Yamaha YFL-372 vs YFL-472, or should I keep my YFL-221?
I'm a serious hobbyist flutist. I mostly play by ear, often playing along with recordings, and I play mainly for enjoyment and musical expression rather than exams, ensembles, or professional goals.
My current flute is a Yamaha YFL-221.
The low and middle registers are comfortable and reliable. The third octave is less consistent, especially high E and above. I can hear and experiment with tone colors and dynamics, but my control is not always consistent.
I've tried a few friends' flutes. One felt very similar to mine, while another was easier to play but had a less rich tone. The main thing I learned is that I value tone quality and musical satisfaction at least as much as ease of playing. I also genuinely enjoy my current YFL-221.
The price difference between the YFL-372 and YFL-472 in my area is very small, so cost is not really a factor.
Questions:
How noticeable is the difference between the YFL-372 and YFL-472 in actual playing? Is the YFL-472 harder to play, especially for someone with my abilities and goals?
Is the upgrade from the Yamaha YFL-221 to either model substantial enough to justify the cost?
I'm much more interested in real playing experience than in specifications or marketing claims.
Thanks!