So, if you state that you had a bad experience with an Armstrong, that might be accurate for you, but to unequivocally state that all Armstrong flutes are "crap" is just plain wrong.
COUNTRY CLASSIC 6-in x 48-in plank provides a rustic, cost-effective alternative to real wood. My Armstrong certainly plays as well as a Yamaha flute in the 400 series. See photos, installation information, and product details. I'm a semi-pro player, teacher, and flute repair technician. I performed with it for many years before getting my Muramatsu. Above that Conn-Selmer makes the Emerson EF88 or Legacy models.
It's not comparable to a pro quality handmade flute, but it is nonetheless an excellent flute for an intermediate player or as in my case, a backup instrument. The current top of the line from the Armstrong line at Conn-selmer is the Heritage, (.014)thin walled head but a standard body (.016). It has a sterling head and body and is quite a good flute. I play a Muramatsu AD as my primary flute, but my backup flute is an Armstrong Model 80 from around 1960. Some of the newest Armstrongs are not always of the same quality level as the older ones. That's why it's important to test play a flute before buying it. In every brand there are some really good examples and some really poor examples. Please don't make such general statements - they are not accurate. If you are going to play the flute take it seriously and invest in a good flute. Binx wrote: Don't even bother with and Armstrong, they are crap.