um yes being first chair does have to do with it means your skilled at playing your instument, and that you know the skills to fix problems, with out constant guidance, I dont know why you are being so cocky, and defensive when all I did, was simplay state some things that could change how you feel and fix your flute problems, your acting like I am judging you and bashing your playing no? i just stated some things with flutes, they do not suck, I am not defending them because I play then especially since I play more than one type of flute, and m gemeihardt and I play perfectly.

Unfortunately, Flutesandpiccolo, Kevin's right in this case. Being first chair doesn't have any real meaning. If you're first chair in a talented group, that's great, and you should be proud, but there are more than a few high school groups that play pretty poorly, and there's no way for anyone here to know what kind of group you play in, so seatings aren't particularly meaningful in a forum like this. Whether or not you play perfectly (which would be surprising to me, as I have yet to find anyone who can accurately claim to play perfectly) does not reflect on the issues Kevin is having. From the sound of his experience, it may very well be that Gemeinhardts don't suit him well. Yes, he could have stated this more delicately, but that does not change the base problem...He isn't getting what he wants out of his instrument. Odds are a different flute would yield different results since we've already established that the flute has seen a tech recently, and the same problems do not exist for him on other makes of flute. This does not mean that Gemeinhardts as a group are inferior....Just that they're not right for his situation.

To Micron:

To correct and edify what I meant to say (above) is that I mis-used the word(s) "sales rep(s)".

I wanted to expound upon this, hoping it adds some credence to my reply to this post.

The flutes I have tested are sold at Sam gordon Woodwinds, in the Fine Arts Building, next to Orchestra Hall.

Mr Gordon has been repairing flutes for over 25 years --- mostly high-end flutes. He is, in fact, the only repair-person whom CSO musicians will let "touch" their flutes. He is also a former professional flutist, so he tests every flute he repairs or sells.

What's nice about visiting his shop is that he is in total agreement that "one should try each flute, side-by-side". Something I've maintained, all along.

He is not out to sell any particular flute, whether new or on consigment. He "reps" several different makes and models --- but always has the customer's goals in mind. And helps, very much.

It is he, who helped me pick Powell out of the litter, when he could well have sold me any other instrument.

To end the subject --- after my 5th Powell overhaul, I'd had enough. So, with his help, I got a Yamaha --- and he picked a Haynes head-joint to go with it.

I'm very pleased with the flute I now have, and thank him for his help.

I did "mis-use" the word "sales reps" --- and, you are correct. They're often like a car salesman --- you can't believe anything they say. But Sam Gordon, I trust.

Hope this clears up the confusion.

Finally, you have to trust in "someone's" judgment. I was gullible as a teen, and "talked into the mantra that French flutes are superior". After being on this forum, I'm no longer convinced that that's true.

Hope that covers everything.

Regards, Jim

you are right flutist06, I apologize kevin if I came off wrong, I had originally put Im 1st flute in my h.s so you would know im not just pulling this out of my rear, and making judgements, but I guess gemeinhardts arent for you, their great for me, but im not you, maybe you should try different flutes.

Pearls are really nice, they are just kinda unconfortable, like how the feel in my hand but thats me.

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O yes also, I might add I kinda take this subject badly, because I do play a gemeinhardt, but Im no like most gemeinhardt players when all i have done is play on them, I just like them for me, but you can have a problem on any flute, i guess thats it

I agree, Micron:

I only brought up Sam Gordon because I'd never been to a flute forum, and had never been afforded the advice that you, Joe... and others have given.

All I meant to say is that Sam Gordon is honest, trustworthy, and knows flutes.

He never "sold me on a Powell" --- he let me pick out 6 or 7 flutes to try. I chose the Powell (and this is in 1981) . Although it was NOT his advice --- I think I picked it because of "branding".

I will stand behind what you say. "Branding" always has its disadvantages. However, in Mr Gordon's case, it was actually a Muramatsu that "he" chose for me. I was still stupid enough to believe (at that time) that: "Made in Japan" had a stigma attached to it.

I've since learned differently. Thanks to you and the other members of the forum. Please remember, after all these years, I'm "still learning". You're never to old to learn. I'm trying.

Thanks. Jim