The Gemeinhardt story begins with Kurt Gemeinhardt, a fourth-generation flute maker from Markneukirchen, Germany. After apprenticing with his father and later crafting handmade flutes in Switzerland for world-renowned musicians, Kurt was invited to Elkhart, Indiana in 1928 to build instruments. In 1948, he founded The Gemeinhardt Company, where every instrument has since carried his name.
What began as a vision for a small line of professional all-silver flutes quickly grew with demand, leading to a larger factory in 1951 and an expanded range that included intermediate and student models. In 1997, Gemeinhardt acquired the Roy Seaman Piccolo Company, known for its handcrafted grenadilla wood piccolos.
Today, Gemeinhardt is one of the world’s leading flute and piccolo manufacturers, producing instruments for players of all levels. While modern technology ensures precision and consistency, skilled artisans still hand-fit and regulate each instrument. Gemeinhardt instruments are crafted globally, with key components made in the U.S., Taiwan, and China, and final assembly completed to exacting standards. Continuing a four-generation legacy, Gemeinhardt artisans take pride in preserving the tradition of fine flute making on every instrument that bears their name.
