$80 (Amazon) vs. $29,000 Flute - Can You Hear the Difference?

Can you hear the difference between an $80 Nickel Plated Amazon Flute with my $29K custom 10K flute. Can you hear any differences between my cheap flute and my expensive flute? Musical excerpt: "Sicilienne" by Gabriel Fauré.
#amazonflute #goldflute #shorts
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✅ Mendini Closed Hole C Flute on Amazon: amzn.to/319lu3d
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[@LanceSuzuki]

To address a few comments, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the old saying goes. In this case, it depends a lot on the needs of the player. For a student/amateur, a custom flute worth tens of thousands may not be worth it. I actually love this $80 Mendini flute and am amazed at how good it sounds. It can be an excellent choice for a beginner or occasional hobbyist...or for marching band. However, as a pro, the resonant sound and quality of the mechanism on my custom flute are everything, especially when I am playing with other fine instruments in orchestral and chamber music settings.

[@emjay2045]

Yes. “Richer sound” But the $80 flute was surprisingly good 👍

[@DROSTraceurADD]

I was thinking, "the difference does not worth 28.920$" but also "I may not hear it". But I didn't think about the orchestra setting. Still I'm really surprised and curious and I hope to reach that level of hearing sometime (or better not, because I'm not rich 🤣🤣🤣)

[@josephduncan6407]

I have a mendini flute because I just started band but I think it varies on the player and how "good" they are.

[@Spiderpig0381]

For $80, that is insane. Probably feels like driving manual, as you have to work more to get a similar quality sound, but honestly: my first flute - $600 Yamaha - sounded worse...

[@eirikheggelund]

They sound nearly identical. The difference in price does not reflect the nearly inaudible difference in sound.

[@MelindaMassie]

Nailed it! But I'll say this, the $80 flute sounded far better than I'd have expected for an instrument of that price.

[@LanceSuzuki]

It’s surprisingly good! Thanks for watching!

[@bqube8901]

@@LanceSuzuki it all depends on the player's skill level.

[@mariettegrange5351]

Exactly!

[@Secretsofsociety]

A good player can any flute sound good.

[@peterhaerens3014]

The cheaper instrument sounds not too bad, only because of this player's abilty to create a very decent sound probably on any flute.

[@justCommando]

Knowing that an $80 flute is capable of being that amazing, I will probably never upgrade from a beginner flute.

[@wowyok4507]

it depends more on the person playing the instrument. an more expensive instrument will help

[@timmura]

as a high schooler that upgraded my flute recently (school got money for new instruments), the difference is night and day. i would say that while my sound hasnt necessarily changed, the playing experience is so much better.

[@James-nr9gm]

I have a Yamaha student-level classical guitar that I got as a part of a kit. I've found strings that sound pretty good on it - not the cheapest but not the most expensive. I have experimented a lot with my nails. I have taken lessons and tried to take it seriously when I am mainlining music as a hobby. I have gotten compliments on my sound from people with far more expensive guitars. I know one day I might upgrade... in like, a few more years...

[@kayleetalkz254]

I know someone who plays clarinet and he said that he couldn’t hit any high notes before upgrading to a better clarinet and now it’s incredibly easy for him just because of that switch.

[@ayshortier]

Maybe some people like the A flute sound better.

[@preykazoom6804]

B had much deeper and full sound than A

[@seashoreslimes9039]

Yup

[@BestKCL]

To me (a non-flutist) it sounded far less clean, so I guessed it was the chap one.

[@MM-pv5tp]

I thought the opposite. A sounded much fuller than B. B sounded more plasticky.

[@rodicapepescu4599]

the notes where different, can anyone actually hear the song changing ?! it scratched my brain the second time !! I liked the first one a lot better, the second time some notes were lower so it changed the song didn't sound so nice anymore

[@dp8460]

​​​@@BestKCLexpensive flutes tends to have texture, darkness and colors to their sound because of the softer metal used. Cheap flutes tends to be plain sounding, smooth and a bit pitchy and the sound feels like its coming from the nose for some reason because of harder metal used. The expensive flute will always be more expressive because of the colors of tones it can produce and quality of metal.

[@puffy9257]

Moral of the story: upgrading an instrument is 99% for the player not the listener.

