In order to tell if a flute is silver or silver plated, the best approach is to look closely at the markings on the flute. Silver plated flutes are usually stamped with the words “silver plated” or “electroplated” somewhere on the body.
Additionally, you can look closely at the metal and see if there is any tarnish or discoloration. Silver flutes will also have identifying markings, such as “sterling silver” or “925 silver” stamped somewhere on the body.
If the flute does not have any of these markings, then it is likely not silver or silver plated. Another way to tell if a flute is silver or silver plated is to weigh it. Silver is heavier than silver plated metal, so a heavier flute will most likely be silver.
Additionally, sometimes silver flutes have yellowish tint, however be aware that this color can vary depending on if and how it’s been polished. Finally, consider having the flute appraised in order to determine its material and value.
What flutes are made of sterling silver?
Sterling silver is the highest quality material used for making flutes, and is ideal for professionals or those who want an excellent sound quality and a beautiful instrument. Flutes made of sterling silver feature a stunning, bright tone and projection in sound, as well as a highly responsive playing action.
The material also provides superior durability and resistance to denting, chipping and wear, meaning it can withstand a heavy playing schedule and regular use. Sterling silver flutes are typically more expensive than regular flutes, but they are well worth the investment if you’re interested in pursuing a serious performance and recording career.
What is the difference between gemeinhardt 1SP and 2SP?
The Gemeinhardt 1SP and 2SP flutes are identical in many ways. They are both handcrafted from nickel silver and designed for beginner flutists to learn and advance their playing skills. However, there are some slight differences between the 1SP and 2SP models that may be important for a beginner flutist.
The Gemeinhardt 1SP flute is designed for the beginner and comes with silver head, body and foot joints. It has a C foot joint and an offset G key system. This flute also offers closed resonators, which helps to create a richer tone.
Lastly, the 1SP has a “student” level headjoint with an 18-karat gold-plated lip plate.
The Gemeinhardt 2SP flute is also a student level model, but it has some slight improvements. The 2SP has a silver-plated head joint, body and foot joints. Additionally, it has an open hole design, which allows the flutist to play more easily and accurately in the higher registers.
The 2SP also comes with a “professional” level headjoint that has an 18-karat gold-plated lip plate. Lastly, the 2SP has an accurate scale and precision keywork system.
In summary, the main difference between the Gemeinhardt 1SP and 2SP flutes are the quality and type of headjoint, the open hole design, precise tuning and keywork of the 2SP, and the closed resonators of the 1SP.
Is gemeinhardt 2SP good?
The Gemeinhardt 2SP is a great intermediate flute for those looking to upgrade their current flute or are just starting to learn. It features a exclusive pinless construction, open holes, and a pointed key arms, making it more ergonomic compared to traditional flutes.
The body is made of a silver-plated nickel silver alloy, while the keys are made of a durable plastic. It produces a smooth, mellow tone and comes with a high quality hard case, cleaning rod and mini-screwdriver to help with maintenance.
The Gemeinhardt 2SP is great for those learning the flute or for experienced flutists looking for an upgrade. It is durable and produces a clear tone that can reach a wider range of tones and dynamics.
Additionally, the ergonomic shape of the keys makes it comfortable for players to use for longer periods of time. All in all, the Gemeinhardt 2SP is an excellent choice for the intermediate flutist and is a great option for those looking to upgrade or just starting with the instrument.
How good are Gemeinhardt flutes?
Gemeinhardt flutes are incredibly good quality instruments with a rich, sound quality that make them a great choice for all levels of players. Their construction is top-notch and the tones produced have been described as bright and of clear quality.
Gemeinhardt has been producing flutes since 1945 and the company has consistently produced quality instruments for all levels of players from student level to advanced. Gemeinhardt flutes are renowned for their durability and longevity which makes them a great choice for students or players who plan on keeping their instrument for many years.
Additionally, these flutes come with outstanding customer service support, both before and after purchase, so you know that you are in good hands with Gemeinhardt. All in all, Gemeinhardt flutes are a great option for players of all levels.
What is a Gemeinhardt flute made of?
Gemeinhardt flutes are an industry-leading brand of musical instruments made of both silver and nickel. They are designed to deliver a bright, vibrant sound that can cut through even the most dense of musical arrangements, and the silver-nickel composition helps the instrument maintain its sound quality over the years.
All Gemeinhardt flutes are handmade in the USA, and their craftsmanship is apparent, as they are constructed with a mix of traditional and modern techniques, using state-of-the-art computer-controlled workstations.
The pads and springs of each Gemeinhardt flute are hand-fitted to ensure a perfect seal between the keys and pads, providing the optimum response for years of exceptional play.
Is Yamaha a good flute?
Yes, Yamaha is a very good flute brand. Yamaha flutes are known for their professional quality and excellent craftsmanship, making them popular among musicians of all abilities. Yamaha flutes feature a high-end design that produces a beautiful, clear tone.
Yamaha flutes have a wide array of options including models for beginners, intermediate, and professional players. Additionally, Yamaha flutes offer a variety of finishes and materials, as well as accessories for customizing your flute.
Regardless of experience level, Yamaha flutes provide excellent performance, incredible sound quality, and lasting durability.
How much does a decent flute cost?
A decent flute typically costs between $350 and $750, depending on the type, quality, and brand. Beginner flutes usually cost between $350 to $400, while intermediate flutes usually range between $500 to $750.
