Lost history of the Gemeinhardt FLS and 3E series

mg608 · Post by **mg608** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 11:15 am

Hello all,

I'm looking for a used flute for my daughter to use during marching season. She currently plays a fairly old Emerson (no idea how old since I don't know the model). It's been a very good instrument, but I'd like her to use something a little newer this year. I found a few used instruments that might work but can't find any information about their production years. Gemeinhardt doesn't list either model on their serial number lookup page. It's as though they never existed at all...can you help?

I read that the Gemeinhardt FLS series was exclusively sold through Brook Mays, but I don't know the time period. I'm considering an FLS-3.

I haven't found any information about the 3E series. Is the 3E part of the 3 series or another series sold exclusively through a specific retailer?

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 5:45 pm

You owe it to yourself and your daughter to not limit your search to Gemeinhardt flutes. There are many good brands out there. I suggest you read the FAQ which is located under the General "Hang out" Place.

mg608 · Post by **mg608** » Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:53 am

Thanks for the feedback. I've read the FAQ and I understand many folks aren't fond of Gemeinhardt flutes. I'm not boxed in to the idea of buying only this brand. I'm curious about the history of these two models. I'm just looking for a decent flute for high school marching band.

I'm not concerned with putting the finest quality on the football field.

I happen to have a well-maintained 3SHB from the early 90s that plays much better than some modern day open hole models from other brands. This doesn't mean I only consider Gemeinhardt, of course. I am aware that many advances have been made since this instrument was produced and that Gemeinhardt made some lesser quality flutes at one time.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 5:37 pm

You are absolutely right about the football field. That is no place for a top-of-the-line flute and I wasn't suggesting that. I was simply suggesting that you be open to a variety of brands. A Gemeinhardt would be fine for football field use.

OzmafaBioff · Post by **OzmafaBioff** » Thu Aug 31, 2017 10:58 pm

Finally an answer Thanks robin for answering I was considering on buying them but I looked for a demo and it doesnt sound as good as music studios instruments.

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