I really liked the Gemeinhardt sound but I started on a Yamaha and that thing is basically indestructible after 7 years of marching band lol. I got that flute when I was 8 and at that age, that flute is basically a bumper car lol.
I agree. I am between the Gemeinhardt and the Pearl. I hope you or anyone here can guide me to choose which of the followings: Gemeinhardt 33OSHB Intermediate level open holes with NG-1 Headjoint and Offset G; split E mechanism or Pearl Quantz Series Model 525RBE.
Shout out to all the other people who started on the student Yamaha model flutes... I got my Yamaha flute in 5th grade when I started taking lessons and even though I quit orchestra and rarely played in HS I held onto that instrument all these years. I recently decided to take up the flute again, and even though that flute was purchased 25 years ago and I was not super gentle with it through years of orchestra concerts and lessons as a young child/teen, after having a few pads replaced and a small repair to one of the keys that thing still plays beautifully.
I'd have to choose between the gemeindhart and Yamaha. The Yamaha seems to be the loudest and a little more clear while on the gemeindhart you can hear the double tonguing a lot more precisely and not so muffled.
training whit gemeinharth you will can fly playing yamaha (lol) xD ps i play gemeinhart now more seriusly... gemeinhart's flutes sounds more dark, more fat in low range but are more demands for play quikly
@@slimvloggerweightlifterwhi7538 How's that working out for you? Not a smart ass question, I'm in the same boat financially. I'm an adult beginner, or want to be, but I don't want to spend several hundred dollars on a decent new one for something that I may have no talent for I'm not really enjoy once I start doing it. And the ghoul on The Flute Channel gave the eastar flute a good review but then again she's a professional flautist. But still nobody has come back to that channel to say that they got the flute in how they like it or how it's holding up and so on and so forth. The other thing I'm looking at is some used flutes from Gina's flutes. She seems pretty reputable. But how is that Eastar holding up?
@@michaelrs8010 I bought the Eastar flute as well, and honestly I can't tell how good it is. I never played flute before and I'm completely self taught so I don't have anything to compare with really. I do have some troubles playing the low C note as well as the high register notes, but that could just as well be me being new to the instrument. I'm not sure I would recommend it for someone who wants to play the flute seriously, but I think it's a reasonable purchase if you just want to test it out for a bit and aren't sure if you're going to like it. I mean, if you're just going to play it for a few weeks and then drop it, $70 is a bit easier to throw away than the $300+ you would pay for a "real" flute. (But then if/when you've played for a while and know that flute is your thing, you will probably want to get an upgrade.)
Hey guys- here are my top 3 picks for beginner flutes! Don't forget to use my special code "KTFL" when shopping at the Flute Center of New York (flutes4sale.com) for free shipping, a 10 day free trial, and an extended 18 month warranty :D
I buy 2nd hand or more to feel the other consciousnesses that envelop an item.. if their more than $200 you should consider yourself privaliged to know or hold that price as a beginner. Check out the english film, frequency, about music and its retrospects in comprehensions, I thought it a real eye opener. Tho don't loose your head retrospectively.. lol
Pearl, Yamaha, then Gemeinhardt. Pearl has the volume along with warmth and a sharp attack. I have always been a Yamaha guy, but the Pearl is quite impressive here.
Im a flutist too. Let me tell u. You are the only one here on you tube that can test flutes with the sound they deserve. I feel identified with your style and full sound cause this is how i used to play. There's a lot of flute test channels that are a shame...
The Pearl sounds the best a much more full and resonating sound. It is surprising me because I have always heard that Yamaha is the best name in the flute world. But I am learning that you cannot always only go by the name. Have never heard of Pearl before.
Gemeinhardt is definitely my favorite but I’m probably biased as that’s what I started on and have been playing for many many years. 😂 It’s held up so well. Bless that flute.
i wish i had this when i started flute. my first flute was a pink and gold flute from ebay. of course, i wasn't expecting to play flute for 7+ years. now i play on a beautiful 1970's gemeinhardt (and when that's in the shop, a student yamaha from 6th grade)
I might not be describing this accurately, but it felt like the Yamaha had the sweetest sound while Gemeinhardt had a sound closest to a wooden flute (had that kind of resonance).
I bought Pearl and really regretted it :( i had to fix it a few times because the screws got loose, and it accumulates moisture easily for some reason. If I could go over again I would get the Yamaha one. I know a lot of people using this model and you can’t really go wrong with Yamaha
Elvina Cheah i loveee this Yamaha 😍I used to play on a Yamaha for a lot of middle school/high school and it held up extremely well. Maybe you can sell the pearl and get the Yamaha? ;)
I own a Yamaha 222, been playing it for almost 2 months and love it. Its built like a tank for the most part. Not that I've been testing how easy it is to break it. I'd imagine the solid silver flutes to be much more delicate. Solid silver flutes would have a better sound at the intermediate level but the 222 has a very good sound for a student flute if your willing to put the money and time into it. When I max out my capabilities on this one I'll probably move up to the Yamaha 462 or whatever model that is similar 3 to 5 years from now. From my online research the 300 series are slightly better than the 200 series, but you get all silver flutes at the 400 series. Keep in mind that the 200-400 series flutes are all factory made. Handmade ones I believe are 500 series and up with Yamaha. At that point though probably 10+ years from now if I'm still around and have the money or right finance options I would probably go with Muramatsu. So many people including James Galway I've read seem to swear by Muramatsu and they look gorgeous. Some of the higher model Muramatsu models look like jewellery especially with those engravings. Okay I'm getting ahead of myself. One step at a time. Its just fun to see all the possibilities and models that are out there.
Weird... the Gemeinhardt is the least expensive, but sounded the most beautiful, in my opinion... guess that goes to show that price doesnt necesarilly mean better quality... to a certain extant... "dOnT gEt a wAlMaRt fLuTe!" 😂😂
from my ears its Pearl, Yamaha then gemeinhardt. probably you picked gemeinhardt because it has a clear sound while the others has a little air to them, air on sound is caused more of embochure because she is not used on playing with those headjoints cuts. if listen carefully, Pearl and yamaha has more bright, sweet and open sound.. specially the pearl it just nailed the intonation, those sharps are just so bright and sweet.
