I was practicing my etudes yesterday and i was SO close to throwing my flute into my fan...There Flutes are Soooo Airy its unbelievable I don't even know how i got stuck with this thing...yes its good for beginners and intermediate players but when it comes down to someone more advanced playing it (like me) all you hear is airrrrrr... I've been playing the flute for a long time and i know i don't have embouchure problems because I've played on other flutes and i didn't have this problem...there is nothing wrong with my flute because i got it checked...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh im so mad
Re: Gemeinhardts Are Crappy!! 23:50 on Sunday, December 2, 2007
Well, Gemeinhardts don't have the most modern headjoints in the world, and your problem is not particularly unusual among Gemmie players. This problem is usually particularly evident when you try to push these flutes to louder dynamics. Assuming the flute is in good working order (as it should be if it was recently checked), you're advanced enough to appreciate the differences between various flutes (and it sounds as if you are) and you've worked on your tone thoroughly and regularly, you really only have 3 options:
1. Just deal with the flute as is, and work on adapting to its limitations.
2. Get a new headjoint that suits you better.
3. Get a whole new flute that suits you better.
Re: Gemeinhardts Are Crappy!! 08:31 on Monday, December 3, 2007
Yeah, I notice with my students that normally Gemmies respond much nicer with the lower volumes. That is personally a large reason why I don't like them...I like to have a large dynamic range for modern music. I just don't like being stuck on the lower side of the dynamic range! I agree with the recommendations. It will really come down to: finances and how much you like the body of your Gemmie. Headjoints don't (usually) cost as much as a new flute. But, then again, to find a new flute with a head AND mechanism you personally love can also be difficult. Good luck!