M Series Gemeinhardt

[texmurphy]

Hi, I'm looking for a beginner flute (used okay) and I see some listings for M2 or M3 flutes by Gemeinhardt. I went to Gemeinhardt's website and they don't list any M series flutes. Could someone enlighten me? Thanks for your help.

[Kim]

Hi, I'm looking for a beginner flute (used okay) and I see some listings for M2 or M3 flutes by Gemeinhardt. I went to Gemeinhardt's website and they don't list any M series flutes. Could someone enlighten me? Thanks for your help.

My daughter used to play a Gemeinhardt M3. I purchased it new for her 2 years ago. After having it for a while I heard something online that told me that essentially it is an older model that they don't make anymore.
So I have always been under the assumption that the store that I bought it from had it as old stock.

On a side note..she does not play that flute anymore as she had to many problems with it needing repairs. It could have just been that flute as I have heard from many that are happy with their Gemmy's. I just wouldn't buy another one.

Kim

[fluttiegurl]

The M series flutes were made sometime prior to 1985, according to the Gemeinhardt marketing material that I have from that era. In my personal opinion, they should be avoided. Gemeinhardt has made some improvements on their flutes since then, both in design and sound. You are much better off to find a nice used 2SP, 22SP or 52SP model (all current models). A cheap M series could lead to a great deal of expensive repair work later on.

[texmurphy]

Thanks for the feedback. I found some M series flutes listed online that say they have been repadded and are in good condition but I didn't realize they were that old....although when it comes to an instrument old does not necessarily mean bad (every stradavarius violin was once new). Anyway, I just couldn't match up an M2 to say a 2SP....there is no list that I can find that shows the old model number and which new model number replaced it. In other words with the old model numbers, I have no idea if I am looking at nickel plated, silver plated or solid silver. I assume (you know what that will get you) that the 2 indicates student level and the 3 indicates conservatory level?

[Kim]

<<I assume (you know what that will get you) that the 2 indicates student level and the 3 indicates conservatory level?>>

I believe the M2 is silver plated and the M3 has a solid silver headjoint.

Kim

[fluttiegurl]

Not always true about silver plated and silver head. For Gemeinhardt, 2 means student (beginner) level flute, and 3 open holes (intermediate). It could be followed by any number of other "codes" to indicate solid silver (2SS), silver plated (2SP), silver headjoint (3SH), etc. The same holds true for the older M series flutes as well, with the exception being the use of a single S for solid silver (M3S - solid silver w/ open holes). Unfortunately, flutes don't necessarily get better with age. Generally speaking, it is quite to opposite. Technology has aided greatly in flute making to enhance many newer flutes. The exception: older Haynes, Lot, etc. flutes seem to be wonderful and well sought after flutes. However, there are intonation issues to consider since some of these are tuned to the lower A=438, but I won't get into that.
As for comparrison, M2 flutes are usually nickel or silver plated (you can usually tell by the color of the metal - darker is nickel). Sometimes, M3 flutes are solid silver (as I explained earlier). 2SP and 22Sp flutes are silver plated, closed hole, C foot, offset G. They are somewhat the same flute, but the 22SP has a different headjoint. 2NP flutes are nickel plated. All in all, I still suggest avoiding the M series flutes, even with new pads. You can get a better flute for not much more money. [/quote]