My daughter loved it.

It was easy to put together and is pretty durable and it is easy to play kind of

I'm basically a home hobby woodwind player. I've played name brand instruments back in school and have owned a few. I've also bought a number of bargain basement type woodwind instruments on Amazon and other sites, probably too many in retrospect. A few of the bargain instruments have been fair enough. A few have been unsatisfactory for a new student in my opinion.

I bought this Mendini sky blue flute maybe 5 years ago now on Amazon and I have enjoyed playing it. I should say because I have a number of instruments I haven't played it all that much - maybe nearing the equivalent of one semester of elementary school band, if that. The tone quality is fair enough and it plays fairly well in tune for me.

Over time even at my less than advanced level of playing I can notice overall better quality from the name brand instruments, but this Mendini flute could seem fairly close early on..

As playing time has added up on the Mendini I notice more weight/pressure from the fingers is required on the keys below G to get a fairly satisfactory sound. That could be a deal breaker. I can't recall how soon after purchase I noticed that issue, but I'd guess less time than the equivalent of a full semester of school band. I suppose an adjustment might help but I'm not going to take this flute to the shop. If I decide it's no longer in any kind of practical playing condition, at that point it's basically scrap metal or maybe something to practice repairs on.

I'd say a used name brand in good repair would be a better option than a new bargain brand if budget allows.

Overall I'm okay with the one time purchase. I'd say one of these flutes, if received in the same playable condition as the one I received was, would work for beginning band for a while. If the student could navigate/tolerate the adjustment issues I mentioned perhaps the flute could work for a couple of semesters or more.

Bottom line I can't strongly recommend this flute for a student, certainly not long term. And even for just a hobby player at the current price it's perhaps a maybe.

I'm giving it 4 stars because it has been a fun item for me and is still working out for my hobby playing.

I will say shop around even on Amazon because the prices seem to vary quite a bit from even week to week.

At any rate good luck and happy music making!

Very complete set that is perfect for beginning and first couple of years on flute. Only needed to adjust one pad, but tool and instruction was included. Bought this for my 10 year old grand daughter.

Good product