How do Emerson flutes compare to Gemeinhardt flutes?

I've not played an Emerson for a few years, but when I did, they seemed generally better than Gemeinhardt. Gemeinhardts have suffered for quite a while from being very inconsistent in quality, particularly at the very crucial cutting of the blow hole. The Emersons I've played were very consistent in that area. read more

I’ve not played an Emerson for a few years, but when I did, they seemed generally better than Gemeinhardt. Gemeinhardts have suffered for quite a while from being very inconsistent in quality, particularly at the very crucial cutting of the blow hole. The Emersons I’ve played were very consistent in that area. read more

Gemeinhardt is plagued by their own success; their durability is a curse, their flutes from the 70's and 80's are still sold all over the market. And their reputation suffers because of it. Yes, if you compare a 2000's Yamaha® to a 1980's Gemeinhardt, the Yamaha® will seem like a much better instrument. read more