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Can anybody with a lot of flute-y experience recommend a new flute that I could get?

I currently have a Gemeinhardt 50 series that I bought used back about 6 years ago when I first started playing. It's not bad, but it seems to be getting kind of worn out, and I'd love something new to play. : D

If I do end up getting a new one, I'm gonna keep the Gemeinhardt for marching and stuff, so I don't end up ruining the new one. ._.;

Thanks for any help : D

From personal experience, Yamaha makes very good flutes, and Gemeinhardts are even better. I'm not familiar with the various series, but if you're using an intermediate flute, you may want to see about moving up to an advanced level flute. if you've been playing the same flute for six years, it's time to move up.

Depends on what you want, really. I would try a bunch of different flutes before you pick one. I like Yamaha... I have a Yamaha flute and piccolo (but a Haynes Amadeus headjoint...)

If you want to upgrade your sound, make sure that the head joint is silver or sterling silver. Having open holes and a b-foot really doesn't much much of a different in sound... at all.

Here's a great site for all flute players, call them. Ask for them to send you a couple to try out and have someone tell you which one you sound best on.

www.fluteworld.com

Getting a new flute is like that whole Harry Potter wand thing... except "The flute chooses the flutist" smile

Good luck

Edit:

I forgot to put brands!

--Yamaha
--Amadeus (Made by Haynes)
--Sonare (Made by Powell)
--Jupiter

I would stay away from Geminhardt now if you're looking into getting an upgrade

If you're looking for something that will last you at least as long as your Gemeinhardt and give you great sound even as you improve, I'd suggest a Pearl. I've got one that I've been playing for almost 6 years, and I haven't yet run into any problems with the flute itself that keep me from playing my best or improving my playing.

Not so with my Gemeinhardt...it's a student flute, and the tone is so dull it drives me crazy to play it.

I'd also recommend a Yamaha. Personally, I'm pretty loyal to Pearl flutes, but I've known a couple of flutists who played wonderfully on Yamahas.

Really, though, I'd suggest you play different flutes and pick the one that you sound best on and enjoy playing the most.

Good luck!