[@Hinghee123]

it feels beter when you play a better flute

[@AedanBlackheart]

​@@Hinghee123based

[@pablouuuu]

A bad violin sound awful

[@jnt6239]

Maybe ... and maybe upgrading the flute is for 1% of listeners.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

Depends on the instrument though, though you’re right generally that only people in the know about it would be able to appreciate any differences where the audience is not gonna be able to tell

[@zzcjts]

A good player can make a same sound with different flutes. But the feelings are so different which only the player can tell.

[@patrickmorgan7913]

Lance, it just goes to show that you’re such a wonderful flautist, you can make any instrument sound wonderful!

[@LanceSuzuki]

Aww..thanks, Patrick!

[@Hinghee123]

Flautist

[@yoonginterlude]

Flute player here, I got it right! I also played that piece, it's called Siciliana. The b flute had a more defined and deeper sound and I could really sense the texture of the sound.

[@RomeoEAG2ROMEOEAG2]

Ik right I’m also a flute player

[@Sofiyayer-qr9fe]

yess me too !!

[@alyssaann1515]

B has a much more rich lower end. Your tone and playing so gorgeous regardless!!

[@deadgrass2299]

i find it interesting that the "cheap" flute sounds way better to me

[@Blokfluitgroep]

I liked it too. The high notes sounded almost like a dizi (the chinese? flute with a membrane)

[@Aerixes.]

exactly

[@JesusAlways1st]

They both had a wonderful sound. The second had rich tones. Actually, I favor the first one. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder maybe music is in the ear of the listener. ❤😊

[@Iammatindel]

Same🤷🏿‍♂️

[@it.iserwin]

Bro is playing different notes on both flutes... que??😮‍💨

[@cl-optix]

The first flute played, I thought sounds great. Then you played the second, 'nah, that's the $29k'. Shows how beautifully you play.

[@thomasdonio2129]

The second had more of roundness and warmth of tone. With that said, your playing--tone, pitch, phrasing, and texture were exemplary on both flutes.

[@ahabsbane]

The second was much warmer and very rich, that's a beautiful instrument you have!

[@nightowl3868]

Is not just about the sound quality, it's about construction, durability and quality of materials.

[@GemTappX]

How is the construction, durability, and materials worth $29,000? That’s more expensive than a brand new car.

[@liamearnest315]

I feel like a good flute is also better as in the amount of work you have to use to produce a good sound

[@LanceSuzuki]

Very true!

[@flutemegan708]

I could tell Right away. The expensive one has a richness that comes with solid craftsmanship and precious metal.

[@Nymeria0]

I can hear the difference. Much darker and richer sound. The note changes were also more fluid. However, you do a brilliant job of covering up and making up the difference. Very impressive 😊

[@christinaschramm-n.3156]

Oh noo....for me, the first one was the expensive one. Amazing the way you play it! ❤️

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks, Christina! ❤️

[@Alex-iu7dl]

I thought the sound of A was more pleasant to hear smh

[@o_o8140]

@@Alex-iu7dl its all opinion, but B was more clear and the low notes were full

[@Blokfluitgroep]

Maybe it's just the recording, but B really sounded more harsh for me (I used earphones). A however, sounded very nice. So, well played, that you can make such a "cheap" flute sound so nice. 😊

[@mashw]

​@@BlokfluitgroepI would agree, I also thought A was the more expensive one as B almost seemed like it had some sort of distortion/resonance as if it were made from a cheaper or less dense material. I wouldn't be surprised if B sounded better in person.

[@leejoycechung2162]

I think most beginners can start with inexpensive flute to get started but in the end I did notice slightly the more expensive one. But don’t let that stop you from starting your flute experience as I enjoyed both. I’m not a flute person....just love this channel. ❤️

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks, Lee!

[@savagecalibre5178]

the second is refine tone ang has perfectly Good Control in Dynamics

[@kilo3989]

I don't play flute and listened with my eyes closed, so I didn't realize you had switched instruments! It's most important for people to pick instruments that they like the sound of and will let them express themselves as they'd like, I think. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@eastmarvista3267]

I always enjoy your flute comparisons! This one is very creative and imaginative. I have a smirk on my face because I purchased a inexpensive flute and inexpensive piccolo and love them. I'm a self-learning beginner flute student since September. You know you're the best!

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much! ❤️ I’m glad you enjoyed. I certainly had fun making it!

