The M2 Gemeinhardt flute was robust but had a VERY fuzzy tone, low volume, and poor response compared with Yamaha student flutes. They varied a bit, from very mediocre to very disappointing.

The 2ESP model was a little better. In the mean time, Yamaha had got even better.

I cannot speak much for the other models, because I have not serviced/played hundreds of these. However if a maker cannot get right something as fundamental as the head design (responsible for most of the tone/volume/response) in a student flute, I don`t really think they are likely to do much better when they make the same thing from silver or gold.

The actual choice of metal is a minor factor in a good flute. Design is far more important. It so happens that the GREAT manufacturers tend to use precious metals when they make flutes with special attention to design, but it is almost entirely the design that makes a great flute great.

I`ve just been looking around on the internet for a new case cover for may flute and piccolo to into and i came across a geminhardt 3sb and mt dad and i were looking at it. He seems to think i have that model but im almost positive i have a 3ob, is this a real model number or am i just not thinking right? i ant look at my own flute because its in my band locker at school and its a saturday so i cant exactly just get it.

I`ve never heard of a 3ob.

Liz

Hey!! I am needinga Solid Silve flute 4 nxt year and i was wonderingif anyone knows wat make is good as i duno :S
lol email me!!!
luv char

My daughter is a beginner at the flute. What would be a good choice when purchacing a new or used flute?

You can`t go wrong with Yamaha unless it is very old.

Most second hand student flutes (and many new ones) of other (particularly USA) brands have a pathetic tone by comparison. Pearl student flutes tend to vary a great deal from flute to flute, and in my area have quite a reputation for unreliability. Maintaining is likely to cost twice what a Yamaha will cost.

I suspect that people who rave about how good their student Armstrongs/Gemeinhardts/Emersons/Artleys are, probably have not tried Yamaha properly adjusted, or have just fluked the odd good one.

After servicing them, I have played hundreds of each, so I have a fairly good comparison.

My new flute is an Emerson EF8 (I believe it is solid sterling silver or solid silver plated with sterling silver) It is a very good flute and it`s tone is very good :D

Anyways... I`ve said this in about 10 other posts... BUY A YAMAHA STUDENT MODEL for the beginning flutist!!!

It is the best brand in all aspects of a student flute.

It has better tone, response, durability, and is better quality then any other student model.

-Leslie