Extremely Rare Kurt Gemeinhardt "Thinwall" Model Handmade Professional Flute - Freshly Serviced - Exceptional

EXTREMELY RARE Kurt Gemeinhardt "Thinwall" Model Professional Handmade Flute

This incredible flute is one of only a limited number of truly professional, handmade flutes that were hand crafted by Kurt Gemeinhardt in the early days of his company.  The "Thinwall" model is exceptionally rare, and one of only a handful produced.  This is the only example that I have personally come across during my career.  

This flute has a few unique, possibly singular rarities that are worth noting: 

• This instrument come from the early era of the short-lived Gemeinhardt "Handcraft" models, which were Gemeinhardt's attempt to break into the professional market with Powell and Haynes in the late 50s/early 60s.  However, rather than the usual stylized Gemeinhardt script or "Handcraft" banner on the barrel, "Thinwall" is engraved in large Gemeinhardt-style, with the company information and serial stamped in block lettering below.  
  
• The pinky cluster on the foot joint features a modern, straight design with wide D# paddle and gizmo. This design is in contrast to the more narrow standard design that was most often used on the Handcraft flutes, or the rarer ergonomic tilt design that can be seen on some examples.  It is possible that this was a custom order or a singular prototype.  In either case, the feel is very pleasant and more indicative of the mechanism on a modern handmade flute.
• The hand cut head joint appears to be original to the flute and a custom build in all respects.  It features Gemeinhardt's design with a 9k riser and 9k plated lip.  The head is unusual in that it lacks the Gemeinhardt monogram stamp and a custom, weighted crown design.  The head joint embouchure has a wide, ovular cut with a crisp over-cut.  This has a great feeling of resistance with a huge, open sound.  A beautiful head joint.

Sadly, serial number records for this time have been lost, but would have been completed in the early 1960's.

Kurt Gemeinhardt Thinwall Flute #31324

• Silver Hand-Cut Headjoint - 9k Riser, 9k Plated Lip
• Silver Body & Foot
• Silver Mechanism
• Open Hole Keys
• French Cups, Pointed Arms
• Drawn Toneholes
• A=440
• 0.014" Thinwall
• Inline G
• B Foot with Gizmo
• Handmade in USA
• Manufactured between 1959-1965

The flute was recently fully serviced by renown woodwind tech John Butler (Straubinger Cert.), and is in exceptional playing condition.    The flute plays perfectly from top to bottom, with warm, open sound.  It has wonderful overtone colors across all registers and strong projection, and lovely sweet, round quality to the upper register.  The resistance of the head joint allows for wonderful dynamic and color control.  The scale of the instrument is excellent - even tuning across all registers and great tonal control.  The mechanism is beautifully crafted with a nice light, quick touch. 

Cosmetically the instrument looks wonderful, and was completely disassembled and cleaned/polished during COA. The flute shows only normal surface wear from use that can be expected from a 60+yr old flute.  The 9k plating on the lip remains intact, covering the full lip.  Cosmetically 9/10.

The flute comes in the original French style leather covered case with blue velvet interior, and the original Gemeinhardt leather case cover.  The case and cover are structurally sound and protect the flute well, however they do show considerable wear from use and age. Cosmetically 6.5/10.  Also included is a new Yamaha cleaning rod.  

This extremely rare instrument may be a once in a lifetime find for someone.  This would be especially perfect for a Gemeinhardt enthusiast or collector looking for one of his few truly professional-level, handmade instruments.  It really is a special flute.  It would also be well-suited for a professional, high-level amateur, or doubler looking for an excellent handmade instrument. 

The flute will be shipped via Fedex Ground or USPS.  

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