Gemeinhardt M1 question
SotR
it yet. The owner is a bud and let's good customers take stuff to make sure
they want it.
He had 3 used ones. An Artley, Gemeinhardt and an Armstrong. Both the
Artely and Armstrong has some issues. I couldn't get a note out of the
Artley and the Armstrong just stopped dead at the foot joint keys. The
Gemeinhardt played ok and is going for $250.
I couldn't read any of the info on the flute till I looked very very hard
with a large magnifying glass and rubbed some graphite into the markings. I
finally figured out it is an M 1 which I see the SP2 is the current model.
I checked the serial number site and it lists this to be a 1958 model.
Any thoughts on this particular flute? I will be using it in a rock
bar/party band so
Carnegie hall soloist quality is not the important point, just a good flute
that sounds decent and plays in tune. It is in very good shape structurally
but may need to have some pads replaced. Should I dump any money into a
student level instrument?
I am thinking I might rather have an open hole model. Should I return this
and look for something better? I know the standard answer is, "does it sound
good and fit your needs?". Well, I am basically a newbie on flute and am
playing by ear thus far. But I have a classical trained back ground on
Trumpet and horn. I bought some books and DVD's to learn.
Plus I have been a working semi-pro musician for over 30
years and appreciate and demand a certain quality level. I am worried I may
quickly out grow this flute.
Just would like some personal opinions on this flute model and suggestions.
SotR
Stephen Howard
I've never been impressed by the Gemeinhardt M1, nor by the student
offerings from Artley or Armstrong - I think you'll find they're
easily outclassed both in terms of tone and build quality by the
student Yamahas.
They're also quite restrained in terms of volume, and for general
gigging use you might well find they don't have enough 'poke'.
I'm pretty sure that if you looked around you'd find a Yamaha for not
much more.
I'd also recommend taking a look at some of the new Chinese student
flutes, if you can find a decent brand to try. I wouldn't bother going
for an open hole flute at this stage, it'll take you at least a year
or two to fully get to grips with a student flute.
Regards,
--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
SotR
SotR
The real Pete Thomas
> Thanks for the info Steven. I figured about as much.
>
> SotR
>
>
I bought a solid silver Gemeinhart when I was on tour in New York (back
in the 80s) , only to get back home and find the standard Yamaha and
Pearl student models were better. Sound and intonation. Especially the
Pearl.
Best Regards
--
Pete Thomas
On-line saxophone exercises, download PDFs, jazz theory, Saxophone
Instruction DVD. Site & contact: www.petethomas.co.uk