There won’t be that much difference in sound and build as long as you get a reputable brand. Gemeinhardt flutes get trashed, but I’ve always liked them. I switched to clarinet as an adult, and my main instrument is an inexpensive Conn Selmer Prelude. You don’t need to break the bank to play music.
I found a used Gemeinhardt Flute 2sp For around $200 in good condition. I’m saving up for it! Edit- Yes I’m poor child Edit 2- I found a used Gemeinhardt flute of the same kind for $75! It need a couple of pads replaced, but after that it’ll be ready to play!
thank you so much! It's a great flute!! I was just playing it the other day for a new YT video and some instagram clips coming soon :D Best of luck with your flute playing!!
I miss my old Yamaha flute. 😢😭 It got lost in the move from one state to another. Who knows where it is now. My grandparents bought it for me for my middle school band class, so it was quite special. I've been thinking about getting another one...Yamaha, of course.
Fascinating. I wasn’t expecting to hear a difference, but I much prefer the Pearl. It seems to have a richer sound than the others. The German one sounded very much like a German organ...quite breathy. To me the Yamaha gave quite a flat sound. Almost 2 dimensional, if that makes sense. Very useful video, as my wife has always wanted to learn the flute, so I can see a 25th wedding anniversary present on the horizon next month 😁
Before you go and buy one: It depends on the flautist as well ... so maybe your wife should try which one she likes best (if she can produce some notes already).
I agree, its a personal pick. You can still make it a surprise but she would really need to try them amd see how it feels weight wise and comfort as well as sound. congratulations on so many years. i wish you many more
1. Your playing is awesome! Duh, right? Wow! You have serious chops! 2. Could it be that your embouchure fits one head joint design better than the other? 3. Does the placement of the keys on the different instruments make each one different in terms of comfort and play-ability? 4. What piece of music are you playing? (I plead my ignorance here) Please continue to inspire us all.
Hi Kim! Thank you so much :) Yes, every player is different so what feels great for me might not feel great for someone else, which is why its important to try an instrument before you buy it. Basically all modern flutes will have the same key setup (Boehm system), but the mechanisms will all feel slightly different to the experienced player. Perhaps the one big thing in terms of keys is the off-set G key or in-line G key. Personally I find that the off-set G key is much more comfortable for my hands (they are super small 😂), but once again every player is different. The first piece I'm playing is Salut D'amour by Elgar and the second is from a Telemann fantasie for flute. Thank you so much for your support and for watching! :)
So much information to take in but you make it easier to understand. I have small hands but have an open hole flute with an inline G-not the easiest ting to play until my hands are warmed up. I am in the market for something different. Is the split E and C# trill and D roller really worth the extra cost? Gosh, that sound is so beautiful and you are so articulate. I will look for the sheet music. Thank you for helping me learn a little more each day.
I’m in the market for a new horn and thanks for the review. I have played various flutes over the past fifty years. The three played here were terrific and nothing can beats that performance… thank you! But, for myself each has it’s place. The Pearl and the Yamaha both were fit in my opinion for bands with a loud and strong performance showcase. Where volume may be the player’s concern; as it was mine in my youthful egoistical days.(smile) But, I’ve found nothing more fulfilling for soloist and swooning hearts on quiet evens than the Gemeinhardt. So, I think the instrument one picks should be based on that goal or showmanship one wishes to pursue. Thank you for confirming for me, that I’ve made the right choice over the years. Well, you know my next stop! Thanks again… Namaste
So I have a Yamaha silverhead 381 with open holes and a b foot. I’d highly recommend mine. You can take the little corks out as you’re ready. I had it for 2 years before I had to get a full clean oil and repair job (still haven’t had to adjust the cork inside the headjoint)
I currently have a Jupiter student flute, which I am getting back into after not playing flute for 30 years. It will be interesting to see what I get next, in a couple of years time.
I liked them all! lol, but the Yamaha seems to play louder??? But I like the Pearl, Yamaha and then Gemeinhardt. I've also seen one for Di Zhao, I'll have to take a look. Thank you for the video!
I know this is old news but....I used to play Alto Sax and Tenor in Orchestra and loved it. I used to transpose from french horn, trombone etc and played a lot more than the zillions of bars of rests sax players normally sit through. When I went to HS, they told me marching band or quit as they didn't allow sax in orchestra so I quit as I played football and you can't do both. Many years later my teeth were lost and I tried to play but can't put pressure from the inside via a sax/clarinet mouthpiece or trumpet types pushing. So I decided to give flute a try. I know better than to buy a cheap instrument and the mantra is "buy once, cry once". I've done the buy many times and cry many times before with guitars and won't repeat that. I listened to your demonstration and heard a couple of things. The Pearl was very "woody" and Ian Anderson-ish. It had nice dynamics but lower register seems harder to achieve. The Gemeinhardt was a lot less woody but a bit of a struggle on the lower register. Very clean and clear as a bell but lacking in dynamics. The Yamaha looked like it was easier to play and had some of the Gemeinhardt clarity with some of the woodiness of the Pearl. It also had better intonation plus it was the most dynamic of the three. It also appeared that it took less air/effort to play it, especially in the lower register. I had the choice of a new 222 or a used 221 so I went with a used 221 in excellent condition and hope the $175.00 I saved doesn't bite me later. We will see when it arrives. I wanted to say thank you for comparing these three instruments in a simple and straightforward format so that I could make an educated choice based on my ears and your playing.
