One of the largest makers of quality flutes and piccolos in the world, Gemeinhardt has instruments for every level of player from professional to beginner. In fact, the Gemeinhardt 2SP is one of the most popular student flutes ever made.

Founder Kurt Gemeinhardt trained with his father to eventually become the fourth generation of flute makers in his family. He emigrated from Germany in 1928 and opened his first manufacturing plant in 1948. The company moved to Elkhart, Indiana in 1952 and became known for their silver flutes. Gemeinhardt's decision to locate the factory in Elkhart seemed logical, because that Indiana town had already gained a reputation as the capital of music instrument making in the United States.

The Gemeinhardt name stamped on their flutes and piccolos assured quality because it was known that no flute could leave the factory without being hand-tested to assure that it met the company's stringent standards.

Popular Gemeinhardt flutes are offered under the following categories: professional, conservatory, student, alto, and bass. Gemeinhardt flute headjoints can be purchased separately. The different categories of Gemeinhardt flutes are distinguished by the metals from which they are made: professional flutes are solid silver and solid gold, conservatory flutes are silverplated and solid silver, and student flutes are silver-plated made of or nickel alloy.

Gemeinhardt piccolos are available in composite, silver, wood, and the Roy Seaman granadilla version with their distinctively large headjoint.

At each stage in their manufacturing, both Gemeinhardt flutes and piccolos must pass an inspection before moving on to the next step. In addition, every Gemeinhardt headjoint and footjoint is hand fitted. Another demonstration of Gemeinhardt care is that every instrument is also hand polished. A Gemeinhardt innovation is the Magnahelic Testing procedure, which involves verifying an instrument's seal with the keys closed. Any instrument that doesn't pass this test must be corrected. Even Gemeinhardt entry-level instruments are subjected to this degree of scrutiny and correction to ensure their excellence and playability.

Finally, every Gemeinhardt instrument that has made it through inspection at every step of production ends up in the testing room. Here it is subjected to rigorous playability tests and final visual inspections. Once it has passed every milestone, a Gemeinhardt instrument is cleaned, wrapped, and given a guarantee card before it is put in a case for its trip to you.

The Woodwind & Brasswind is proud to offer high-quality Gemeinhardt flutes and piccolos for musicians from professional to beginner. Gemeinhardt musical instruments are backed by The Woodwind & Brasswind's 45 day satisfaction guarantee, assuring that you'll love your instrument!