That being said, I'm completely confused about the direction I need to go in my fluting endeavors! A little bit of background first-I'm in college, and haven't played my flute on an everyday basis for about 2 years now, and I miss it. I was pretty good when I was playing constantly-13 first place solos (No seconds or thirds! Ha! I have to make myself sound good!). But I could be SOOO much better! I was good compared to everyone else in my high school and surrounding areas, but there are some AMAZING players my age (or below), and I want to get to another level. I'm going to get a flute teacher, and I want them to take me back to basics, because I was never that dedicated, and never really received the right kind of instruction. I can't even play Chaminade's Concertino at the right tempo, let alone do the double tounging! I don't have the dexterity in my fingers or my tounge right now to get to that next level-hopefully a good teacher can take me there, if I do my part. And I don't want to be a professional player, just a really good one, who could maybe, someday, join a low key community band/orchestra/symphony. So you're probably like, "What does this LONG post have to do with a new flute?" I thought knowing my goals and history would help with my flute issue.I have a Gemeinhardt KG Special-it's about 8 years old, solid silver, silver plated keys, b foot, open hole, yada yada... it's been a trooper! In my area, Gemeinhardts were THE brand in flutes. If you had a Yamaha, or even worse, an Armstrong, you were sooo lame! Well, now that I've researched and such, I realize Gemeinhardts are lame. It stings to say, since I love my flute, and it's done so well for me with no problems (no COA in 5 years, and all it needs is like a $100 service to be perfect!). I'm really into looks, and my flute has the special pad cup design and GLP and I was in love at first site-I half-heartedly tried a Yamaha 481, and tossed that aside-stupid!!! Anyway, I'm wondering which of the following directions I should take:
1) Trade flute for "new" used flute (No brand new-used is the best bang for your buck!).
2) Upgrade Gemeinhardt HJ, and keep flute.
3) Keep flute, and just add a new crown (mine's plain), "professional" combo case, and maybe do some lip plate engraving.
Keeping my goals in mind, what's the best route? I'm not really into the whole Amadeus, Brio, diMedici, Azumi, etc. thing. I feel like I'm buying a poser (I know it's silly, but I want a true name brand). I have always heard Yamahas are the Lexus ES300 (reliable and nice) of the flute world, and varying opinions on Pearls. I can't spend a ton (in college!!!), and don't need to for what I'm trying to achieve. I do want sterling throughout, POINTED ARMS!!!, keys can be plated (what's the difference, besides durability and prestige?), B foot, gizmo, WG springs, INLINE G!!!! I hate offsets!!! I was thinking a used Yamaha 581, which is now the 684H. I can get a good used one for $1500, and with a trade in/sale, might be able to add engraving or LP plating/engraving (I now live in Indy, right neat Straubinger! Ha!) But I keep hearing about the "scale" of older flutes and their pitch problems, but I'm not good at acoustics anyway (hoping the teacher can train my ear as well). I think most 581s are at least within the last 15 years, right? And they seem like such a great value.
I do have a lot of sentimental reasons for keeping the Gemeinhardt, but I just desire a better flute. It would probably work well with a new headjoint, but it would still be a conservatory Gemeinhardt, not even a "professional" one! And there's such a stigma attached to the brand, too. I'm really flute shallow! Or I can just tweak a couple of things on it to refresh it without buying a headjoint (recommendations on possible HJs? I'd ask the teacher too of course. I'd like a gold riser at least, if not a solid/plated LP). Then there's my piccolo-it's a 4P, basic all plastic, won't be my main focus-should i just get a wood headjoint, leave it alone, or see if I can find a nice used 4W or 4WSSK? Gemeinhardt has pretty good piccolos, I've heard-more so than their flutes. The flute is my main concern is the flute. I don't wan't to spend more than $1,800, and I think for that I could get a good used flute. Let me know your opinion please! I'm sorry i wrote SO much-usually I'm good at making decisions, but the flute world has changed a lot in 8 years, and I'm overwhelmed! Thanks!