Like Pierre, I would like to hear your personal impressions. In my experience most of the differences between flutes (especially the subtle differences) can only be felt by the player. An outside listener can't perceive a flute's stuffiness, resistance, responsiveness, and so forth. Another issue is that good players have in mind the sound they want, and with whatever flute they pick up will automatically make adjustments. This can hide a flute's shortcomings. So I would love to hear about how these three flutes feel to play, the responsiveness and so forth. Thanks!
pancelticpiper depends if you have as an audience has absolute pitch and a musical ear. People in the music field can hear the difference even if they don’t play the flute.
I have to one my school recommended for me and my fave and its a Yamaha model but some kids have pearls gamienhart branen and another one I can't remember
Hi Katie. Am purchasing a 222. Do I really need to be concerned that the 222 does not have a split E mechanism? Been playing for a while and expect to play high E regularly in 2 months. The yamaha 212 had split E but they have taken it off of 221, 222, and 262. Any reason why? Thanks for help
Personally I'm going nuts researching flutes for beginners. I have to go used because I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on a new beginning flute for something that I am not sure I have no talent for or might not even enjoy. I would like to try. And I want to give myself a chance by knowing any deficiency is me and not the flute. I have a feeling the Opie could make one of those $60 Glory Flute from Amazon sound pretty good. I might be topping out at $300 for an excellent condition used Pearl 500. One thing that really bothers me is that a number of flute makers, in the last 20 years, have move their operations overseas to China and or Taiwan. So I'm just not sure of the quality of some flutes that are relying on reputations that are 40 years old, but things have changed in the last decade or so. And I keep readimg 50/50 reviews on the Gemeinhardt 2SPs (the 1SP? forgetaboutit) saying that they're constantly in the repair shop compared to other flutes. I just wish it was a little more straightforward. I just need a flute that's good enough for me to learn on for a few months and that is not going to give me conniptions trying to get a sound out of it because IT is the problem.
We had a person in the band program who played a glory flute and she really loved it and it allowed her to improve rather rapidly. It's more inexpensive and you can't use it for more than a couple of years but it gives you a chance to see what you like.
Thank you making this video I’m a beginner currently I was planning on getting the Yamaha 222 but wasn’t sure if it was good for me since I’m still beginning to play the flute 😁😁😁thank you so much!
I found a Gemeinhardt 2sp flute on garage sale in the subdivision we reside. it was a slightly used one, with a case. It was just like a give away for its price, 20 bucks. I am 66 years old ,and learning to play it via youtube. In this video the yamaha is my choice.
I'm getting the YFL-222 from Yamaha this Saturday. Is there a way of getting a B-Foot for that model should I decide to add the lowest note or do I have to buy a more advanced flute in order to get one. I'm just starting out but I just want to know if that is doable should if I have the option to upgrade a part rather than the entire flute.
Youve got the same tonal feeling than me! I Never played a Pearl flute. Just Yamaha but nowaday they doesn't sound so good as before. I mean they sound a little more thin...i mean the 200 series wich it used to be so so good. Even the niquel plated ones.
My beginner yamaha is now like 20 years old and a really good instrument and my intermediate (411 full silver) is great after 10 years. I had it checked lately for the first time and there wasn't much to repair ... I love my yamaha 411 (beside me looking at other, more expensive models ...)
i have a gemeinhardt and have had it for 15 years now. it is my first and only flute. ive thought about getting a new flute and relearning/replaying but i don't have a place to practice
Hi Katie, too bad you don't give your opinion on those 3. I have a Pearl 665 right now but would love to know a bit more about the Sankyo Etude. Been playing for a long time now but never tried the open holes flute, until i purchase the Pearl 665, great sound but such air resistance compare with a C Joint. That's why i'm aiming at Sankyo Etude C joint closed holes. Great video !
I am helping my daughter choose her instrument for 5th grade and she wants to play flute like I did. At the time, I remember they said my model was mid-level for being a good flute. I had an Artley. I played from 5th through high school and did marching band. In high school a spring started to pop out all of the time. My family didn’t have much money and my aunt even helped but my flute. So all we could really do was try to repair it over and over but it just wouldn’t stay. It was a bummer though because it also messed up how I played when we were tested and I would try to explain to the person that would be brought in to test us but I’m not sure they really believed me or cared. : /
I was super nervous because I was switching my Armstrong 104 to a gemeinhardt 2sp today and didn’t know what to expect. My peers play on 2sp and I’ve had trouble adjusting to the 104 and the shop said they would switch it out for a 2sp. Thank you for letting me know what to expect im excited :))
A beginner only needs a flute that works. They're learning how to make the flute make a sound, breath, read notes and the fingerings. A cheap flute is usually okay for a beginner who is just starting flute, and is cheaper than renting one. Wal-Mart and Amazon have extended warranties you can get for like ten bucks. After playing and practicing for six months to a year, the student should be able to try out and select their own flute, including the used flutes on the market from the kids whose parents bought them expensive flutes to start and the kid decided to no longer wants to play the flute!
Hi Karen! You raise an interesting point, but I think that for the vast majority of students, having a more functional instrument at the start of their studies is more beneficial to them in the long run. Not every student will go on to study music for an extended period of time, so it is certainly a good idea to gauge their interest in instrumental music, and perhaps decide to have them play on a cheaper flute. However, most of those more inexpensive brands are made of very cheap and fragile material, and most technicians will refuse to work on them because of that. For those reasons, it is still my recommendation that any student pursue the brands I showcased in this video. Thank you for your comment!
The first piece played reminds me of the anime a lot, La Corda D'Oro Primo Passo 😍 super thanks for this content! It helps me pick my first beginner student flute
When I play my Gemeinhardt flute all I can hear is the air blowing into the mouthpiece(I am not putting my mouth on the flute) so what am I doing wrong? :(
Hey Katie, I’m a beginner flutist and I love this video. Thanks for sharing. So, out of the three flutes you played, which would you personally recommend for a beginner like me?
