In need of a new flute....preferably gemeinhardt?

Question

I have had my moms gemeinhardt (about twenty years old) and recently it's been giving me loads of problems and right now it's away getting fixed.(if it can be)
I have played the flute for about six years and I am pretty decent and just need a flute to get me through high school and possibly to pass on to MY daughter (...well thats if it lasts)
I was wondering what is a pretty decent intermediate or student flute not costing more than 500$ ( I just recently got a gemeinhardt 4psh piccolo) preferably gemeinhardt and new.
If this is not possible does anyone have sites of good used flutes?
The flute doesn't have to be gemeinhardt if you think theres a better one of a different company.
and just ask if you need more info.

Answer 1

Your best option is to go with a used instrument if you want to go with the "intermediate" route (standard being silver head, open-holes, Bfoot). You can also look into the other popular brands like Emerson, Yamaha, Armstrong, and Jupiter. I've also heard that Trevor James makes decent beginning level flutes too.

However, if at all possible, I would strongly recommend getting something better than a Gemeinhardt that you can play even AFTER high school. One brand that I recently tried and REALLY liked was Azumi, which is made by the Altus Company. Altus is a professional Japanese company and they make really good, professional quality instruments. Their "Azumi" model is their "lower end" flute, but it is MUCH better made (and better sounding) than Gemeinhardt.

Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of repairs. It's cheaper to have the instrument regularly maintained than it is to have the instrument sit in a closest for a number of years, gathering dust. What also matters is the quality of the repairwork, which unfortunately, many local band/orchestra stores do not provide. They simply don't have the skillful touch or eye that it really takes to play the instruments well. If they can "play" it, it's considered "fixed." However, if you decide to buy a used instrument and have a skillful repairperson work on it, it can play and sound "good as new." That way, you'll also maintain some of the value of the instrument, since the price of metal (especially sivler and gold) continues to increase.

In terms of trying out instruments, the most logical place may be your local band/instrument store. Take someone with a trusted ear (such as a private teacher or a flutist friend) to really out the instruments. Play slow and fast passages, really paying attention to how well the instrument responds to your articulation, how well the instrument plays in tune (and not just by staring at a strobe), one that FEELS good in your hands, etc. Also, don't feel pressured to buy an instrument right then and there at the store...alot of stuff that happens in a music store is business stuff and need of making sales.

Another option is to check out local flute fairs. The National Flute Association keeps a listing of flute clubs. You can sign up to be on the FLUTE email list through Larry Krantz's website (www.larrykrantz.com) to keep your eyes and ears open for insturments for sale and whatnot. Your band director or private teacher may also have some contacts as well. Another option would also to check out Craigslist.com or your local newspaper.

Good luck with your search.

Answer 2

If you absolutely HAD to choose between the two, Gemeinhardt all the way. I play a Gemeinhardt picc for marching band, and it's just great. But I would highly suggest you get something a tad better than a Selmer, or even a Gemeinhardt for FLUTES... Here are my reccomendations: -Ambassador - F.E Olds&Son : this is the brand that my flute is, it's dark in color and is completley nickel. Tone quality is the best. The others in my section play on Gemeinhardt's and a few Jupiters, and in my opinion, my Ambassador has the best tone quality and overall response. ;) -Yamaha: GREAT flutes, but on the pricey side. -Like I said, Gemeinhardts are great piccs, I'm not so sure about flutes, however. Hope i could help! :)