Professional-grade flutes, used by experienced musicians, can cost anywhere from $875 to $2,500 or more. For very high-end models, you could pay up to $7,000. In addition to the cost of the flute, you will want to consider the cost of a proper case, cleaning rod, and cleaning products, as well as any necessary repairs and tune-ups over the lifetime of the instrument.
Which flute brand is the best?
There really is no definitive answer to which flute brand is the best because ultimately it depends on an individual’s preference in sound and feel. Generally speaking, professional flutists tend to prefer flutes that are made of solid silver and those made by higher-end brands such as Powell, Sankyo, Kotato, and Altus.
The more experienced flutists may also opt for a hand-made instrument. Some brands are better known for producing higher-quality sound while others aim to deliver an exceptional experience even with a budget instrument.
Additionally, the materials and craftsmanship of each flute can have a significant impact on its sound. Therefore, it is best to try out different flutes in order to determine which one suits your style and preference best.
Which Gemeinhardt flutes are solid silver?
Gemeinhardt offers a selection of solid silver flutes from the Professional, Artist, and Maestro series. The Professional flutes feature a solid silver head, body, footjoint, and keys. The Artist flutes have a solid silver lip plate, riser, and keys, and the headjoint, body, and footjoint are silver-plated nickel alloy.
The Maestro models feature a solid silver headjoint, lip plate, and riser, and a silver-plated nickel alloy body and footjoint. In addition to the professional, artist and maestro series, Gemeinhardt also offers a selection of partially-plated flutes such as the Professional Series C Flute and Professional Series E-Flat flutes, which feature a solid silver headjoint and riser with silver-plated nickel alloy bodies, headjoints, and footjoints.
Gemeinhardt also has a selection of instruments in student models, with the Prelude and Advantage series offering solid silver headjoints and silver-plated nickel alloy body, headjoint, and footjoints.
How often should a flute be serviced?
Generally, flutes should be serviced every year or two to maintain top performance. Some flutes might need more frequent servicing, depending on how often they are played and how they sound. Signs that a flute might need service include when notes don’t sound right, the keys aren’t performing as they should, or there are issues with the pads.
It’s also a good idea to service a flute before storing it for longer periods of time. Regular servicing can help keep a flute in top condition, ensuring it produces the best sound possible.
Do open hole flutes sound better?
The question of whether open hole flutes sound better really depends on the context, experience level of the player, and personal preference. While some may prefer the sound of an open hole flute, because it offers a more resonant and mellow sound, others may find the sound of a closed hole flute more satisfying.
Open hole flutes generally offer a richer, more resonant and full-bodied sound that some may find more appealing. This is due in part to the fact that the open holes allow for a larger sound cavity and a larger volume of air inside the instrument.
These are factors that can affect sound quality.
On the other hand, some players may prefer the sound of the closed hole flute. This type of flute offers a brighter, crisper sound because there is less air space, which can make the sound more focused.
This can be particularly useful when playing in an ensemble or when trying to project the flute’s sound.
Ultimately, both open hole flutes and closed hole flutes offer advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will ultimately come down to personal preference. Experienced players may find that they prefer one sound over the other, while beginners may wish to try out both types of flutes to determine which sound they like best.
When did artley stop making flutes?
Artleys stopped making flutes in 2019, although the company had a long and successful run in the flute-making industry spanning over a century. Founded in the late 1890s, the family-owned business was known for its high-quality, reliable instruments and its commitment to craftsmanship.
Artley flutes could be found around the world in countless music stores and professional orchestras. Over the years, the company had made numerous variations of flute designs and its catalog also included accessories such as cases, cleaning materials and care books.
However, by 2019, Artley had stopped producing and distributing flutes. This was due to a combination of several factors, including economic pressure from other flute-makers, changes in consumer tastes, and the rapidly evolving technologies that had become available.
Although no new flutes were being produced, the company’s legacy lives on, in the many Artley flutes that are still played and cherished by flutists all over the world.
How much does it cost to Repad a flute?
The cost of repadding a flute typically varies, depending on the quality of the work and the parts needed. When repadding a flute, a technician should remove all the old pads, clean up the instrument and check the keywork for wear and condition.
The cost of repadding a flute can range from $175 to $400 depending on the labor involved and the cost of the pads required. If your flute is older and in need of more extensive repairs, this cost can go up to around $600-$1,000.
In either case, a qualified flute technician can assess the condition of your instrument and provide an estimate for the work and cost.
How do you clean a silver flute?
Cleaning a silver flute is an important part of maintaining the health of the instrument and the quality of its sound. Here are some steps to cleaning a silver flute:
1. Be sure to remove all pieces of the flute and lay them out on a towel. Use a soft dry cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt from all parts of the flute.
2. To deep clean the inside of the body and key tubes, use a flute-cleaning rod to draw through a small amount of lukewarm water, mild detergent, and a dab of toothpaste. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to polish inside and outside of the flute body, keys and tubes.
3. Use a silver polish to treat all silver parts of the flute, including the keys and tubes. A soft cloth can be used to buff the silver.
4. Finally, use a flute swab and soft, lint-free cloth to thoroughly clean the head joint and mouthpiece.
Cleaning your silver flute regularly and caring for it gently will ensure it gives you years of great sounds.