I just aquired a Gemeinhardt 53SBH flute and was doing some research on it. Kesslers advertises it as:
"Gemeinhardt 50 series version of the 3SHB. 50 Series features a Powell style headjoint and Powell tuning scale (A=442)."

Here is the link to it
http://www.kesslermusic.com/html/flutes/intermediate.html

I have heard this before but I guess I won't really know till I get the flute.

I want to make sure I get all the facts before advertising this flute. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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I meant to say 53SHB.

Perhaps they are referencing Powell to mean modern. Like modern scale, with a modern head cut (wide 'n loud).

Hopefully you are getting a flute that plays well enough that you won't feel guilty selling it off to someone else!




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Here's an ebay listing with pictures of a 53 series flute... the cut looks like a traditional Gemeinhardt cut.

I always make sure they play good and if they are not up to my standards I don't sell them or send them back to where I bought them from. I refuse to sell junk like some sellers do.

Why don't you call gemeinhardt and ask them directly?

Their current online catalogue shows no such beast as a 53 model.

It's possible, since Gemeinhardt has had a transition fairly recently, or from some things that I've seen on EBAY, that it could be an older flute they no longer make...

But a single phone call would probably answer your questions..

Joe B

That is a good idea. I just thought I would try asking here first. The 50 series were only made for a limited time and Gemeinhardt no longer makes them, that much I do know. Another flute tech friend of mine actually has a sister that works for Gemeinhardt, so I am sure I could find out.

Have you seen any of these models Joe?

I did see a picture of the embouchure cut on the headjoint and it is cut more square like the modern Powells, so perhaps that is why Kesslers said that. I can always ask Dave. It is shaped more differently then the regular Gems.

No I haven't seen that particular model. It says Powell "Style" head...Whatever that means...And "Powell tuning scale". That one bothers me more. Is it or isn't it? If it is, then they must have permission from Powell to make that claim....Or be open to a huge lawsuit for trademark infringement...

If it isn't in their current catalogue, It's either, an old model no longer made, a new model that didn't make it into the catalogue yet, or a rip-off. That's why I say call Gemeinhardt directly, because in the latter case, there are serious repercussions involved that they will need to deal with. Same with Powell, if someone is making a product and attempting to rip-off both names...

Not saying that is specifically the case, but one should find out if it is and then let the concerned parties become aware..

Joe B

Hmm... link didn't post.

I tiny URL'd the picture of the 53 series flute, hopefully this works:
http://tinyurl.com/ydffkk

Joe, it was definetly a model that was made by Gemeinhardt by only for a limited time. I made a call to make sure about that, so that part is on the up and up. As far as the Powell scale and such I will have to ask some questions. I will report back when I find out more.

Stephen, I was able to get a good look at the flute from another person that was selling one on ebay. It looks like a pretty good flute bet we'll see.

<Added>

The 50 series was made for Gemeinhardt's 50th anniversary.

I just found out that when Kessler refers to "style" it is meaning the shape of the lip plate not the embouchure cut.

I am still waiting for a Gemeinhardt rep to get back to me.

>>it is meaning the shape of the lip plate not the embouchure cut. <<

And what exactly does that mean? These guys never cease to amaze me with marketing hype..

Joe B

Okay, I finally got the scoop from Gemeinhardt.
This model does not have a Powell scale, but they did say that the 50 series was made differently so the scale will be different then that of the 3SHB. They didn't go into detail.

The headjoints lip plate is shaped differently of that of the 3SHB also since it comes with an H1 headjoint and not the standard J1.

The springs are white gold rather then the copper springs that come on the 3SHB.

All in all they said it is an upgraded version of the 3SHB. I still don't have it yet, but we'll see.

So where does Kessler's get off then with all this "Powell this" and "Powell that" stuff?

Unbelievable..

Joe B

Who knows. I talked to Roberta today at the Powell Company and she said that it was untrue. I don't think that if the Powell co does take a look at that they are going to be very happy.