I know what you folks think of Gemeinhardt flutes, what about the Piccolos? Specifically I would like the opinion of the folks out there that do the repairs. How reliable are the mechanics on the 4ss? It feels kind of delicate to me.

Other than that, to put it bluntly, I don`t care what anyone thinks about the sound. I can judge that for myself. I think on a lot of these posts, the younger people are missing that point. Frequency can be measured, but music is very subjective. It`s important to have an instrument that funtions properly, but whether you find its tonal qualities pleasing or not is a decision that no one can make for you.

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My point is I'm not trying to start another Gemeinhard debate. I just want to know about it's reliability and durability.

Two thumbs down for Gemeinhardt piccolos for me.

kara,
What specifically about the mechanics and build quality do you find lacking?

For one thing, the keys bend too easily causing them to come out of adjustment. That is my biggest qualm with them. I just don`t find the mechanism that reliable. The ones that I have seen have more slop in the mechanism then should be there.