[@ziwelufefe8943]

I think it's a testament to the player. How good you make the Amazon flute sound

[@ashlynn1946]

The second one had such a full sound and you couldnt hear the air like you usually can. I wish i could do that lol

[@teawithtams6596]

a good flutist can make a $80 flute sound like it's $8000

[@razorwhipqueen8972]

*squints* Sicilienne by Faure! Had to do that for a Solo performance this year :D

[@Flavourgirlie]

The sound is mush warmer and rounder. But still the tone you can produce on both, respect

[@shreck9980]

You make them both sound like amazing couldn’t tell great job 👏

[@oonamorrioghanblackthorne]

As an amateur flutest I could tell not by the tone alone but how you played those notes signifying more dynamics and control.

[@brunonif4328]

Wow, usually there’s a small difference in these price comparison videos but i didn’t expect such a big resonance difference, even at the price range.

[@teeniekat4865]

This is one of my favorite flute pieces, it was such a happy surprise to hear it!

[@muhammadshahmir3312]

What's it called?

[@nathan94251]

Could not believe it. I was jaw dropped at the crisp sounds coming from the 80 dollar flute and I guessed wrong. After listening a second time I could hear the airiness of the first flute. You definitely did the instruments justice!

[@Maruiti]

I heard the first one and was like "ok this is the expensive one" then I listened the second one and was like "ok, this the expensive one, but this guy is so good he can make $80 sound like $29000"

[@exceptionaltalentspc4954]

I'm so enchanted by the sound of the flute!!

[@jonhpf07]

I felt that the excerpts were equally played both in musicality and tempo so the consistency was spot on. I have come to have maybe a more refined ear and tend to like flutes or headjoints that have depth of sound and voice like qualities. I knew instantly the second one was the more expensive one...but, I feel one can go really far with a student flute especially ww doublers who might need a more manageable price tag to go along with their various other instruments. Great job Lance :)

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much. Excellent assessment. I agree that a cheap flute is a great solution for many. However, at the end of the day, nothing compares to a fine instrument. Thanks for watching and for your thoughtful comment! ❤️

[@Emilie191989]

The second one gave me goosebumps 🥰 and made me close my eyes. So beautiful and serene 😍

[@paulvu7189]

B is warmer and resonance.

[@AvgeekLMML]

I have an Altus 901E from 1994 £3000, It plays like a beauty, I also have as a backup a £500 Yamaha student flute and they feel super different

[@cynax7757]

Wow. That changes perspective. ❤

[@CraigMansfield]

There are sounds I like in both. The expensive one sounds like it's got more going on inside it. The playing makes them both sound really nice.

[@alexloveday6430]

You can hear the keys clicking on the $80 flute 😂

[@adamstampley7207]

That was biggest difference I noticed was the key slaps. 🙌

[@susanclark2212]

I was shocked that I got it wrong! I'm just a hobbyist I guess. however, the Amazon flute I just got I'm returning. it feels less durable and also the keys clacked a lot. I I got a. refurbished flute from music store owner. I am pleased. It cost more but is a decent enough flute that I could sell it or give it to someone else in the future.

[@yvonneburdine670]

I guessed right. The resonance on the expensive flute comes through ever so slightly to my ears. Fun video!

[@LanceSuzuki]

👍 Thanks, Yvonne!

[@MrJshsedgwick]

The second one had way more body and depth to the sound.

[@lisahinds4785]

Yes, I did guess correctly. The richness of the tone of your custom made flute is delightful!

[@BenjaminHodges]

I got it right because you can hear the presses on A.

[@tysonb3568]

I could tell, im not a musical expert but what I heard was more wind noise (for lack of a better phrasing) with first, and it was pitchier. The notes on the 2nd had no pitchiness…..to my ears.

[@Brayden_1McCoy]

The $80 sounded better than expected but it is still a easy to tell difference

[@SOUPDUMPLING9]

B it has a lot of emotion out in to it

[@janetkile1690]

as many have said, you sure made the $80 flute sound decent- the B is rich and colorful :)

[@Mr_Rockzz]

Bro spent his whole life savings on a flute

[@luisdiaz6409]

Yes I can appreciate a quality professional flute sound

[@Bandetta_]

As a flute player I thankfully did! Seeing the keys gave it away, but simply just the sound. I could tell with B you’d be able to do the micro tones, multi phonics, and slides on it.

[@nikolakowalczyk3536]

I knew it. B just had that beatiful smooth, crisp spound.

[@davidfinell3357]

There is a famous poem called “The Old Violin -The Touch of a Masters Hand”. You have demonstrated that the perceptively cheap and unworthy can be elevated to a tool worthy of respect and admiration. You fooled me. Well done.

