave an extra star because the flute has a lovely sound. I was hoping Eastar would be different, but the thumb key, for the B natural, does not work on the flute sent to me. The only way to play this flute is with the B flat thumb key. I can play everything beautifully, except B natural because of the thumb key not sealing properly. So disappointing as this is the 3rd Amazon flute I have purchased with a problem. The first flute was unplayable. The second had leaks that could not be fixed without it costing more than the flute itself. The third is the Eastar flute. And No, it's not me. The flute I rented did not have any of these problems. I really liked the sound, feel, and look of the Eastar. Now I am worried about my son's Eastar saxaphone. How long before the problems start to show on his saxaphone too. So, so, upsetting that this did not work out. I can't take a chance on purchasing a fourth Amazon flute. Looks like I'm back to renting again. Three Strikes, YOU'RE OUT! 😔

This is a good flute for someone who is learning and in beginning to play the flute. Got it for my 6th grader and she already played for couple years. The warranty is also available and good to have it, in case anything goes wrong. So far, we like it.