Gemeinhardt 3SB Flute

This was the best price for a new 3SB. However I was expecting the G offset as pictured in the add.

Is it brand-new? The first time I played it the keys got sticky. Though the sound of the keys was small I can still tell that it shouldn't come from a new flute. This kind of situation only happens for an old flute. Please give me some explanation. Though I like the flute, it really bothers me to think that it might probably be an used one.

The flute needs a bit of work, but the headstock was sure worth it!!!!!!!!

First of all, I don't have this exact model. I have the offset version, where the G key is pushed slightly forward. However, as that's the only sort of flute I've ever played (my previous flutes were like that too), I can't really say what difference it makes. All I know is that this flute is incredible.When compared to an ordinary Gemeinhardt student flute (no holes, no B flat foot, different material, etc.), the difference is amazing. While the other one could occasionally give off a pleasant sound, this flute gives off a warm, full sound that is stunning compared to the stuffy sound of the student flute. Granted, this is a more difficult flute to play, requiring the player to have been playing for a few years, but once you hit the level of "intermediate", it can last you a lifetime (unless you choose to go pro). The holes come with corks/plugs already in them, making it very easy and convenient to slowly get yourself used to playing a flute with holes in the middle of the keys. The B-flat foot is also very convenient and useful.One problem arises with this flute that the student flutes don't have, and that's the issue of polishing. As this flute is made of silver (another reason why it is so much better and is more expensive), the upkeep is much more tedious and necessary. Cleaning the flute after every practice is always a given, but now it becomes important to polish the flute every once in a while to make sure it's not going black. However, this is a minor concern and soon becomes habit along with wiping down the flute after practice.One final point: I bought my flute in a music store after trying several other flutes by different companies. I found the single flute that was best for me. It happened to be this one. I encourage aspiring flautists to go to music stores and play the flutes they want, not to necessarily buy on the internet (unless it's significantly cheaper). The internet carries risks a music store does not have. This product review is intended to assist those seeking a flute, not change their minds or convince them one way or another.

I have had my Gemeinhardt 3SB flute since about 1995 or 1996. It has been a wonderful instrument. This item is sold as a solid silver flute, and it is. The Gemeinhardt web site states that the head is solid silver and the body finish and foot finish sterling silver. They too are solid silver, where it is possible for them to be solid silver, but since silver is too soft to be used to manufacture the rods onto which the keys are attached, and little straight wire springs that are used reopen the keys after being pressed, it is "technically" more accurate to state that the body and foot are "sterling." Sterling means at least 92.5% pure silver by mass. Do not let nay sayers sway you from purchasing a wonderful instrument that will serve you for many many years. This flute is solid silver as much as any flute can be made of solid silver. We called these instruments "solid silver flutes" all the way back when I was in high school, 35 years ago. No part of this flute is merely silver plated. Beware of reviewers who may be selling a competing brand and/or trying to mislead you. This is a solid silver flute.

I went to two music stores and tried 8 different flute brands all valued at over $2,000 each. I picked the gemeinhardt 3 OSB - NG1. none of the other flutes even came close to this one in sound and ease of playing in all octaves. It was also the least expensive of them all. I think the NG1 head made a huge difference. I'm sure the solid silver improved the tone, but these flutes were mainly solid silver or at least solid head. the mechanism also seemed just as good or better. I cannot believe the improvement that this flute made compared to my old flute or the ones I tested. I read many reviews and after doing the test myself, i'm sure other reviewers who didn't pick this model did not try a gemeinhardt with the NG1 head or they would have really noticed the difference. I think it is a good idea to test a flute out and buy from the store unless you are getting it for less than half price. I'm not sure when this head came out, but I think it was fairly recently.

Are we sure this is a solid silver body and foot? Gemeinhardt's website indicates just the head is solid silver. Please confirm.

My Gemeinhardt 3SB has served me very well for more than 25 years. It has a rich, bright sound and lovely feel. It has held its value, too. Used ones are selling for about the same amount I paid for it when it was new!