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much, David! ❤️

[@ianhogan7163]

Wow… the difference is incredible. I love finding this kind of knowledge on the internet, thank you for sharing!

[@Behzad1986]

Absolutely A

[@cerath]

Honestly couldn't tell from the tone myself, but could from the key action. 'A' created more "pops", especially at the last two phrases.

[@CthyllaMay]

me watching for the first time: theres no way A is the amazon flute that shit sounds too clean, im gonna go with B him: A is the amazon flute... *spits out cereal* WHAT

[@0miyage]

No, the tone of B was too dark, too rich/full/warm to be a cheap flute one. A is clean but B sounds like gold.

[@musicmaker1961]

as someone who plays the flute I just want to point out that the quality of the flute isn't just about the sound. a cheap flute made with poor quality materials or built poorly can lead to difficulty maintaining it or playing it , for example some cheap flute may have problems with spings, mechinisims posts can bend and the instrument can be more difficult to play and just need more repairs I personally wouldn't buy a custom made instrument but a good intermediate instrument can make a big difference especially if you play often

[@SK-waffle]

I chose the $80, damn it! :)

[@mightymint4521]

You just saved 28,020!

[@0miyage]

@@mightymint4521 Not exactly ... There is realy often bad surprises when you get a low cost flute. Plus it will be much more difficult to play for a beginner and it won't last as longer as a YAMAHA YFL 282 for instance. Oh, and last but not least, a good technician will not be able to maintain or repair it properly (adjusting the headjoint, most of the time no spare parts, impossible mechanism adjustment/tuning ... ) ...And it can be dangerous and illegal (because of lead in the weldings, for instance...)

[@0miyage]

If I were a beginner, I would chose a $700 flute, or as near as possible, but not much more expensive.

[@jorgefernandez9010]

I did, but you are a hell of a player! You’d make anything sound great!

[@adarshgangwar2285]

the first one sounds better than than the expensive one.

[@peterhaerens3014]

Can you tell me exactly which aspects of the sound seem to be better in your opinion on the 1st one?

[@N00bB1scu1tGaming]

The expensive one has a warmer tone. Having had the chance to try a $12,000 Gemeinhardt, they also seem to be more forgiving and at the same time less so. Still, I am glad I got the $80 one myself to learn, because its ultimately more reliant on the musician and less on the material and cost. I think people get too caught up on more money means magical get better cheat, when in reality its all about practice and experience. Tools are just tools at the end of the day, and a good craftsman can make a cheap tool look like its an expensive one because of theor hard work and experience. Fun fact, I bought that exact same brand of flute. Mendini by Cecilio is a great cheap flute, just dont drop it.

[@gotodieidiots]

the c# trill gave it away

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

I am not a transverse flutist, but I have been playing high end tin whistles and NAF for just over a year now so I consider myself a seasoned beginner. Even though I am still developing my ear for music and never played a silver flute, as soon as I heard the sound of the first flute, I knew immediately that it was the cheap flute. Then when I heard the second one it confirmed by suspicion on the spot. I could hear a massive difference in the tone. Very cool video.

[@FALAUT101]

The difference was not worth $28,020!

[@waluyajaya2766]

Agree

[@traingirl09]

I am getting my first flute this week and plan on watching your videos as my main source of lessons. You have given amazing reviews and you just flute amazingly!

[@schiniachilensis]

Yo pude darme cuenta de que la flauta de la pantalla superior era la barata. Dicha flauta tiene un timbre brillante, como metálico y tiene una afinación alta en algunas notas. La flauta de la pantalla inferior tiene un sonido más cálido, más lleno y redondo. Para quienes han tocado mucho tiempo con flautas baratas, escuchar el sonido de una buena flauta, es como si pareciera que tuviera problemas de afinación (cuando la realidad es al revés, pero el oído se acostumbra a que las notas estén desafinadas, tomándolas como notas afinadas y por eso suena raro cuando se tocan las notas en su afinación correcta).

[@IvanRx76]

The different in price, definitely will show up when the 80 dollar flute falls apart and die like my cheap flute did. 😂

[@skeleluna04]

Sicilienne!!!! My favorite solo to play!!!!

