Flutes:

I know a lot of people like Yamaha... I'm not a fan of Yamaha flutes (never have been as a flute player). They do alright though.

I've been having my kids get Di Zhao flutes the last couple of years if they can afford a little bit more as a step-up. (They're making some good instruments that have great features for the price point and seem to be holding up pretty well) The Pearl 505RBEs have been my other favorite over the years.

Avoid Gemeinhardt (used to be good) and although Armstrong does seem to hold up, I prefer other brands.

If you ever have a parent looking to spend a bit more on the front side I really like the Azumi AZ2s.


Clarinet:

Yamaha Advantage clarinets work well, or the step-up wooden model. Buffets are asking more than they're worth to me, but they'll hold up well. Jupiter also has come a long way on these. My big thing is get a step-up mouthpiece if possible. Vandoren M13 lyres are what we try to get the kids on if we can.


Saxophones:

Yamaha, Yamaha, Yamaha... Cannonballs can be okay, but the Yamahas are tanks forever. Selmer USA horns can be okay for beginners too. Jupiter isn't my favorite, but again they have come a long way.

I try and get the saxes on Optimum AL3 (TL3 for tenor) mouthpieces.


Your mileage may vary with these instruments, and you're going to find every woodwind person has a strong opinion on these. This is just my own. Best wishes!