My daughter will be attending college this fall as a music major. We will be purchasing a flute soon and she'll be trying various brands before making a purchase. Her new teacher has recommended several brands, Altus, Miyazawa, Muramatsu, etc., and suggested some to stay away from. Does anyone know anything about Wimberly silver flutes? His flutes are handmade and I am guessing the market has never been flooded with them since this is a small operation. I would also value anyones opinion on the above instruments if they have played them, and if anyone knows how often they have needed repairs.
Thanks for your replies, I appreciate the help.
Gollum
Wimberly professional flutes
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
David Wimberly is one of the handful of small "one man shop" flute makers. Although I've never played one, I've heard only good things about them. I expect they are really top notch flutes, with each one being truly handmade. He has a website which offers a little bit of info.. http://users.eastlink.ca/~wimberly
How did you happen to hear about Wimberly flutes? And may I ask which flutes your daughter's teacher recommended not to buy?
How did you happen to hear about Wimberly flutes? And may I ask which flutes your daughter's teacher recommended not to buy?
Thanks for the info. I have found the website, and small mentions, just not much more. I've been "researching" flutes on the web, talking to players, etc.. Though I won't buy a very expensive flute from an unknown buyer, I have seen some used Wimberly's listed for sale in various places. Her teacher has suggested staying away from Gemienhardt's, Yamaha's (due to mechanical problems), and Powell 2100 (does not live up to Powell name). Anyone reading this, please do not take it that I'm trashing these flutes. My daughter has played an Emerson with a handcut headjoint since middle school. This has gotten her through about 7 college auditions and many state contests. Personally, she has friends that have preferred her Emerson over their higher end Yamaha and Gemeinhardt's, who'd have guessed? They are probably very appropriate for certain players at certain levels. It's just that we're now looking for a flute that will stand up to the playing required through college and beyond for a music major. The requirements of that instrument are alot different. Her teacher is not recommending one specific brand, gave us some suggestions for a starting place and steered us away from what she felt would not be good choices.
That's really interesting that your daughter's teacher said to stay away from yamaha due to mechanical problems: I've had mine for three years of college (I'm a music major) and it has never let me down. Jeffrey Khaner and Julius Baker both play(ed) yamahas, and from what I've heard, they both loved them.
Wimberly looks very interesting, though: maybe I'll buy one of his flutes as a treat to myself for winning my first audition. When that happens...
Wimberly looks very interesting, though: maybe I'll buy one of his flutes as a treat to myself for winning my first audition. When that happens...
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