Can anyone give me information about these models...response time, tone, sound of upper and lower registers, reliability, etc. I've been playing on a Gemeinhardt 22SP for 7 years and am ready to move up to a more advanced flute. I'm looking for an open-hole model and these are the three I'm considering so far:
Gemeinhardt 3SB or 3SHB
Pearl PF-665RB
ZeuS ZFL 550B
Good buy? Has anyone here ever played or owned one?
I'll probably be going back to my local shop next month when they'll have more flutes in...if anyone's ever played on any of these and wants to give advice or make other recommendations, feel free.
I don't have that model Pearl, but I can give you information on the brand. It is suceptable to many problems, I have gotten mine fixed a few times already because the silver is so soft. But the tone quality is great and it plays easily in all registers.
I would personally stay away from the intermediate Gemeinhardt. I purchased a student Gemeinhardt and it was fine but the intermediate was not reliable mechanically. I would never purchase another one.
As far as the Zeus. I have never heard of them so I would not even consider it. There are too many established brands to choose from and it is just too risky to buy an unknown.
I don't know much about Pearls. I know that they are one of the more established brands. From what I have read online...some people really like them and some people really don't. But you can also say that about most flute brands.
If I were you I would probably wait and see what other flutes the store has when you go back next month. Of the 3 that you are considering I would say that the Pearl is the best choice.
The intermediate Gemeinhardts have been known for various technical problems in the last few years. They sound fine, but need frequent adjusting. However, I believe you can find a better sounding flute. I have several students on Pearl Quantz series flutes, and none of them have had any problems. All of them seemed to have a much bigger sound with Pearl than any others in the same price range. A word about Pearl, the newer models in this price range are FAR better than the older ones (5 years or older). Certain models also seem to fare better. I have been told that it depends on WHERE the flute was made (which factory), but I don't know anything first hand on that matter. The quantz, dolce, elegante, etc. models seem to be very well made. I have heard about problems with the lower models, but have had no personal experience.
As for ZeuS, I would AVOID alltogether. According to the web sites, they are made by another company, but they fail to say which company. They do not even say that it is a "flute" manufacturer at all. If a manufacturer is not willing to put their actual name on a product, I am not too sure of its quality. This is a marketing ploy to make a buyer think he/she is getting a good deal. I would not bother. You truly do get what you pay for! The other issue that disturbed me about the website is the statement "Don't forget to buy a bottle of our amazing ZeuS Silver Cream" You should NEVER NEVER NEVER use ANY KIND of silver polish or cream on a flute!!!!! This can get into teh mechagnisma and on the pads to actually RUIN a flute. A company that promotes doing such OBVIOUSLY should not be making flutes. You are much better off to stick with brands that are known.
i have had my Gemeinhardt 3SP for a year and a month now and i love it!! It plays beautifully and i have not had any problems with it ......check www.music123.com for flute models ....they post customer reviews.... the sound is beautiful.... my teacher says "your flute plays beautifully...you just have some things you need to work on"
I would agree to avoid the Gemeinhardt---too many scale/intonation issues, and they just seem to need constant adjustment, even in careful hands. Likewise, run from any unidentifiable brand; as was already stated, there are too many established, reliable brands. Also, don't forget to try brands like Armstrong, Yamaha, entry-model Muramatsu or Miyazawa, Emerson, and Trevor James. Some of these are great for their prices, depending on your needs and goals.
