Hallelu HFL-200 Flute W/case Nickel Plated Keys

UPDATED REVIEW***I purchased this flute about 10 months ago and I am learning to play very well on this instrument. I am able to produce clear/full tone consistently as i'm learning to extend the range. The flute is still very shiny and I now polish it on a weekly basis to combat any of the wear I put on the keys. However, expect some wear to occur on the keys if you are playing the instrument regularly.I have noticed this flute is attractive to people who are doing partial and full self instruction and people on a budget. For self-instruction I recommend this book (Play Flute Today! : Level 1 by Hal Leonard Corporation Staff (2001, CD / Paperback) : Hal Leonard Corporation Staff (2001)ISBN-10 : 0634033271 ; ISBN-13 : 9780634033278) to accompany your new flute. It takes you step by step through the basics and comes with a teacher on CD.One other note is that this flute does not come with a marking to make sure that the head joint and body are lined up consistently every time you play. I recommend talking a fine sharpie and marking the head and body pieces so that they go on the same way each time you practice.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I purchased this flute about 3 months ago and I have been nothing but satisfied. This is the first instrument I have ever learned to play and its easy to play and produces quality sound. The instrument is easy to assemble and maintain. The only thing that I've noticed that looks different from the day I bought it is the tops of the keys have started to lose a bit of their shine. However everyone I've talked to said that this normal for nickel plated keys that are played on a daily basis. In no way does it affect the sound. :) I also find it very easy to tune but out of the box it was perfectly tuned. I keep mine very clean and in the case when I'm not using it has not been damaged in the slightest. The pads are also of a wonderful quality and produce a great seal.Being a college student on a budget this was a great value for an instrument I know I will get many years of use out of.

My daughter is in her first year of learning the trumpet. She's pretty darn good, and listening to her practice made me regret giving up the flute in grade school. My old flute is long gone, so I decided I'd buy myself one and give it a go. After doing a bit of research, I decide I didn't want to spend the big bucks on a Yamaha or Pearl. Hey, I'm a busy mom with not much time to practice who'll be teaching herself, who knows if I'll want to continue. I knew I wanted a silver plated one, as they are a little less slippery. I'm not knowledgeable enough to try my luck with a used one on e-bay so I started searching Amazon for an inexpensive Chinese model with good ratings. I first came across the HFL-200 which had great reviews, but was nickle plated. Then I found the 300 with one lonely review. I figured it was the same flute, different plating, so I ordered it. The flute arrived before the promised date in great condition. It has a nice soft case that holds the flute securely, a microfiber cleaning cloth, a detachable shoulder strap, and a plastic cleaning rod, which I will replace with a metal rod soon. As for the flute itself, it looks beautiful and fairly well made. There are a few little crevices that could use a little more polishing, but they are very small, and not noticeable unless you really look. After putting it together, I gave an experimental toot and was pleased by the ease of sound production and the tone. My initial impression is that for the price, you really cant do any better. I would definitely recommend this flute to others. The only thing I worry about is the plating tarnishing as others have said it does on the 200. I'm hoping the silver will be a little more durable. I've promised my daughter I'll stick with it at least until I can play Hedwig's Theme. If the soreness of my embouchure is anything to go by, I'm in for a long haul.

The ups for me :- Fast shipping- Flute is very shiny- Great case, very light as well. Comes with a great strap.- Flute has a great sound- Great flute guide bookThe downs for me :- On one of the key, the steel is coming off- Just like what someone said already, the cloth it comes with has a shedding problem. Need to buy a better cleaning cloth.- Case isn't metallic so not as strong of a protection like other cases- I found it hard to clean the inside of head joint.- Plastic cleaning rod. Need to buy a metal cleaning rod soon.- Idk if it was during the shipping,but, there was a lot of scratches on the flute but all minor and barely noticeable.Will update this review later on and see how this flute turns out.