Intermediate students, working on tone and fine control over the headjoint, have found the Armstrongs too rough-sounding, and hard to control with the embouchure (lips), in order to play with finesse. They also have a slightly out-of-tune scale, as do many of my 'not recommended flute brands.' This is frustrating for the student, in terms of getting the flute to work fluidly, and creates more work to play in tune.Īrmstrongs have a different problem they tend to have headjoints that are stiff to blow, and not particularly suited to flute players above the beginner level.

They tend to develop key leaks, binding, and bent moving parts very quickly, and students have reportedly had to take them to the repair shop repeatedly, and become frustrated by repairs that don't 'hold'. Their company has evidently switched to a softer metal, and less precision in machining parts, which means that the keys, rods and mechanism bend too easily, and do not hold up under use. This information is from professional flute repair people online. Gemeinhardt flutes have come to be known as having 'soft mechanism' in the past few years. For the last 6 years, the 1000+ flute teachers on those lists have been comparing student level, and pro-level flutes for longevity, reliability and sound quality. I get my information from the collective wisdom of the four different flute discussion groups that I read each day. Thank you for any advice you have to offer. Can you give me more information as to why you feel differently? These are both brands that my daughter has heard are reputable.

You mentioned that you felt that folks should stay away from Gemeinhardt and Armstrong flutes. I was looking at your Buying a Flute page as my teenage daughter is in need of a new flute.

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