YAMAHAYFL-222 Intermediate Flute for Student (International Version)

My flute was shipped from South Korea to Ohio in 3 days by FedEx. It was $549.00. In the US the price is $1153.00. It is legit and was made by Yamaha in Indonesia. It is listed as an International Version, and is imported. The draw back to saving $604.00 is the warranty. Since it was imported, warranty work has to be done in the country of origin. That means sending it back to South Korea. In the US, you are given 18 months warranty and US repair shops. Imports are given 12 months warranty and shipped to the original seller. But it is Yamaha quality at a great price. I am no pro. I have played flute for 58 years for my own enjoyment. For beginners I highly recommend low price instruments. Many start out with enthusiasm and 6 months later lose interest.

When our kiddo started flute a few years ago, we didn’t know anything and bought a pretty basic Etude something-or-other student flute because it was the cheapest. It needed an expensive repair not long into use (almost as much as we initially paid), and when it needed another repair for a broken key recently, we started looking for a Yamaha replacement (brand recommended by her middle school band teacher).I was a little wary that this was half the price for the exact same model at our local Music & Arts store, and worried shipping would take awhile from SKorea, but we took the chance.It arrived in less than a week, perfectly brand new in factory packaging, with a few extras thrown in. Daughter loved the cute handwritten Thank You notes in Korean.We parents still don’t know diddly about flutes or music, but can attest that the sound is much clearer at home and my daughter says she can 100% tell the difference in quality. Her band teacher says the sound improvement from her has been fantastic.If your kiddo has stuck with flute and is ready for an upgrade, can’t recommend this seller and Yamaha flute enough. I’m sure we’ll have to revisit higher-end models in the future if she continues her studies, but for middle school Concert Band this has been great.

Bought from EcoArena, a legit Yamaha Yfl-222. Warranty won’t work if bought from the US but that’s to be expected. I’m happy!

Hit the purchase button before I looked at reviews, and had a nerve wracking weekend wait. Glad I did.Flute arrived today packaged really well. After extremely careful review, my fears of a counterfeit were quashed. Had this checked over even more thoroughly by our local repair technician for further confirmation. It's still technically a gamble buying international, but at least this seller sent me a genuine 222.This is what a flute should be. The ease to play, the amazingly pure tone quality, the beautiful quality build, it's functional response being on point, and half the cost on top of it all?The seller left information that this could be registered under warranty, though I haven't checked yet. Unlikely the warranty will come into play anyhow as I get my instruments maintained by a local professional, but this could be a concern for other buyers if a local technician isn't available.That being said, if you get a genuine flute, keep in mind a repair will work with US model parts (it's LITERALLY the same flute), and a $300 repair is far easier to stomach as you already saved about $500 in comparison. This is still the over $1,000 flute we get here.A bit of mislabling of the product name. The 222 is a beginner flute. Don't be dismayed at this, the 222 is notorious for getting you into your early intermediate stage without fail, and my progress in some aspects is that of a well advanced beginner who was fighting a cheap Mendini. I am able to play my entire register set on the 222 with very little to no effort in contrast to the Mendini.If you absolutely cannot wait to save $1,000, and are willing to take a gamble, recommended.Worst case you will have to go through the refund process and will have time to save and look at local guaranteed options.

Studied flute in the mid 90’s for two years. Re-started after recently learning my flute teacher died too young- it’s my ode to her. She was a symphony player with a Verne Powell flute. Northwestern U music grad, huge tone, great chops. Before getting this Yamaha 222 I owned a made in Japan (MIJ) 300 series model- wish I still had it.Regardless if the 222 is an overstock, Korean clone, or wanna be it does the job. Excellent for beginners. Intermediates will notice the top joint lip plate is limited- need to watch the embrochure angle/amount of air for the octave and high notes. These notes tend to go into whistle tones if overblown. Make sure to have a tech check a new flute and soften the key spring rods to reduce hard action after purchase. Have since bought a Yamaha 517 (available only in Japan) with closed hole keys. Sterling silver top joint and plays like a dream, even if I can’t. Definitely a repeat customer for Yamaha flutes, drums, but not motorcycles.

Seller did an amazing job in packaging the flute, it was packed with utmost care. Shipping was great, arrived faster than prime products although this flute was shipped from overseas. Flute comes with one year international warranty. Overall really satisfied with the purchase.

Very well packaged, great quality, and best value for money. A good option for someone to pick up the instrument after a 10 year gap!

This flute arrived so fast! It is absolutely beautiful & plays like a dream. It’s so smooth & melodic. I feel like I don’t have to blow as hard while playing. I’m just an amateur flute player, but this sweet flute will definitely have me looking forward to my practice sessions! The seller also threw in a couple of nice gifts, which was a nice touch. I highly recommend this seller & this flute.