[@BryanD2719]

Wow $80 sounded surprisingly really good! Great option for someone on a budget

[@v4mpiresp1t_]

B had a deeper sound and an imprint on the barrel. (in between the head joint and body)

[@dollymaddison2388]

An $80 instrument is better than no instrument at all! While I agree that students and hobby players wouldn’t benefit from a 30k instrument, $80 doesn’t seem like it would hold up to daily use. What have you noticed? Would repair shops be able to fix it when an adjustment is needed? How fast would a student “outgrow” the instrument? Would a $400 student instrument be a better choice for durability, repair, and tone? What instrument do you recommend for your beginning elementary students? Still, I enjoyed the demo. Everything you play is pure joy!

[@timmura]

B has a darker and warmer tone color, but i think that's because its gold. Both sound amazing and would be suited for different things.

[@prism223]

IMO it's easier to tell the difference in sound in person, as it seems like most microphones can't quite preserve the frequency distribution and dynamics.

[@johnnysotomayor4971]

B because A doesn't have the good sound like B but they both sound great 😃 together

[@mynamebryan]

What if you put the finger holes on the Amazon flute like the 29k flute you could possibly get the same rich bottom end like the expensive flute

[@JesusAlways1st]

Honestly, I thought it was very close.

[@patrikberti]

The sound was WAY more warm and clear in the second one, it was an obvious difrence :)

[@jazzboy]

You sound great on both, but the difference in resonance is very obvious. Great demo.

[@knappertsbusch]

Quite easy to notice that wonderful warm tone in the lower register. But sound is only one part of the story - the main difference is usually in the feel/feedback the instrument gives back to the player - and a cooperative/flexible instrument is nothing but pure joy to the player - which leads the musician to automatically explore all those tiny inexhaustible tones/moods. A positive feedback loop, if you will.

[@arlenegarcia5127]

Awesome flutist ! Regardless of the price, you can produce beautiful tone from both flutes. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ertyjko9188]

I personally thought the first one was more expensive!😅😅 I think the $80 still sounds better...😂😂

[@havocmangawip]

I am just glad I had a really nice 3SB Gemeinhardt to train on. And wear out. Beyond excited to have a Sonare 705 now.

[@OliverArchibald-p9d]

That security was so happy to meet you what a great guy.

[@AIejandrino]

I just so admire the way you make sound both of them. The way you touch it, it's exquisite how the warm sound of them caress your ears. At the same time, it's quite hard to guess properly. May I ask what is the name of the piece that you are playing?

[@LanceSuzuki]

Aww thanks! ❤️ This was Sicilienne by Fauré.

[@FlyWithSergio]

You play so good. I am a musician and I didn't realize which is which. But I gess I'm not use to hear the differences. Nice job

[@bluejay9638]

Ahh scililienne, my favorite piece of all time such a gorgeous piano part. Faure is no joke. Also, B for sure

[@cleofonm493]

Yes I could tell by the tone and idk if it’s the same word as singing but the vibrato.

[@Salty_Tipper]

Got it the notes sound like they blend a little easier

[@loafofcorgi8225]

To be fair, Sicilienne is such a beautiful piece and can sound amazing on any flute with the right player.

[@lunabeans9152]

Of course there would be a difference! This is a bottom of the barrel flute vs a professional custom flute. I'd like to see a comparison between the custom and like a 2000 dollar flute.

[@kuberansara3724]

The B has a very concentrated sound

[@willistaylor4077]

Goodness ! You make both Flutes sound Beautiful ! 💕💕🎵🎵

[@LanceSuzuki]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@Desmond4052]

Can tell it right away. The second one is much resonant with much more overtones. Nice playing for both videos of course

[@crustycheese6873]

Nice playing. Im working on Sicilienne on Tenor Sax

[@lukaczsteiner8178]

Yes, i did it by listening to sound, when switching these note "pads". On the cheaper one was the sound cheaper, it sounded like a cut. But Ive got zero knowledge about flutes

[@ryeanj.3693]

The custom was warmer but both sound great with a great flutist

[@Abby-r6s4j]

As soon as I heard the second flute I knew it was the more expensive one. The 2nd one had a better tone quality and sounded warmer and the 1st one. The first one sounded kinda closed off like it wasn’t resonating very well. Also I play flute so it’s nice to be able to train my ears with things like this!

[@AaronSmith92]

I got a 16-key Aurosus flute off Amazon, since I have only played for a year before, and that was in high school (14 years ago), wanted to start playing again so I would still classify myself as an amateur. Didn’t want to spend hundreds and hundreds, even thousands on a professional grade flute.