Subscribe RSSWhat would be a good upgrade flute?
Q: I currently have a solid silver, French style Gemeinhardt with the gizmo key. It's a great flute I'm just getting to a point where I've learned everything I can on this flute and just need a step up from this, I'm just not sure which to choose. Help?
A: There are quite few grat upgrade around now - lucky you! Many of the BIG names are making hybird instruments, under *other* names - the headjoint os made by thefamous company, and the bodies are contracted out to be built to their spec. Look at Azumi, Brio, and Avant - names I am sure than you NEVER heard of before, but are wonderful. You can also look at mid-range known brands - maybe a Jupiter 711, a better Pearl, or Emerson; Yamahas in the 300 or 400 series. Or you can look at mid or lower level of names like Muramatsu ( I play their top-end flute) . Go to www.jennifercluff.con (Not me - an expert friend!) and read her f great articles. Look over sites like www.flutewolrd.com, and the sites of Jeff Weissman, JLSmith, Carolyn Nussbaum, and Phil Unger - you will learn a LOT - bt what you see there, and what is NOT there - because nobody recommends it!
AVOID Another Gemeinhardt, Artley, or Armstrong - they are NOT the companies they used to be, that is for sure (Artley is out of business, and the other tow - well, just trust me.)
Have a professional flutist or your private teacher help you choose - the OPTIONS ALONE will make you head spin! Good luck with this exciting decision!
:D
if you want to upgrade a flute, here's my suggestion.
Gemeinhardt? ehh idk. not my cup of tea... I mean, it's a mass produced brand and they're not asgood quality so you should avoid their flutes. If you're pretty good and not serious about flute, you can always go to Yamaha or Jupiter. if you're an intermediate and serious about flute, try Muramatsu (I play w/ this flute and it sounds gorgeous), Sankyo Prima, and Miyazawa. Their solid silver is much better than a Gemeinhardt's.. If you're up to professional level and serious about flute, try Powell and Brannen Cooper's solid gold (very expensive).