Thank you for such a prompt reply and for the suggestion to call C-S. I assumed that I needed to contact a dealer and all the ones I've called don't answer the phones. As for the reason why manufacture years are important, well, I was under the impression that the newer, the more reliable the technology and condition. My child is a beginner and we tried the rental arrangement last year but feel that it is not a good value.

Since we're starting second year band, I felt that we might as well buy a flute. If you have any suggestions on buying a used flute, I am happy to read them. I followed your advice and called C-S. The rep I spoke with did not sound very knowledgeable however she did answer the question about what year the flute starting with #70.

Date, Serial Number. 1949-1965, 18,000-67,000. 1965, Prefix A, B, C (minus H, I, 0, 0, W, Y & Z). 1970, Prefix 'R' series. 1972, Prefix 'V' series. Mid-1972, Prefix 1,2,3, etc. 1973, Prefix '3' to '9,, series. 1974, Prefix '24' series. NOTE: From 1974 to present, the prefix number plus 50 will give you the year of manufacure. Flute and Piccolo. Serial Number, Year Manufactured. 18,000 -- 67,000, 1949 -- 1965. Prefix A, B,C (omitting H, I, O, Q, W, Y and Z), 1965. Prefix R Series, 1970. Prefix V Series, 1972. Prefix 1, 2, 3, mid 1972. Prefix 3 thru 9, 1973. Prefix 24 Series, 1974. Free Download Material Library 3ds Max 9 Activation.

(2000) She said that their website isn't current with info about how to determine manufacture years based on newer model serial numbers. I also found a very helpful (at least it sounds helpful!) for me to read about buying used flutes. In case you're interested, here it is (it's safe): I guess the most important thing about buying a used flute, from what I've read, is to make sure it has been fully reconditioned, especially replacement of the pads and corks. And to have it tested by an experienced flutist. Oh, and making sure it is a reputable make. Buying a used flute is harder than I thought! Thank you for all your help!

That does seem to be a well written and accurate description of what to look for/avoid when buying a used flute. I would encourage you to look at older flutes as well.Age is not necessarily an indicator of how well an instrument will play. A 70 year old flute that has been well taken care of and has had annual maintainance can play like new, and certainly better than a 5 year old flute that has been mistreated or neglected. One of the major benefits of buying a used flute is that you can get a reputable, name brand instrument for less than a newer one, and as long as it is in good shape (or can be put back in good shape for a reasonable price), there should be no issues with the technology or condition.

Thank you for that advice. I called an instrument repair technician in my area and his opinion regarding older flutes is similar. He said as well that he finds the newer flutes, after the '80s, to be less well crafted. He also said that flute pads should last around 20 yrs. If the instrument has been well cared for. I am therefore looking at older models now. The tech said he would be happy to take a look at any flutes we're considering purchasing.

Of course, he does have a business interest, but if we pay less than $100 for an older flute and he fixes it up for $250 or so, that sounds like a good value and secure way to go vs. Buying unseen/uninspected off eBay or an online used flute store. At least to me, a novice buyer of used flutes! So, thus far I'm of the opinion that one should buy and service locally.

I'll try to update with any news. Freeware Weather Fax Receiver. I have an Armstrong 305B LTD, the serial number is 7116937. I purchased it from a dealer, supposedly new, in December of 2005. I have often wondered just how old the instrument is, since a dealer inventory tag had the appearance of being quite aged (well yellowed and dirty). After reading the posts in this thread I decided to call Conn-Selmer to see what I could find out.

The person I talked to said all she could tell me is that it showed up as a model 305B, and that it was sold by Armstrong to a dealer in March of 2000. I've never seen, or heard mention of, a 305B LTD before. Although the instrument showed up in Conn-Selmer's database as a model 305B, this instrument seems to have all the features of a 305B except the barrel is engraved 'LDT' and the flute has a gold-plated lip plate and crown. The person I talked to at the factory knew nothing of the LTD version, which I find rather curious. Sorry for the long post, I'm just wondering if anyone else is familiar with the Armstron Model 305B LTD.