I probably have not seen this model, but on the rare occasions I haver worked on a higher grade Gemeinhardt, I have seen it both in design/engineering terms and acoustic/playing terms, as much the same as their student flute, but with sterling silver instead of silver, and maybe a few cosmetic changes. To me, they played the same as a student model.

However as I have acknowledged before, I have probably not seen all models, and may not have seen models made in the last few years. They have lost so much favour here compared (by players and teachers) with other brands, that they are now seldom stocked.

This perception though, seemks to be shared by the majority of people who have been in a position to do a lot of comparing. I do acknowledge that some individuals may have a different peception, perhaps related to the way they play, their lip shape, or their general expectations of what they should get from a flute. In a forum situation we just do not know how these factors are affecting comments.

That still is not $6,000.

Who in their right mind would buy a Gemeinhardt for that much when you can get a nice Muramatsu or Powell Conservatory for that much?

You have got to be really love the brand to do that. But hey, there are some people that swear by Artly, only because that is the brand they play on.

I have to seriously question peoples judgement when it comes to that.

No matter what one says about Gemeinhardt, if someone plays on one, they are going to back it up no matter what.

If none of those Gemeinhardt flutes had a hint of Gold, then you have never touched a professional Gemeinhardt flute.

Professional Models:
All feature hand cut thinwall headjoints with Gold risers / Gold springs:
KGM Millenium $2000

These Feature solid silver keys:
33SS C-foot $3500
33SSB C-foot $3500

This is their custom handmade:
KGLtd. $6000

I would assume that one is investing thousands into a flute they play what is out there and choose the best.

Gemeinhardt is the largest solely flute manufacturer in the world. They stay in business somehow.

Just educating the public. Always try before you buy and don`t get suckered into brand loyalty. My next flute probably won`t be a Gemeinhardt, as I may be considering something a little more precious than silver.

"If none of those Gemeinhardt flutes had a hint of Gold, then you have never touched a professional Gemeinhardt flute."

I am confused? Who said that they didn`t have any gold in them?

The material of the flute is not what makes it better than another one.

By the way, I have play tested the so calle top of the line Gemeinardt flute at a flute convention and I must say, my Yamaha student flute put it to shame.

It is kind of funny because I was doing a blind fold test and had no idea what brand I was playing on.
I just remember before looking at the brand that I thought it sounded weak and the sound was nothing spectacular. I also thought that there was way too much slop in the mechanism for a handmade flute.

"I am confused? Who said that they didn`t have any gold in them? The material of the flute is not what makes it better than another one."

Of course not, but someone mentioned about all the silver Gemeinhardts he ever came across and I just wanted to point out if none of those had Gold risers/springs they not Gemeinhardts professional line.

"It is kind of funny because I was doing a blind fold test and had no idea what brand I was playing on. I just remember before looking at the brand that I thought it sounded weak and the sound was nothing spectacular. I also thought that there was way too much slop in the mechanism for a handmade flute."

That would certainly be odd of a Gemeinhardt sponsored booth to put on display flutes that would be sub-par. One would expect flutes that are better than average to be on display.

Now if it were a non-Gemeinhardt display I would understand. I had the opportunity to play a horrid Powell at a Muramatsu shop once. Much much worse than my Gemeinhardt headjoint. Such a shocking experience that one would tamper with flutes so that others would perform better than others.

No, it was definitely from the Gemeinhardt booth. I did try two of them in fact. Both with the same out come.

My friend that was with me at the time, would guide me to a booth, hand one to me without telling me what brand they were or material they were made out of. We did this at several booths.

It was quite interesting. I found out that whatever flute that had gold content in the body of it that was handed to me, I sounded horrid on and I hated it.

I`ve worked on perhaps 10 gold flutes or gold heads, and then played them with great expectations. As far as I recall I have usually been disappointed. But perhaps that is just me.

I DO go along with the scientific knowledge and the research testing that flies in the face of all the advertising and belief that gold sounds better than silver which ...., which..... My limited experience with gold flutes/heads seems to back this up.

Of course advertisers want you to think that gold is better because it costs more. More money for them!