To Mitch:
1. Difficult or easy instrument?
I think this depends on the person. I personally would prefer the easy instrument because I want to concentrate on the music and not on how to get the G played in tune when I grip the G. I understand technique as a part of music, and to master the music (and technique with it), I need an instrument that does what it has to do when I play it properly.
In my opinion, another drawback of an instrument of bad quality is that especially newbies rapidly get used to play the (i.e.) G as the instrument requires them to, which makes it difficult to play on "good" instruments later without having to relearn the whole thing.
2. Technique or music?
As said, I understand technique as a part of music. For example, irish music without irish technique is not irish music, and knowing how to play a roll on G without knowing a tune that needs it is worthless, too. I see both parts as a whole and both parts have to be mastered together with equal attention.
3. A difficult instrument discourages or encourages?
Again a matter of the person who plays. I started the silver flute some time ago and played on an instrument I got cheap via eBay (didn't know about far east flute-like objects then). The flute played pretty good in tune, but some keys were loose and the flute leaked on them. With proper technique (and some force...) I was able to play it anyway, but it was hard and wasn't fun really as I don't want to concentrate on getting the leaks closed when learning a new music.
Later I got a Pearl silver flute, and the difference was huge...
All in all I think that the instrument has not to be expensive but just working. As said, my Sweetone was cheap, but it plays in tune with my technique in learned on my Bleazey, so it works fine for me.
To PhilO and crookedtune: Yep, thats exactly what I mean. I love my Bleazey and never regret having bought it as it fits perfectly on sessions and recordings, but those cheapies are great, too. I like both and use both.
