How to deal with music stores (re: flute - not bass)

[Matthew Bryson]

My daughter chose to play flute in her 5th grade band. I know nothing about flutes, so I went to a music store where I knew a couple of people, and thought I trusted them. (the guy I used to take lessons from no longer worked there, but I dealt with the folks there anyway) ...they hooked me up with a rental program on a flute that they told me was a good one and they told me that this model sold for about $900. I was happy with the deal and I've been paying $23.50 / month and all of the rental money goes toward the purchase price of $900.

I thought all was fine until I saw what I believe is the exact same flute for sale in the newest Musicians Friend catalogue - it's a Gemeinhardt student model, and I believe that it can be had through musicians friend for under $300. Not even close to the $900 price tag they have me paying.

I'm not sure what to do next. I could just go buy the same flute from musicians friend for less than $300, then go back to the music shop and give them the rental back (and tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine!) ...but what I really want is for my daughter to have a quality instrument to learn on. I'm now thinking that this flute that they told me was a high quality instrument is really cheap, low end, junk. I'd like to find a music store where I can do a rental / purchase program on a quality instrument but I don't know what brand would be good.

Is there any chance that I'm wrong about this music store? Maybe Gemeinhardt makes many different models and they rented / sold me the good $900 model and I just happened to see the cheap sub $300 model somewhere else? Is there anyway that I can tell by looking at the flute which model it is? Does anybody know what company / brand makes a good quality flute for a student?

I'm feeling like I've been had, and it doesn't make me happy! It makes me feel like this: (spitin' mad)

[Freddels]

Why don't you ask her flute teacher what is a good flute?

Then I'd go to the music store and give them a piece of my mind and vow never to do business with them again. I'd make sure I'd tell everyone I knew what had happened also. But that's me.

[hyperlitem]

probably like $900 list or something. Your paying a little more to deal with a local store that has to support alot more than an online store does. I know that company does make more than one model so look into it before you go off. If they wont return the money just see if u can use the store credit on something else. I wouldnt be mad at the store, its your fault that you didnt look into it first. If they are outright lying to you thats one thing, but they can charge any price they want as long as they have people buying from them.