Gemeinhardt M3S - circa 1970's: Cost when new?

[jodhime]

Does anyone have an idea of how much a Gemeinhardt M3S flute would have costed back in the 1970's? Just curious! Apparently that is when mine was made. It is solid silver except for the keys from what little info I have. Bought it from ebay. Also, is there a big difference between the old Gemeinhardts and a brand new one? thanks!

[SylvreKat]

Don't know about the original cost.

As for old vs new, I've been told by two flute reps and a woodwind repairist that old Gemi's are good instruments, while new Gemi's are apparently now a step up from Chinese knockoffs. Although at least they're still assembled in Elkhart, which is more than I forget which other company that sold out yet still stamps "USA" without the "Made in" 'cause their headquarters is in America.

I know my old M2 is still a solid player, and after probably 35 years of case-sitting and occasional choir songs has just now developed an issue with low/middle E.

>'Kat

[BuckeyeFlute]

My parents purchased mine in 1976, and paid $240, new, from a local music store. Supposedly, she could have gotten a better deal had she gone to the one the band director preferred, but I doubt she would have saved that much. She bought my piccolo used for $125, an Armstrong, from a girl who left band for basketball, after my first football game. It was a DOWNPOUR, and my flute needed repadded, despite my attempts to protect it.. She decided a piccolo I could shove up the sleeve of the band uniform was a better investment than repadding at least once a year.

I played it for 2 years in middle school, 4 years in high school, and 1 year in college (for non-music majors, marching band met a required physical education credit). I then played about 10 years later in a community band, until returning to graduate school. Then, marriage, and a move... the only community band in our new area charges $1000/year to belong.

I recently had my flute, and piccolo, repadded. The repair person told me it was a decent flute, and that I could get slightly more for it used than my mother paid for it new. I've read conflicting things. One is that my era was a decent flute, made in Indiana, and quality declined when the name was sold. Then, there is the theory that old flutes are absolutely worthless because technology has allowed for manufacturing improvements. I know that when I look on-line, I see names I NEVER heard while in band, where Gemeinhardt was considered the best, followed by Armstrong, and Bundy. And, there are no real guides as to the hierarchy. I've seen a few in thrift shops, cheap, and passed because I didn't recognize the name, though one was the coveted open hole.

I am thinking of taking lessons again, just for the fun of it. I was in the hospital, and a woman came by playing Christmas carols, with her band instrument, not a flute, with much the same history. Played in high school, let it set, and started playing for the enjoyment, and because her rheumatologist recommended it for the finger movement. My thought is that if I took lessons, I'd have some instruction to regain skills, and the teacher would let me know if I could play "Annie's Song" or "Silver Bells" without embarrassing myself.

There is this attitude that kids play in high school, maybe college, and never again, which is usually true. But, it is true because there aren't really any opportunities for people who aren't James Galway, or at least talented enough to major in music and teach. I'd pay my school system's band director to host an alumni band, like a continuing education program taught for other interest areas.

I've asked around, and instructors seem shocked that I'm interested in playing at my age, and dismissive when I've asked about playing opportunities for older students. As the person in that hospital bed, I can tell you, super talent didn't matter. The woman enjoyed playing. Seemed, to my untrained ear, to play reasonably well, and, most importantly, she enjoyed it and was taking time to walk around a hospital. Patients aren't critics.

[pied_piper]

First, I think many of your questions can be answered by taking a look at the Fluteland FAQ page:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859

the only community band in our new area charges $1000/year to belong.

OMG!! Seriously? What sort of a community band charges that kind of money? Is this a band for wanna-be musician rich people? Most community bands charge only a nominal fee to help buy music and some charge nothing. I play in a community band and the fee is $20 per year. KEEP LOOKING!!! Check this link to find a band near you: http://www.community-music.info/commother.shtml

there is the theory that old flutes are absolutely worthless because technology has allowed for manufacturing improvements. I know that when I look on-line, I see names I NEVER heard while in band, where Gemeinhardt was considered the best, followed by Armstrong, and Bundy. And, there are no real guides as to the hierarchy. I've seen a few in thrift shops, cheap, and passed because I didn't recognize the name, though one was the coveted open hole.

See the FAQ for a list of known brands you could consider.

I am thinking of taking lessons again, just for the fun of it. I was in the hospital, and a woman came by playing Christmas carols, with her band instrument, not a flute, with much the same history. Played in high school, let it set, and started playing for the enjoyment, and because her rheumatologist recommended it for the finger movement. My thought is that if I took lessons, I'd have some instruction to regain skills, and the teacher would let me know if I could play "Annie's Song" or "Silver Bells" without embarrassing myself.

So, what are you waiting for? JUST DO IT!

There is this attitude that kids play in high school, maybe college, and never again, which is usually true. But, it is true because there aren't really any opportunities for people who aren't James Galway, or at least talented enough to major in music and teach. I'd pay my school system's band director to host an alumni band, like a continuing education program taught for other interest areas.