Hearing them is great but it doesn't answer the most important question. Will the flute play for me? As a beginner I could not get a sound out the most popular student flute of the time. A free blowing Bundy was a nightmare for me. An Armstrong most starting students would have problems with because of the resistance played like a dream for me. Hearing you play the flutes tells me what they sound like for you and not how they would sound for me.
I also play an Armstrong flute and I agree. She doesn't really tell us how they like to be played and how they might work for you. Now i am not saying she did a bad job just not as much information as I would like. you want someone that goes more into detail about flute reviews I recommend checking out Justanotherflutist. She does a flute center of new York video every month
@@michaelrs8010 I use to play on an Armstrong 104 and I personally had no problems with it the main problem would more be making sure that the flute is in still in good condition
@@jackiedavis3439 Well I think I found an online flute store where the person seems trustworthy, Gina's Flutes. I'm looking over a couple of them there. I was looking at the Gemeinhardt 2SP, but it's so 50/50 as to the reviews and whether they're not there in the shop every other month. But people have said the Armstrong is built like a tank, so I don't know. And then Woody's lower and beginner flutes you really don't know what's going on with the quality control. It seems so many companies have shipped their production over to China and Taiwan and Gemeinhardt of Indiana isn't really Gemeinhardt of Indiana anymore, but that goes for most of them that have been gobbled up by conglomerates. Then some reviews I've read that the Yamaha 221 and 222 aren't as good as they used to be and they're you're looking at spending $700 for a beginningers flute. I don't have these problems with my tin whistles 😄
@@michaelrs8010 I have played on a 221 Yamaha and I thought it was fine. I haven't played on the newer version the 222 tho. I do believe I have played on a 2sp gemeinhardt but I think I personally liked my sound better on Yamaha the gemeinhardt if if I remember correctly. I think with any of those brands will be just fine, but if you are just starting flute don't get discouraged if you can't make a sound right away.
Thanks cause I have been playing flute for 3 years with a germinite2sp and it was good and great durability it barely has 3 dents but when I borrowed my friends Yamaha it is so much better quality it was so much smoother then I realized I would like very much to get a new flute but u have to find one that is good and u have to find out how to buy it not from Amazon cause well everyone says to not do it is that true or not either way this made things easier
I really liked the Gemeinhardt sound but I started on a Yamaha and that thing is basically indestructible after 7 years of marching band lol. I got that flute when I was 8 and at that age, that flute is basically a bumper car lol.
Same, got mine get the age of 8 as well, I am literally turning 17 and my Yamaha 211 is still functioning as well as those brand new 212s,
My first flute was a Gemeinhardt and it broke the first three months of band
I agree. I am between the Gemeinhardt and the Pearl. I hope you or anyone here can guide me to choose which of the followings: Gemeinhardt 33OSHB Intermediate level open holes with NG-1 Headjoint and Offset G; split E mechanism
or Pearl Quantz Series Model 525RBE.
Shout out to all the other people who started on the student Yamaha model flutes... I got my Yamaha flute in 5th grade when I started taking lessons and even though I quit orchestra and rarely played in HS I held onto that instrument all these years. I recently decided to take up the flute again, and even though that flute was purchased 25 years ago and I was not super gentle with it through years of orchestra concerts and lessons as a young child/teen, after having a few pads replaced and a small repair to one of the keys that thing still plays beautifully.
glad you are playing again!! :) My intermediate/step up flute was a yamaha that I absolutely loved!
@@katiefluteplease Katie recommend me some step up/ intermediate models 🫶🏻💖
I'd have to choose between the gemeindhart and Yamaha. The Yamaha seems to be the loudest and a little more clear while on the gemeindhart you can hear the double tonguing a lot more precisely and not so muffled.
:D
training whit gemeinharth you will can fly playing yamaha (lol)
xD
ps i play gemeinhart
now more seriusly...
gemeinhart's flutes sounds more dark, more fat in low range but are more demands for play quikly
I bought a Eastar flute for $75.00. I couldn’t afford a $600-$700 flute just for a beginner
@@slimvloggerweightlifterwhi7538 How's that working out for you?
Not a smart ass question, I'm in the same boat financially.
I'm an adult beginner, or want to be, but I don't want to spend several hundred dollars on a decent new one for something that I may have no talent for I'm not really enjoy once I start doing it. And the ghoul on The Flute Channel gave the eastar flute a good review but then again she's a professional flautist.
But still nobody has come back to that channel to say that they got the flute in how they like it or how it's holding up and so on and so forth.
The other thing I'm looking at is some used flutes from Gina's flutes. She seems pretty reputable. But how is that Eastar holding up?
@@michaelrs8010 I bought the Eastar flute as well, and honestly I can't tell how good it is. I never played flute before and I'm completely self taught so I don't have anything to compare with really. I do have some troubles playing the low C note as well as the high register notes, but that could just as well be me being new to the instrument.
I'm not sure I would recommend it for someone who wants to play the flute seriously, but I think it's a reasonable purchase if you just want to test it out for a bit and aren't sure if you're going to like it. I mean, if you're just going to play it for a few weeks and then drop it, $70 is a bit easier to throw away than the $300+ you would pay for a "real" flute. (But then if/when you've played for a while and know that flute is your thing, you will probably want to get an upgrade.)
i wasnt aware walmart had flutes 😂
Same 😂
walmart.com, not the actual store though lol
Walmart got everything!
Wait W H A T
I looked on Walmart after watching this and they actually have flutes 💀
Hey guys- here are my top 3 picks for beginner flutes! Don't forget to use my special code "KTFL" when shopping at the Flute Center of New York (flutes4sale.com) for free shipping, a 10 day free trial, and an extended 18 month warranty :D
L
What are the prices of those three please, I studied project Yamaha and was born on the 2nd of the 2nd at 2am. So may buy one for syncronicityz sake.
