The student flute is silver-plated brass, while the Brannen would be solid silver (or, as notated, a gold head joint with probably a silver body). The type of metal does a lot to change the quality and timbre of the sound. A good flutist can make a bad flute sound pretty decent, but you can pick out differences across the type of metal no matter what. Gold and platinum flutes are prized for just this reason.
t /flute nerd
I was figuring that the difference in metal would change the way that the flute held it's tone.
I was surprised to discover that flutes are $$$ier than pianos but it must be the precious metal that is used that makes them that pricey.
Brannen flutes are also handmade from start to finish. I own a Brannen, and it set me back about $9500 (10+ years ago). You can customize everything about it, which only adds to the price. They're beautiful instruments, though.
Nice piece by Neil Gaiman on the Dresden Dolls: [link]
DON'T READ THE COMMENTS.
Wow. Yeah, really really don't. People are so hateful.
Come on, Amy. I used the capital letters and everything to try to warn you.
I know! But I'm contrary. I had to peek.
Whoo, the comments are an entertaining train wreck. Wow.
Not having read the comments nor done more than skimmed the article, I have a serious problem with a national magazine paying a writer to talk about how awesome his girlfriend's band is.