Janet Sedlar

My experience with the Flute Center of New York (and Chicago) has been just phenomenal! Since I live in Chicago, I first stopped by the Chicago store and chatted with the flute technician on site (can't remember her name unfortunately). I wanted to know if there was any point in fixing the student flute I'd been playing on for decades but that was sounding worse and worse (couldn't get out any notes past a low G). I wasn't sure if my problem was my fault (bad technique) or the flute. She took a look at it and concluded it was not worth repairing, since it would be cheaper to buy a new one. Although she wasn't a sales person (no one else was manning the store at that time), she was very helpful in letting me try out a bunch of flutes in my price range and giving me advice. Turned out, the problem wasn't me, it was my ancient flute! I ended up taking home a Trevor James Chanson on trial that day at no cost to me. A few days later I called the Flute Center with some questions and my call ended up at the New York branch, where I spoke with Caity. She offered to send me 4 more flutes to try out for free (free shipping and everything!). I loved all of them (each of them sounded infinitely better than my poor old Gemeinhardt), to the extent that I wondered if I might like flutes in a higher price range even better. It just so happened that I was going to be in NYC briefly, so I arranged to stop by the NYC store in person during my stay. Caity wasn't there that day, but Alex helped me, and was super helpful as well. I spent a delightful couple of hours trying out different flutes in a higher price range ($4500-$6000), picked out my favorites, and Alex mailed me a new batch of flutes to try back in Chicago afterwards. They didn't even ask me to send back the first batch first! Eventually I went with the Yamaha 677h, which I adore. Playing such a lovely-sounding flute has made me fall in love with the instrument all over again and inspired me to practice 10x more than I ever have before. I am floored by the amazing customer service I got from everyone I encountered at both Flute Centers. It seems that everyone who works there is an experienced flutist, so their advice has been extremely helpful. But even more amazing is how generous they were in allowing me to try so many flutes at once and for a considerably longer period than the supposed 1-week trial. I could not ask for a better experience. I highly, highly recommend this business to anyone interested in buying anything flute-related. I will be a loyal customer for life!

Noemi Gyori

Flute Center is truly special - It is rare to have a real personal care and true interest in supporting artists. The way the whole team looks after musicians at Flute Center is unparalelled and is rooted in the generosity and personal attention of Phil Unger, who is one of a kind. If you are after a great experience, Flute Center should be your number one address!

Myra Hammon

I have purchased 3 flutes from the Flute Center of New York. Each time they have been beyond helpful. My last flute was an alto flute. It was the first one I purchased in person. I couldn't have asked for a nicer person to work with than Natalie. Even though we were in the chaos of NFA she made me feel like I was the only person in the convention center. Not only have I purchased flutes but also a new case and numerous pieces of music and other items. FC is my go-to place for all things flute. Phil Unger is an all around nice guy. If you are looking for a new flute, this is the place to contact.

Christopher Rollins

I am a ham-handed Jazz Tenor player who has recently upgraded my flute collection for a musical. I went to them to purchase my new Trevor James Blaze piccolo. This instrument is incredible, I highly recommend for any woodwind doubler. Super responsive and easy for us less that qualified "flute players". I had the good fortune to work with Agata Matusiak, the Director of Business Operations. What a helpful and amazing soul. My order was going to be late because it was out of stock when I ordered. She was able to get it to me with enough time to work out the kinks prior to the next rehearsal. I will only use Flute Center moving forward.

Randy Morales

Such a great experience! Natalie was super knowledgeable and very friendly! So refreshing to experience top notch service. In addition to a robust inventory of flutes and auxiliary instruments to try, all the flute specific accessories make it a one stop shop for any flautist. 10’s across the board!

Benedek Csalog

I was a guest of the Flute Center at the beginning of April, I gave a short presentation and taught two young flutists. I was impressed by the spirit of the place: the very professional and kind staff, the very well-designed venue/showroom/store/studio, the small rooms for trying out the flutes. I am a specialist in baroque flutes, and the Flute Center rarely has such guests, as they deal with modern flutes. But the fact that I was invited also shows that the 'Thinking outside the box' mentality is typical of the team. I didn't have much time, but I quickly looked at the amazing selection of flutes in the store, I have never seen so many flutes in my life... It was a great honor to be the guest of Phil Unger, the founder of the Center, and his wife for a day. I will never forget his friendly, open personality, generosity and the wonderful dinner! Thank You, Flute Center

Sydney Chalpin

I recently bought a new flute through FCNY and had a great experience! Bianca helped me through the whole process and was such a pleasure to work with! She was very patient and helpful while I went through several rounds of trials. She sent me any flute I was interested in and even threw in some of her own recommendations based on my feedback. The flute I ended up buying wasn't even one I asked for, it was one of her suggestions. So glad I worked with Bianca and FCNY to get my dream flute! It’s gorgeous!

Tiffany Pol

I originally ordered another flute for my daughter, because her school flute wasn’t working. The school wasn’t getting it fixed. My daughter had a band concert coming up the following week. I was informed they were back ordered and was offered another flute at same price! My daughter absolutely loves the flute and is so excited to own her own flute now! Due to the customer service I will definitely return to this store again and I’m telling everyone how wonderful they are! Thank you for fantastic customer service & shipping the flute out AsAP.

Julia Young

I had the most wonderful experience flute shopping with Alyssa. I’m coming back to the flute after a long teaching career, and Alyssa was so supportive! She was warm, kind and shares in the joy of searching for your instrument. Alyssa wants to hear about each of the flutes-what you like and what you don’t. She was incredibly patient with my many questions, and offered fantastic advice regarding servicing schedules, insurance and adjusting to a new instrument. She was very prompt and professional with all communications, and made this process very easy. What an asset she is to the Flute Center! It has truly been a joy to go through this with Alyssa. I’m thrilled with my new flute.

Lisa Lynn

I had a particularly fun, easy, and joyous experience working with Alyssa at Flute Center NYC. She was kind, helpful, and presented me with many viable new and pre-owned flutes in my price range. I found the perfect new flute, which can sometimes be a daunting process. Alyssa made it a happy event!

Ian McKenzie

Tour de flute ! This place is stellar from the customer service to the wares to the location—everyone I had the pleasure of interacting with was nothing short of hospitable and professional. Emily, especially, was immediately responsive to my request to trial over the phone; in and out with two beautiful instruments the same day! I now have a wonderful instrument to call my own after a generous, at-home trial period and I couldn’t have asked for the process to be easier. 5-star service like this is exceedingly rare and a welcome stress-reliever to the process of such a financial commitment as a new instrument. Whatever is in the water cooler to make this atmosphere so nice, I hope it never changes! I would recommend them to anyone and happily return for any needed supplies, accessories etc.

Kendra Fletcher

Visiting the Flute Center of New York was the highlight of my daughter's first visit to NYC. She is an aspiring young flutist from Florida and she wanted to go to the Flute Center as part of our visit. The staff there was so welcoming and Alyssa invited her to make an appointment to try out some flutes. She has never had the opportunity to try a piccolo, alto flute, or bass flute and so she was able to try out the instruments there in their practice room. It was a wonderful experience to expand her horizons and connect with other flutists. Alyssa, thank you for making her visit extra special!