I buy 2nd hand or more to feel the other consciousnesses that envelop an item.. if their more than $200 you should consider yourself privaliged to know or hold that price as a beginner. Check out the english film, frequency, about music and its retrospects in comprehensions, I thought it a real eye opener. Tho don't loose your head retrospectively.. lol
Me: hey I’m interested in the flute
The price: imma bout to end this man’s whole career
Lmao im a cellist whos played for years and still doesnt own a cello. Something thats attractive to me about flute is the price
All three sound wonderful when you play them. I liked the Gemeinhardt flute best.
Mikko Heikkinen same!
Pearl, Yamaha, then Gemeinhardt. Pearl has the volume along with warmth and a sharp attack. I have always been a Yamaha guy, but the Pearl is quite impressive here.
Thx, I was thinking exactely the same :-).
Im a flutist too. Let me tell u. You are the only one here on you tube that can test flutes with the sound they deserve. I feel identified with your style and full sound cause this is how i used to play. There's a lot of flute test channels that are a shame...
The Pearl sounds the best a much more full and resonating sound. It is surprising me because I have always heard that Yamaha is the best name in the flute world. But I am learning that you cannot always only go by the name. Have never heard of Pearl before.
why am I watching this, I'm not even considering starting the flute 😂
@Lyla Laycre oof you mean unconsciously? That's kinda wild
Long live the Yamaha
If u play am old yamaha flute it plays better than new ones. More fuller sound and solid straight forward tone.
Jorge Martín are you sure? I have the same Yamaha 222 model and I feel like the tone is getting worst
Gemeinhardt is definitely my favorite but I’m probably biased as that’s what I started on and have been playing for many many years. 😂 It’s held up so well. Bless that flute.
i wish i had this when i started flute. my first flute was a pink and gold flute from ebay. of course, i wasn't expecting to play flute for 7+ years. now i play on a beautiful 1970's gemeinhardt (and when that's in the shop, a student yamaha from 6th grade)
elle I’m playing on a 1970’s gemeinhardt too, that I got in the 1970s! I’m trying to see how it compares to newer flutes.
I might not be describing this accurately, but it felt like the Yamaha had the sweetest sound while Gemeinhardt had a sound closest to a wooden flute (had that kind of resonance).
I am currently renting a Gemeinhardt 2sp from a music store. I just started band a couple months ago
I bought Pearl and really regretted it :( i had to fix it a few times because the screws got loose, and it accumulates moisture easily for some reason. If I could go over again I would get the Yamaha one. I know a lot of people using this model and you can’t really go wrong with Yamaha
Elvina Cheah i loveee this Yamaha 😍I used to play on a Yamaha for a lot of middle school/high school and it held up extremely well. Maybe you can sell the pearl and get the Yamaha? ;)
I own a Yamaha 222, been playing it for almost 2 months and love it. Its built like a tank for the most part. Not that I've been testing how easy it is to break it. I'd imagine the solid silver flutes to be much more delicate. Solid silver flutes would have a better sound at the intermediate level but the 222 has a very good sound for a student flute if your willing to put the money and time into it. When I max out my capabilities on this one I'll probably move up to the Yamaha 462 or whatever model that is similar 3 to 5 years from now. From my online research the 300 series are slightly better than the 200 series, but you get all silver flutes at the 400 series. Keep in mind that the 200-400 series flutes are all factory made. Handmade ones I believe are 500 series and up with Yamaha. At that point though probably 10+ years from now if I'm still around and have the money or right finance options I would probably go with Muramatsu. So many people including James Galway I've read seem to swear by Muramatsu and they look gorgeous. Some of the higher model Muramatsu models look like jewellery especially with those engravings. Okay I'm getting ahead of myself. One step at a time. Its just fun to see all the possibilities and models that are out there.
Weird... the Gemeinhardt is the least expensive, but sounded the most beautiful, in my opinion... guess that goes to show that price doesnt necesarilly mean better quality... to a certain extant... "dOnT gEt a wAlMaRt fLuTe!" 😂😂
from my ears its Pearl, Yamaha then gemeinhardt. probably you picked gemeinhardt because it has a clear sound while the others has a little air to them, air on sound is caused more of embochure because she is not used on playing with those headjoints cuts. if listen carefully, Pearl and yamaha has more bright, sweet and open sound.. specially the pearl it just nailed the intonation, those sharps are just so bright and sweet.
true.. Pearl flute have a sweet tuning of headjoints as well as yamahas mellow sound. Gemeinhardt feels like the sound is coming from the nose/closed.
There won’t be that much difference in sound and build as long as you get a reputable brand. Gemeinhardt flutes get trashed, but I’ve always liked them. I switched to clarinet as an adult, and my main instrument is an inexpensive Conn Selmer Prelude. You don’t need to break the bank to play music.
I found a used Gemeinhardt Flute 2sp For around $200 in good condition. I’m saving up for it!
Edit- Yes I’m poor child
Edit 2- I found a used Gemeinhardt flute of the same kind for $75! It need a couple of pads replaced, but after that it’ll be ready to play!
Amazing flute playing :) i actually have the yamaha model 222 and its amazing on how you play’d it. Keep up the good work!
thank you so much! It's a great flute!! I was just playing it the other day for a new YT video and some instagram clips coming soon :D Best of luck with your flute playing!!
katieflute Awesome! And yeah its a great flute :) love ur channel and thank you :))
I miss my old Yamaha flute. 😢😭
It got lost in the move from one state to another. Who knows where it is now. My grandparents bought it for me for my middle school band class, so it was quite special. I've been thinking about getting another one...Yamaha, of course.
Carol Martinez ahhhh 😭😭😭 you should get another! 😍💓
I started out with a Gemeinhardt flute when I was in 4th grade. I currently have an Emerson and have had it for years.
Thats my first flute 2sp, then now im using 3sb...nice demo great sound....
Pearl is the best!
