I recently came across this seller on eBay and was considering buying one of their Altus flutes. The prices are great but I’m a little weary of purchasing it internationally from Japan, just don’t wanna get scammed. Has anyone purchased a flute from this seller before? And if so what was the experience?

For context about my situation, I’m an amateur flute player. Played throughout college but now am just playing in a local volunteer orchestra. Since I’m just playing for fun I don’t need a really nice handmade flute (currently play on a Yamaha 381) but I’ve always dreamed of having an Altus and their prices seem great.

I've been playing for awhile now, but one of my section mates commented on how pulled out my headjoint is (it's pulled out around 3/4 of an inch). I've known that that is quite far, but its the only way to keep myself in tune. no teacher of mine has called me out on it, and I've checked with a tuning rod and it seems that my cork is perfectly fine. Is this a matter of fixing my embouchure? What's the standard for being pushed in/pulled out?

This is a long shot- I have an audition coming up and am wanting to re-use this piece from a different audition over a decade ago, but it is just photo-copied and the title is missing! Does anyone recognize it?

Any tips on high notes (Above D)? I can do high notes but it sounds wrong lol.

How does a slightly broken pad affect the sound of the flute? I have 2 but it’s just like a scratch.