Yamaha YFL 421 vs Gemeinhardt 2S

[Docslingerland]

Hi,

I thought I would try to get some feed back with regard to the Yamaha YFL 421 vs the Gemeinhardt 2s which appear to have the same general features only the Yamaha is close to $500.00 more in price. I have been using a Gemeinhardt m-2 .(bought it new in 1974). It has served me rather well as the flute is not my primary instrument. The instrument is proudly functional even after being involved in a bar fight! Years ago a fight errupted on the dance floor of a club I was working at. I was seated behind my drums, playing the flute when the disturbance broke out sending this poor guy flying over my drums and into my face. The next thing I knew, I was tangled up with bodies, flying fists, mike stands, drums etc. along with my re-contoured bananna shaped gemeindhardt m-2. Believe it or not the woodwind tech was able to straighten the body and tap most of the ding out of the head joint. The same flute has been with me all of these years and still sounds OK considering it's technical class and its mileage. (I have taken good care of it in spite of the bar fight)
I have been looking at the Gemmy 2S and the Yamaha YFL421 . Years ago I tried a Yamaha and was impressed with the tonal sensitivity, at the same time I feel some loyalty to gemeindhardt for obvious reasons.
Anyone's input would be appreciated.

Doc

[Arlee]

Hello

I sadly have to say you "probably" would be better off going with the Yamaha in terms of being fairly certain of the quality/durability of the instrument you will get. Sadly Gemmy's (and I say sadly because I have one and have always been a big fan of their flutes) have in the last few years become rather hit or miss in terms of quality and durability.

However, if you can I would say to try each on trial and see what you think. If you can't do that though, Yamaha is probably "safer".

[Phineas]

Hello

I sadly have to say you "probably" would be better off going with the Yamaha in terms of being fairly certain of the quality/durability of the instrument you will get. Sadly Gemmy's (and I say sadly because I have one and have always been a big fan of their flutes) have in the last few years become rather hit or miss in terms of quality and durability.

However, if you can I would say to try each on trial and see what you think. If you can't do that though, Yamaha is probably "safer".

I kind of disagree.

@Docslingerland: You will wind up paying 2 to 4 times the money for the Yamaha YFL4xx, but you would not necessarily get 2 to 4 times the flute. Neither flute is a step up from what you already have. If you are going to spend money on a Yamaha, look at a 500 Series Yamaha instead. You will get a much better value. You will be more pleased with it for the money.

Yamahas are good flutes, however the entry level models are quite pricey new. You really do not get a good deal on a new Yamaha until you get up to the YFL5xx models. a YFL4xx is a solid silver YFL2xx.

YMMV

Phineas

[Docslingerland]

Arlee and Phineas,

Thank You both for your responses.

So Phineas, your opinion is to bypass the intermediate level of Yamaha Flutes (YFL 4XX) and go from my M-2 Gemmy right to the 500 series entry level Pro ? The 514 looks like my current configuration + the split E. The Body and foot are not solid silver. A solid silver pro is getting out of my price range. (I was gagging on price of the 421 but I was attracted to a full silver flute with basic design .) Can you comment on the nature of the EC Headjoint? Is the technique more critical? Or does it enhance the ease of playability-- if so in all registers?
Sorry if my questions are getting into the realm of "you better try it yourself".

All opinions are welcome.

Thanks again,

Doc

[fluteguy18]

Yeah, better try it yourself. And really, Phineas is right on this one. The 500 series flutes are really just watered down pro level flutes. Not quite a professional instrument, but they certainly play well than any of their lower models. the 300-400 series are really just suped up student flutes. Same design but with different metal materials.

[Phineas]

So Phineas, your opinion is to bypass the intermediate level of Yamaha Flutes (YFL 4XX) and go from my M-2 Gemmy right to the 500 series entry level Pro ? The 514 looks like my current configuration + the split E. The Body and foot are not solid silver.

To sum it up...YES.

I use to own a 514, and it is a wonderful instrument for the money. I had the privileged of living near Hamamatsu Japan where there is a Yamaha Factory store a few years ago. I was approached by one of the Yamaha Factory Flute reps about why I prefer the Pearl over the Yamaha. I told him that I have played on every Yamaha up to a YFL4xx series and I was not impressed with them. I told him what kind of music I played, so he introduced me to the YFL514. I walked out with it the same day! I found I like it even better than some of the higher end Yamahas. I especially liked the projection.

The EC headjoint is flexible, but still tame. It will take some practice to get use to, but not as difficult to control as a Muramatsu or a Miyazawa headjoint. Again, YMMV.

Phineas

[Arlee]

Again, YMMV.Phineas

Noob question but what does YMMV mean?

[Phineas]

Again, YMMV.Phineas

Noob question but what does YMMV mean?

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

[Docslingerland]

Hello again,

Phineas,
I am finding out that the yfl 514 is apparently discontinued. Do you know of any local resources?? Why did you replace yours? Do you know of something comparable with the same design features?



Thanks,

Doc

[Phineas]

Hello again,

Phineas,
I am finding out that the yfl 514 is apparently discontinued. Do you know of any local resources?? Why did you replace yours? Do you know of something comparable with the same design features?



Thanks,

Doc

Doc,

I am finding out that the yfl 514 is apparently discontinued.

That is not true. You may have to special order it, but Yamaha still makes it.

Do you know of any local resources??

It has been a few years, so I do not know who would have them. I would just try one of the flute sites. You could always get a YFL574 and put plugs in it.

Why did you replace yours?

Never replaced it. A year after I got it, I bought my Miyazawa. I gave the Yamaha away as a gift to a close friend who needed it.

Do you know of something comparable with the same design features?

Again, you could get a YFL574 and just put plugs in it. It is virtually the same flute. A YFL584 with plugs will work as well, but it has an inline G

If you are still having issues, just send me a PM.

Phineas