I love the gemeinhardt 2sp flute as I have one my own! I bought it when I was 11 and I have fell in love with it! I bought it for cheap at $150
Pearl sounds so beautiful in barocco! But i am a violinist :-D
Fascinating. I wasn’t expecting to hear a difference, but I much prefer the Pearl. It seems to have a richer sound than the others. The German one sounded very much like a German organ...quite breathy. To me the Yamaha gave quite a flat sound. Almost 2 dimensional, if that makes sense. Very useful video, as my wife has always wanted to learn the flute, so I can see a 25th wedding anniversary present on the horizon next month 😁
Before you go and buy one: It depends on the flautist as well ... so maybe your wife should try which one she likes best (if she can produce some notes already).
I agree, its a personal pick. You can still make it a surprise but she would really need to try them amd see how it feels weight wise and comfort as well as sound. congratulations on so many years. i wish you many more
1. Your playing is awesome! Duh, right? Wow! You have serious chops!
2. Could it be that your embouchure fits one head joint design better than the other?
3. Does the placement of the keys on the different instruments make each one different in terms of comfort and play-ability?
4. What piece of music are you playing? (I plead my ignorance here)
Please continue to inspire us all.
Hi Kim! Thank you so much :) Yes, every player is different so what feels great for me might not feel great for someone else, which is why its important to try an instrument before you buy it. Basically all modern flutes will have the same key setup (Boehm system), but the mechanisms will all feel slightly different to the experienced player. Perhaps the one big thing in terms of keys is the off-set G key or in-line G key. Personally I find that the off-set G key is much more comfortable for my hands (they are super small 😂), but once again every player is different. The first piece I'm playing is Salut D'amour by Elgar and the second is from a Telemann fantasie for flute. Thank you so much for your support and for watching! :)
So much information to take in but you make it easier to understand. I have small hands but have an open hole flute with an inline G-not the easiest ting to play until my hands are warmed up. I am in the market for something different. Is the split E and C# trill and D roller really worth the extra cost? Gosh, that sound is so beautiful and you are so articulate. I will look for the sheet music. Thank you for helping me learn a little more each day.
i'm a flute player/student, i have a not-begginer flute, and i'm working on "in the hall of the mountain king"
coco kerui awesome!! Good luck :))
coco kerui love that songgg good luck !! :D
Can you do a video on which brands a flutist should look into if they’re looking to buy an intermediate flute?
Yes please!!!!
I would recommend the pear model 505 flute
Hi, do you know the difference between yamaha yfl 212 and 222? And which one would you recommend to a beginner adult? Thank you
thanks a lot for your review, I also like the room you were recording the examples, that's really adding the ambience to the sound. thanks again!
I’m in the market for a new horn and thanks for the review. I have played various flutes over the past fifty years. The three played here were terrific and nothing can beats that performance… thank you!
But, for myself each has it’s place. The Pearl and the Yamaha both were fit in my opinion for bands with a loud and strong performance showcase.
Where volume may be the player’s concern; as it was mine in my youthful egoistical days.(smile)
But, I’ve found nothing more fulfilling for soloist and swooning hearts on quiet evens than the Gemeinhardt.
So, I think the instrument one picks should be based on that goal or showmanship one wishes to pursue.
Thank you for confirming for me, that I’ve made the right choice over the years.
Well, you know my next stop!
Thanks again…
Namaste
Pearl
So I have a Yamaha silverhead 381 with open holes and a b foot. I’d highly recommend mine. You can take the little corks out as you’re ready. I had it for 2 years before I had to get a full clean oil and repair job (still haven’t had to adjust the cork inside the headjoint)
I really like the pearl flute the most.
I currently have a Jupiter student flute, which I am getting back into after not playing flute for 30 years.
It will be interesting to see what I get next, in a couple of years time.
I got the quants 665 vigore a few weeks ago as my first and I absolutely love it!
I liked them all! lol, but the Yamaha seems to play louder??? But I like the Pearl, Yamaha and then Gemeinhardt. I've also seen one for Di Zhao, I'll have to take a look. Thank you for the video!
i play a wooden five flute for cuban. music and a silver c concert flute for jazz
Awesome!
I know this is old news but....I used to play Alto Sax and Tenor in Orchestra and loved it. I used to transpose from french horn, trombone etc and played a lot more than the zillions of bars of rests sax players normally sit through. When I went to HS, they told me marching band or quit as they didn't allow sax in orchestra so I quit as I played football and you can't do both. Many years later my teeth were lost and I tried to play but can't put pressure from the inside via a sax/clarinet mouthpiece or trumpet types pushing. So I decided to give flute a try. I know better than to buy a cheap instrument and the mantra is "buy once, cry once". I've done the buy many times and cry many times before with guitars and won't repeat that.
I listened to your demonstration and heard a couple of things. The Pearl was very "woody" and Ian Anderson-ish. It had nice dynamics but lower register seems harder to achieve. The Gemeinhardt was a lot less woody but a bit of a struggle on the lower register. Very clean and clear as a bell but lacking in dynamics. The Yamaha looked like it was easier to play and had some of the Gemeinhardt clarity with some of the woodiness of the Pearl. It also had better intonation plus it was the most dynamic of the three. It also appeared that it took less air/effort to play it, especially in the lower register.
I had the choice of a new 222 or a used 221 so I went with a used 221 in excellent condition and hope the $175.00 I saved doesn't bite me later. We will see when it arrives.
I wanted to say thank you for comparing these three instruments in a simple and straightforward format so that I could make an educated choice based on my ears and your playing.
Like Pierre, I would like to hear your personal impressions. In my experience most of the differences between flutes (especially the subtle differences) can only be felt by the player. An outside listener can't perceive a flute's stuffiness, resistance, responsiveness, and so forth. Another issue is that good players have in mind the sound they want, and with whatever flute they pick up will automatically make adjustments. This can hide a flute's shortcomings. So I would love to hear about how these three flutes feel to play, the responsiveness and so forth. Thanks!
pancelticpiper depends if you have as an audience has absolute pitch and a musical ear. People in the music field can hear the difference even if they don’t play the flute.
