You don't say where you're living Debbie but in the UK there are
several Try Before You Buy schemes where you hire the instrument then
if you decide to purchase, you get the rental off the cost of the
instrument.

I am sure there will be similar schemes in the States But I could
vouch for John Myatts - http://www.myatt.co.uk/, Top Wind -
http://www.topwind.com/ or Just Flutes - http://www.justflutes.com/

Good Luck with the search.

Cheeri
Carole

--- In flutepastels@yahoogroups.com, "debbieinreno" <debbieinreno@...>
wrote:
>
> My son is 9 years old and would like to start playing the flute. I
> don't know where to begin. Should I purchase one at a pawn shop or
do
> I go straight to a music store and start at the top? My only
concern
> is that purchasing such a beautiful instrument from a music store
then
> having a 9 year old loose interest in 6 months is a costly
> investment. Your help is appreciated. Debbie
>