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Upgrading Dillemma

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2018 9:43 pm
by sdfluteguy63
Looking to upgrade to an open hole B foot flute. Which models and brands are good?

An option I have is: a used Yamaha 584 HCT or a Gemeindhardt (new) maybe (3SB,AFL310SB-NG, 30SB-NG, 3SB-NG, 330SHB-NG, 330SB-NG, and 330SSB-NG) with a free piccolo?

So, what is a better option? Should I go with a Gemeindhardt model as it comes with a free piccolo? How is the quality in general of all the intermediate/professional brands?

Any other possible options that might be a good upgrade under the 1800 or so range? Preferably: Open holed, b foot, split e/c# trill.

Re: Upgrading Dillemma

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 7:01 pm
by jim stone
HI, we mostly play simple system flutes (or copies of them) from the nineteenth
century. These are used these days for Celtic music, though some of us play
other music too. So most of us don't know the answers to your questions,
which are about Boehm flutes. Maybe someone will have this info. If not,
the problem is we don't know, not that we wouldn't like to help!

Re: Upgrading Dillemma

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 9:39 pm
by kkrell
Depends on what you're upgrading from. Generally, at that budget, you're usually still looking at student flutes, some with solid silver headjoint (plated bodies) unless getting a good deal used. Look into Di Zhao flutes. DZ400 & DZ500 under your price range, or a DZ700 (headjoint & body in solid silver) at under $2,300.

"Di Zhao flutes are the vision of Mr. Di Zhao, an accomplished flutist himself. He was the principal flutist with the National Orchestra Ensemble of China before he began his career in flute production in the U.S. Mr. Zhao has been Vice President of Quality at Powell flutes, a Powell flute maker, and Vice President and General Manager of Haynes flutes. The Di Zhao flute is built to achieve smooth key action, fast response, and excellent resonance. Each flute is crafted by highly trained technicians and then tested and adjusted by Mr. Zhao himself. Hand-cut headjoints with undercuts and overcuts make the sound quality of the Di Zhao flute full and easy to play."

Here's some sample pricing at JL Smith:
http://www.jlsmithco.com/di-zhao

The Di Zhao 700 RBOECD has Solid silver headjoint, solid silver body with silver-plated keywork. Open hole, B footjoint, offset G keys, split-E mechanism, pointed arms. C# trill key. Looks like the price is $2,242 just about everywhere (even Guitar Center). You might find better pricing, use coupons at some vendors, or negotiate from that retail.

Kessler even offers a free piccolo with it, so you can damage your hearing.

Re: Upgrading Dillemma

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 2:49 am
by fatmac
I have a Gemeinhardt flute & a Yamaha piccolo, both student models, & they seem to be good quality.
(I bought the Yamaha piccolo from a professional flautist.)

Other than that, I'm only a beginner, so don't have enough experience to pass judgement. :D

Re: Upgrading Dillemma

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 3:36 am
by kkrell
I thought I should add that the Gemeinhardt are decent quality at their price point. I think Yamaha quality has slipped, but don't know anything about the discontinued model you mentioned. The replacement in the product line is #587, and the new ones quite out of your price range. You might want to pose your question to a woodwind technician regarding which manufacturers & models have a better build, require less repair, or are easier to repair.