Gemeinhardt

[Gene]

I have a 22sp H62385 anyone know if it is a good flute and what year it's made and i'm thinking of getting a better head joint any suggestion's or things I should be aware of before I upgrade the headjoint?Everybody likes my tone or no complaints but Ive heard the sound quality comes mostly from the headjoint is that true?

[bruce bailey]

I would not bother upgrading the head. Although the Gemeinhardts ase sturdy flutes, there are a lot of better choices that aren't so stuffy. The head upgrade will cost more than trading the flute on a new flute with a solid silver head. I worked at Gemeinhardt for 11 years and their biggest problem is that they haven't moved up with the innovations in design that have come around in the past 25 years. Look for a decent Yamaha, Emerson or DeFord which will give you a good sound without paying too much. How much are you planning on spending?

[Gene]

I'm not ready to spend yet but thank's for the advice I will take it.

[Gordon (NZ)]

I support Bruce's advice.

[3saxes]

Gene, the 22SP isn't a current model offered by Gemeinhardt. If you look at their website, they don't list it. They list a 2SP which is a student model with a silver plated headjoint, body and keys and has closed keys. The model 3 and 3B are open holed and the 3B has a b-foot joint.

All of the student models have silver plated headjoints and either silver or nickel plated body and keys.

I remember calling Gemeinhardt in Indiana several years ago to get some information about some older models and they were very helpful. You may want to give them a shout, but it sounds like it may be a student model.

The intermediate and professional models are decent and you can opt for different headjoints at the time you purchase it so you don't have to spend more money. The Yamaha YFL-581 is also an excellent flute. I picked one up on ebay used several years ago, but sold it later. I think the current model is YFL-584 for the inline G and YFL-574 for the offset G.

[Gordon (NZ)]

For current Yamaha models:

Not ALL models have always been listed here.

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/winds/index.htm

[bruce bailey]

The 22SP was introduced in the 90s as a step up from the 2SP. The only difference that I have seen is that the springs were berylium and the Bb clutch was more like other brands. I think the current 2SP is just the same as the old 22SP. Still a basic student flute.