Hey all-I am looking to upgrade from a Gemeinhardt 3shb...Sterling head, plated body. I would love a Yamaha or a Jupiter but I am also interested in an old Emerson 88b which is in great shape(and a GREAT price). It boasts itself as a "professional" model but I am unsure about Emerson as I have never played one. It has all the "bells and whistles", white gold springs, open-hole, pointed arms, etc. but is it just a pretty flute?, Am I doing better than the Gemeinhardt solid silver model?

Well...I just got the Emerson and I love it! It is definately a step up from the gemeinhardt. The sound is fuller, rounder, more dimensional. It must be the hand crafted embechure hole. It is cut differently than the gemeinhardt was. It is heavy, lots of detail and extra metal, which some other members had wondered about in other forum threads. Also, it is quite gorgeous for the price range.

Sorry to hear that you chose an Emerson. If I would have read this thread before you had made your decision I would have told you not to go with either one of the brands mentioned. Neither are very good in my opinion. You would have been further ahead with a Yamaha student 221. There are MUCH better flutes in the same price range as an Emerson 88b. An Azumi comes to mind. Why sell yourself short and only look into those two brands when there is so much more (and better) brands out there for the money? If you like it, then okay. You won't know what you are missing until you try a decent flute.

Yeah...I looked into Azumi, I thought they seemed wonderful. I'm somewhat familiar with some other higher-end intermediate/conservatory flute makes and I guess I should mention that I got the Emerson for under $300.00(shipping included). It was the best I could do on my budget. I find the Emerson to be a step-up!

Sorry to hear that you chose an Emerson. If I would have read this thread before you had made your decision I would have told you not to go with either one of the brands mentioned. Neither are very good in my opinion. You would have been further ahead with a Yamaha student 221. There are MUCH better flutes in the same price range as an Emerson 88b. An Azumi comes to mind. Why sell yourself short and only look into those two brands when there is so much more (and better) brands out there for the money? If you like it, then okay. You won't know what you are missing until you try a decent flute.

Um...........no. I mean doesn't that particular Emerson model retail under 3k or so? And a lot of the new Jupiter Models, including their Demedci (spelled wrong sorry)are really nice for the money.
As for Yamaha........I don't particularly like the Yamaha models below the 500 series, including the 211 model, and find them over-priced imho.....

I have to say I'm absolutely gobsmacked piscismoon that you got your flute for under $300!!!!! That's how much my parents paid for my gemy 2sp 5 years ago!! I'm really happy for you and jealous xD. Is it the same Emerson from used flutes?

Oboelover - You don't like the yamahas? Really? I play on a used 225s and it's really nice. They may be a little pricey new, but used most are under $300 and require usually an hours worth of repair or less. I really don't care for gemeinhardts much. I really think the yamahas are pretty good for a student.

You don't like the yamahas? Really? I play on a used 225s and it's really nice. They may be a little pricey new, but used most are under $300 and require usually an hours worth of repair or less. I really don't care for gemeinhardts much. I really think the yamahas are pretty good for a student.

I just find yamahas to be a tad over-hyped....The sound just doesn't have enough depth or color for me. Though I really like my articulation on their EC cut head joints. Super super easy xD.
And yeah I agree with you Canadian, it's difficult to find a good gemy. But I have to say my friend owns a model 3 gemy and sounds AMAZING!!! She's only a sophomore, playing for 2 years and she's already 1st chair section leader in my Symphonic Band. It's kind of funny too because every other flautists in my band owns a yamaha 300-600 (cept just one girl who owns an armstrong).......Showed me the player is much more important then I thought.

Why thank you OboeLover...$265.00 WITH shipping infact. Not a scratch on it! Ebay. I paid close attention for a couple weeks and this baby was just poorly listed...missing model number, a general non-understanding of the features and NO RESERVE PRICE! I am quite happy with it.

Personally I don't think an Emerson is really that great of an "up-grade" to a Gemeinhardt. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Gemeinhardt, nor Emerson, but if you were looking to really up grade you should of looked at models that are higher end BUT if you like it, and it sounds good. Congrats on the new flute(:

If you're happy with either brand flute then it doesn't matter what we think. I really don't like these type of threads where arguments can get started on which brand is better. We all have our own preferences.

I do agree with the "advice" concerning Emerson being high-end...I don't think anyone should pay suggested retail for this model flute because there are better flutes in that price range. I got it cheap. I do like it better than the Gemeinhardt I used to play which had similar features. Thanks All!...Oh...and yeah...can't we all just get along.