Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I saw that same flute earlier today when doing a little browse around on ebay.  Anyways Heyjude, Edosan is very right.  I dount very much that thing is a real student model.  I agree that it looks like a simple meditation flute.  If you want a proper student flute then steer clear of that one, as the seller seems to not know what he's talking about.   Best advice: don't get it.

This is just an opinion now, so take it as such.  I like Monty's flutes (I have a root-end 1.8 and a 2.3), but I would strongly urge you to just save up and get a root-end pro level flute.  The student flute is good and serves a purpose, but it is an interim instrument.  Once you have it, you will be looking ahead to a root-end (once you go root, you can never go back).  In practical terms, this means that you will probably end up selling off the student model and may end up spending more money in the long-run by constantly upgrading.  So, why not  save yourself the bother and save up a little bit longer for a flute that is "a keeper."  Others may disagree with this approach, but I think it is a good one.  I think it was Riley Lee who said something along the lines of, get a flute that is way better than your playing ability, as it leaves you plenty of room to grow with the instrument.  Seems like a good idea to me.  If you are in the market for a 1.8, there is usually one to be found here (and usually at a fair price).  Forum members tend to offer here first at a slightly lower rate before resorting to ebay.  Anyways, I hope this helps a little.

If you meditate you are a student and if you are a student you must meditate. Think about it.