I agree, I would love your opinnions on thoses things as well
I have to one my school recommended for me and my fave and its a Yamaha model but some kids have pearls gamienhart branen and another one I can't remember
Hi Katie. Am purchasing a 222. Do I really need to be concerned that the 222 does not have a split E mechanism? Been playing for a while and expect to play high E regularly in 2 months. The yamaha 212 had split E but they have taken it off of 221, 222, and 262. Any reason why? Thanks for help
I have the Gemeinhardt 2sp, but the pearl and Yamaha sounded so good, but maybe it was just you! 😄
Thank you for this. Getting back to Flute and the tone samples helped. FWIW - Pearl, Yamaha, Gemeinhardt.
Yamaha is the best!
My first flute was a gemeinhardt so now im looking forward to buying one myself because my first flute was by that brand
Personally I'm going nuts researching flutes for beginners. I have to go used because I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on a new beginning flute for something that I am not sure I have no talent for or might not even enjoy. I would like to try. And I want to give myself a chance by knowing any deficiency is me and not the flute. I have a feeling the Opie could make one of those $60 Glory Flute from Amazon sound pretty good. I might be topping out at $300 for an excellent condition used Pearl 500.
One thing that really bothers me is that a number of flute makers, in the last 20 years, have move their operations overseas to China and or Taiwan. So I'm just not sure of the quality of some flutes that are relying on reputations that are 40 years old, but things have changed in the last decade or so.
And I keep readimg 50/50 reviews on the Gemeinhardt 2SPs (the 1SP? forgetaboutit) saying that they're constantly in the repair shop compared to other flutes.
I just wish it was a little more straightforward. I just need a flute that's good enough for me to learn on for a few months and that is not going to give me conniptions trying to get a sound out of it because IT is the problem.
We had a person in the band program who played a glory flute and she really loved it and it allowed her to improve rather rapidly. It's more inexpensive and you can't use it for more than a couple of years but it gives you a chance to see what you like.
Still love my pearl flute, unbiased but I think it sounds the nicest 😂
It sounds very soft 😊 I have a Pearl too
Thank you making this video I’m a beginner currently I was planning on getting the Yamaha 222 but wasn’t sure if it was good for me since I’m still beginning to play the flute 😁😁😁thank you so much!
Gemernhard 🔝
I found a Gemeinhardt 2sp flute on garage sale in the subdivision we reside. it was a slightly used one, with a case. It was just like a give away for its price, 20 bucks. I am 66 years old ,and learning to play it via youtube. In this video the yamaha is my choice.
I'm a freshman in high school, and decided to take the flute! (Wanted to play the narnia lullaby lol) and we use the Yamaha Model, its pretty good!
Wow, i liked the music you chose to sample the flutes with. hmm.. maybe i liked the Gemeinhardt most. will have to listen again.
I've been played on the 272 yamaha (french style keys).
But I would go for the french style keyed gemeinhardt
What were the prices you played? They sound like a good song to play at my solo festival
Hi Aidan! I played Salut d'amor by Elgar and a Telemann fantasy :)
I have a Pearl ! 🦋
I liked the Pearl tone, then the crisper Yamaha second. I thought the Gemeinhardt sounded weak projection. Just my opinion.
I'm getting the YFL-222 from Yamaha this Saturday. Is there a way of getting a B-Foot for that model should I decide to add the lowest note or do I have to buy a more advanced flute in order to get one. I'm just starting out but I just want to know if that is doable should if I have the option to upgrade a part rather than the entire flute.
I like the tone of the Yamaha 222
Youve got the same tonal feeling than me! I Never played a Pearl flute. Just Yamaha but nowaday they doesn't sound so good as before. I mean they sound a little more thin...i mean the 200 series wich it used to be so so good. Even the niquel plated ones.
My beginner yamaha is now like 20 years old and a really good instrument and my intermediate (411 full silver) is great after 10 years. I had it checked lately for the first time and there wasn't much to repair ... I love my yamaha 411 (beside me looking at other, more expensive models ...)
My choice would be Pearl or Yamaha.. bold and voluminous..
They all sound good to me, because you are playing it! Hahahhahaha
What’s the song that you’re playing on these three Wonderful flutes?
I had a student Gemeinhardt for half my life and never needed to fix it once. So I just bought a professional level one. 🥳🎼💕
Thanks for your advice!!
thanks for watching!
i have a gemeinhardt and have had it for 15 years now. it is my first and only flute. ive thought about getting a new flute and relearning/replaying but i don't have a place to practice
My favorite flute is the Yamaha because my personal flute is a Yamaha advantage 200AD II and I LOVE it
Hi Katie, too bad you don't give your opinion on those 3. I have a Pearl 665 right now but would love to know a bit more about the Sankyo Etude. Been playing for a long time now but never tried the open holes flute, until i purchase the Pearl 665, great sound but such air resistance compare with a C Joint. That's why i'm aiming at Sankyo Etude C joint closed holes. Great video !
I am helping my daughter choose her instrument for 5th grade and she wants to play flute like I did. At the time, I remember they said my model was mid-level for being a good flute. I had an Artley.
I played from 5th through high school and did marching band. In high school a spring started to pop out all of the time. My family didn’t have much money and my aunt even helped but my flute. So all we could really do was try to repair it over and over but it just wouldn’t stay. It was a bummer though because it also messed up how I played when we were tested and I would try to explain to the person that would be brought in to test us but I’m not sure they really believed me or cared. : /
I was super nervous because I was switching my Armstrong 104 to a gemeinhardt 2sp today and didn’t know what to expect. My peers play on 2sp and I’ve had trouble adjusting to the 104 and the shop said they would switch it out for a 2sp. Thank you for letting me know what to expect im excited :))
What model and/or brand should I get if it’s been a while since I played flute consistently and just want to get a new flute for myself?
For me, the Yamaha was very good but I think it was pipped by the Gemeinhardt.
I listened carefully and my choice was the Gemeinhardt. My second choice was the Yamaha. To me the Pearl sounded just a little too airy.
