I've never heard of a Barclay brand flute. Usually checking where the
flute is made might give you some clues to it's origin. Sometimes
other flute manufactuers make flutes with other names.

As a GENERAL rule I personally would avoid flutes made in China or
Taiwan. Not that it can't be a good flute if made from there, however
they just don't have a longer history of making name brand flutes
quite yet like flutes made in Japan or the U.S.

Of course if this flute plays well and is in tune with itself and
with a tuner and is made well then by all means it could be a good
flute, however again, don't buy it just because it's open hole and
the price is cheap, you will be better of in the long run with a
better quality plateau flute or a better quality open hole flute with
perhaps a solid silver head joint or even a body if you can afford it.

Generally speaking YAMAHA makes a good beginner and intermediate
level flute, BOOSEY & HAWKES with their COOPER SCALE headjoint makes
a good flute, of course if you can afford a MURAMATSU, PEARL, HAYNES,
POWELL, these are very good pro level flute makers.

There are dozens of other brands, including GEIMEINHARDT, ARMSTRONG,
and other beginner and intermediate level flutemakers, however if I
were to recommend a single brand for a beginner or intermediate
player YAMAHA would be the first to come to mind.

Let me just re-emphasize that just because you want an open hole
flute and this one may be at a good price, don't let that factor
determine ownership. In the long run, a nice quality flute, plateau
or open hole with a GREAT SOUND, NICE PLAYING characteristics, and
low maintenance will give you more joy in the long run and over the
years, than just owning an open hole flute you can afford at the
moment.

You should have a flute music teacher have a look at the flute for
you. They may be able to give you a good opinion of the actual flute
you are looking at.

Hope this info helps.

Zig
http://www.jazzlover.com

--- In flutemusiconline@y..., blondgirls_69 wrote:
> Has anybody here ever played a Barclay Flute?
> This is the first time I've even heard of it but I'm
> interested in this Silver Plated Open Hole flute from
> Barclay and I was wandering if anyone could tell me if
> they are quality flutes. I would appreciate it allot
> if any one could help me out.