http://www.ebay.com/itm/201471946418?ul_noapp=true
For example, is it actually a Yamaha? (I’ve heard of such scams before, and the listing seems a bit too good to be true, you know?)
I’m already expecting to have to make some repairs (i.e. get it re-oiled and retuned, and perhaps get new pads). I have set aside $100 for this. Is that enough?
I’m a beginner, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
It is likely what is says it is. I wouldn’t pay 140 for it unplayed though. Flutes are a real crapshoot on ebay. Springs could be bad, pads could need replacing, there could be dents that effect the sound and tuning. Then again maybe you get lucky and get a good instrument. I know I bought a flute on ebay for 15 bucks thinking it would be a beater I could practice repairing and ended up with a great instrument that needed very minor repairs. I got very lucky though. I think you would be better off getting an experienced player to go with you to a used instrument shop, pay the money to get an instrument you know works.
Right, as has been said, eBay can be a crap shoot. You can easily spend more in repairs than the flute cost in the auction. But bargains are out there if you know how to do the repairs yourself.
That is sound advice! Many music shops will handle rental returns. It’s a seasonal business to a degree - supply varies. Many shops will inspect and overhaul the returned flutes before selling them. So the asking price may not be as low as an eBay sale but the flute should be playable at that price.
Also, if you do have a friend who is an experienced player that you can depend on Craigslist (and the like) is usually flush with second hand flutes as well. There are a lot of instruments in cases under beds and in closets that go unplayed after the student leaves High School. Unlike eBay you can usually “try before you buy” and assess the condition of the instrument before you put down the money.
Feadoggie