What's the piece that you use in your intro? It sounds fun to play:)
Godard's Op.116 Allegretto. I believe flutetunes.com has the sheet there. What you heard was the ending to that movement.
thank you so much!
yes! Godard allegretto :)
A beginner only needs a flute that works. They're learning how to make the flute make a sound, breath, read notes and the fingerings. A cheap flute is usually okay for a beginner who is just starting flute, and is cheaper than renting one. Wal-Mart and Amazon have extended warranties you can get for like ten bucks. After playing and practicing for six months to a year, the student should be able to try out and select their own flute, including the used flutes on the market from the kids whose parents bought them expensive flutes to start and the kid decided to no longer wants to play the flute!
Hi Karen! You raise an interesting point, but I think that for the vast majority of students, having a more functional instrument at the start of their studies is more beneficial to them in the long run. Not every student will go on to study music for an extended period of time, so it is certainly a good idea to gauge their interest in instrumental music, and perhaps decide to have them play on a cheaper flute. However, most of those more inexpensive brands are made of very cheap and fragile material, and most technicians will refuse to work on them because of that. For those reasons, it is still my recommendation that any student pursue the brands I showcased in this video. Thank you for your comment!
I just found your site and it is helpful cause I would love to learn. Great fun too! I am in Costa Rica. Will humidity be a problem?
I had an Armstrong and thought the Yamaha was a better flute. Then I tried a friend’s Haynes and OMG didn’t want to part with it 😊
Love the Yamaha Mod 222
Just a cellist here. The Yamaha plays the clearest and loudest to me.
The Trevor James flutes are AWESOME but there PRICEYYYYY I have Yamaha 221 but I’m upgrading soon
The old yamaha flutes sounded better. The yamaha 211 N. Amazing. The 24S too. The quality of the instruments has decreased.
Thank you for this video. Which one is your favorite? Can you rank them? These are 3 that I'm considering for my daughter. Thank you.
i have been playing a jupiter student model for 7 yrs and im currently saving for a pearl intermediate!!
Ok’ they all sound good but which one has the best finish that will resist oxidation longer?
I started with a Yamaha and then I purshased a Pearl. And out of those 3 I still like the Pearl better ! Team Pearl haha
The pearl is my fave
The first piece played reminds me of the anime a lot, La Corda D'Oro Primo Passo 😍 super thanks for this content! It helps me pick my first beginner student flute
When I play my Gemeinhardt flute all I can hear is the air blowing into the mouthpiece(I am not putting my mouth on the flute) so what am I doing wrong? :(
Nope solved the problem never mind
@@lunamoonstaff7617 I’m curious how did you fix the problem just Incase is ever happens
@@ace3058 I realized I had to blow over the hole, not into the hole. Plus I had to adjust my mouth position.
What is the first excerpt you played? Thanks!
Can you review the Jean Paul flute? (They only have one).
What do you think about ebay or walmart’s flutes but they are yamaha branded, etc?
Hey Katie, I’m a beginner flutist and I love this video. Thanks for sharing. So, out of the three flutes you played, which would you personally recommend for a beginner like me?
Hearing them is great but it doesn't answer the most important question. Will the flute play for me? As a beginner I could not get a sound out the most popular student flute of the time. A free blowing Bundy was a nightmare for me. An Armstrong most starting students would have problems with because of the resistance played like a dream for me. Hearing you play the flutes tells me what they sound like for you and not how they would sound for me.
I also play an Armstrong flute and I agree. She doesn't really tell us how they like to be played and how they might work for you. Now i am not saying she did a bad job just not as much information as I would like. you want someone that goes more into detail about flute reviews I recommend checking out Justanotherflutist. She does a flute center of new York video every month
@@jackiedavis3439 which Armstrong did you have. I'm looking at a used 104 but I get mixed reviews on the ease of blowing it for a beginner
@@michaelrs8010 I use to play on an Armstrong 104 and I personally had no problems with it the main problem would more be making sure that the flute is in still in good condition
@@jackiedavis3439 Well I think I found an online flute store where the person seems trustworthy, Gina's Flutes.
I'm looking over a couple of them there.
I was looking at the Gemeinhardt 2SP, but it's so 50/50 as to the reviews and whether they're not there in the shop every other month. But people have said the Armstrong is built like a tank, so I don't know.
And then Woody's lower and beginner flutes you really don't know what's going on with the quality control. It seems so many companies have shipped their production over to China and Taiwan and Gemeinhardt of Indiana isn't really Gemeinhardt of Indiana anymore, but that goes for most of them that have been gobbled up by conglomerates. Then some reviews I've read that the Yamaha 221 and 222 aren't as good as they used to be and they're you're looking at spending $700 for a beginningers flute.
I don't have these problems with my tin whistles 😄
@@michaelrs8010 I have played on a 221 Yamaha and I thought it was fine. I haven't played on the newer version the 222 tho. I do believe I have played on a 2sp gemeinhardt but I think I personally liked my sound better on Yamaha the gemeinhardt if if I remember correctly. I think with any of those brands will be just fine, but if you are just starting flute don't get discouraged if you can't make a sound right away.
I have a AXIOm flute and it is very thick and is very loud when I blow softly but is quite goo🤣👌
What’s that first little lyrical tune you play? It’s so pretty.
Salut d'amour by Elgar :) Thanks for watching!
Thanks cause I have been playing flute for 3 years with a germinite2sp and it was good and great durability it barely has 3 dents but when I borrowed my friends Yamaha it is so much better quality it was so much smoother then I realized I would like very much to get a new flute but u have to find one that is good and u have to find out how to buy it not from Amazon cause well everyone says to not do it is that true or not either way this made things easier
torn between yamaha 222 and gemeinhardt 2sp to begin my flute journey...:-)wish to use your code :-)
Same! I just can’t decide which one is better
I’m leaning towards the Gemeinhardt. It doesn’t hurt that it’s cheaper too... :)