I've asked around, and instructors seem shocked that I'm interested in playing at my age, and dismissive when I've asked about playing opportunities for older students. As the person in that hospital bed, I can tell you, super talent didn't matter. The woman enjoyed playing. Seemed, to my untrained ear, to play reasonably well, and, most importantly, she enjoyed it and was taking time to walk around a hospital. Patients aren't critics.

If I lived in an area with that attitude, I'd move! SERIOUSLY! I cannot imagine a reputable teacher telling you they are shocked you want to play and dismissive of your desire. That sort of person has NO business teaching anyone. I'm no spring chicken (I'm older than you, based upon when you got your flute), but I still take occasional lessons with a professional symphony flutist and she also teaches several other amateur adults. I play at church nearly every Sunday and I play in two different groups - a community band and a big band/swing band (I double on sax).

In most cities and many small towns, there are plenty of opportunities for amateur adults to play an instrument. If there is no other community band within driving distance, at the very least, consider playing in a church or learn some nice songs and volunteer to play periodically at a nursing home or hospital like the lady you described. Don't give up on your desire to play again!!!

[BuckeyeFlute]

The band charges $250/quarter to belong. They practice in a township community building and pay a director and assistant director, so I was told. I was shocked. However, I found one on your list, the same distance, in the opposite direction, that is free to join. THANK-YOU!!!

It is New Jersey. Everything is expensive, and 98% of the people are nasty. If I could move, believe me, I would. My joke is that both Washington and I crossed the Delaware River, but he was doing it to LEAVE New Jersey, and clearly had the right idea. We are here because of my spouse's job, and are hoping for a transfer this year. I've lived in many different places, and have never lived anywhere like this place. People born here love it, and everyone else I've met is counting the days until they can leave.

When I send my email to the band, I'll ask about an instructor. I would assume they know people who teach.

Thank-you.

[BuckeyeFlute]

BTW, I wanted to send a link to the one I had looked at, and found two sites, both with different costs. I looked at my email to make sure that I had been quoted $250/quarter last year, and $250 was what I had been told. For me, one reason it was attractive was that it met during the day. They practice Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

http://www.musiciansconnect.net/new_hor ... ris_county ($110/quarter)

https://www.facebook.com/NewHorizonsMorrisCounty/info ($75/quarter for one day or $150 for both days)

[pied_piper]

I skimmed through both web sites and it sounds like this is something slightly different than the typical community band. From what I read, it sounds like this is aiming to attract paying seniors who want to play but perhaps need a "little" music instruction too. The first site specifically mentions it is "a music program for adults" and also indicates the band is "Currently 23 members" which is pretty small for a community band. At those prices, I can see why. It also indicates that you can "Come drop in and visit us for a rehearsal or two. Feel free to bring your instrument, sit in and play"...

I find it odd though that there are several different websites (ads??) and each lists a different price. It also appears that the NJ group is part of a larger organization - perhaps a franchise? The overall group http://newhorizonsmusic.org/ also appears to charge membership fees. Perhaps the $250/quarter price is the total of the local and "national" fees??? So, if this is your preferred group, I would certainly recommend sitting in and talking to others in the group first to get the full lay of the land - sort of a try before you buy approach.

[BuckeyeFlute]

I went with the one that is free, and the same distance, but the opposite direction. It meets at night, but my husband is doing something else that evening so it works out. As a rule, I have days free, so I try to do things during the day.

I agree about the 23 members and the price. Wen I looked for a website, I saw that it appears to be part of a larger group. I had breast cancer, and it was a program the hospital social worker mentioned. We aren't from this area, and she thought it would be a way to meet people.

My husband had a minor surgery this week, so I'm going to start next week, but thank-you so much. I am very much looking forward to it.

And, I will be playing the Gemi flute purchased in 1976, and the all metal Armstrong piccolo purchased 2 years later.

[BuckeyeFlute]

Pied Piper,

I wanted to let you know that I joined the band. THANK-YOU SO MUCH!!!

There are about 25-30 people in the band, and I am the 6th flute player. I also have a piccolo, and I'm not sure how many people also have the piccolo. They people are VERY nice, and I am looking forward to the summer. One person is grew up in the same area I did.

The first night, when I introduced myself, I mentioned the program that was $1000, eliciting gasps of shock. A few people knew there was a program, but no one knew it was that expensive.

I struggled with some of the pieces, but, with practice.... nothing was out of my skill level. The person they recommended for lessons is starting a new job and not taking students, so I need to ask for another recommendation.

I'm not from this part of the country, and without children, it's hard to make social connections. I've lived in several different places, however, and this place is the most difficult. Kids, or rather their activities, tend to get one involved. I've tried to volunteer in a variety of places. I complete the applications, and hear nothing. Graduate degrees, and I was told I wasn't qualified to read "Green Eggs and Ham" to elementary school children during story time, designed to give teachers some prep time. Volunteering here seems to always require some friends and family connection.

My rheumatologist and physical therapist are thrilled. Playing is much more fun than the exercises they give me, and I play much longer than the exercises last.

Again, thank-you. I very much appreciate it. I never would have known about it if not for the link you posted.

THANK-YOU!!

[pied_piper]

You are very welcome. Glad you connected to a band!