Jupiter is winning me over... some Qs

[flutego12]

A look over Jupiters ... its key mechanism and durability relative to Yamaha counterparts?

[Key mechanism/ plating versus Yamaha's]
Have just got my hands onto a couple of student Jupes (probably belatedly) - have heard so much about the tone and I am bowled over - namely by the recent 511SEs. (2010, 2011 issues) What a dream to play, light keys, easy trills, sounded great, so easy to manage... BUT I am surprised that the flute had aged so rapidly. I tested one from 2010, it not only looks worn but the keys are noisy not tight like a 3-4 yo flute should (Yamaha student flutes). As I haven't seen enough to form an opinion I'd like your take on the key mechanisms. There is some lateral play and felt a tad loose. The silverplating is showing signs of the beginning of pitting - perhaps it's been through a flood of sorts...! Thoughts welcome, esp from the authorities.

[Smaller tube/ Headjoint authentication]
I also tried out a 611RE II which surprisingly has a MUCH SMALLER TUBE - how is that? the 511s look like bolognas compared to the 611 sausages.
Could be the headjoint, but I found it sluggish and not as loud and responsive as the worn 511 above (perhaps the 511 plays so well that the kid kept practising!). What a surprise! And there is no way to tell what cut the headjoint is, all it says is Sterling Silver and no Jupiter logo.

[JButky]

Headjoints, The cut is the same, basic student cut. Two different materials, The silver tube is thinner than the plated tube so it will appear to be smaller, and it is for that barrel. But you can size it easily.

If you bought it used, sounds like whoever had it before you, did less than a stellar job of maintaining it.

[mirwa]

I find the jupiters do not stand up very well plating wise here in Australia, 3-5 yrs and they look dead and brown

[flutego12]

Headjoints, The cut is the same, basic student cut. Two different materials, The silver tube is thinner than the plated tube so it will appear to be smaller, and it is for that barrel. But you can size it easily.

If you bought it used, sounds like whoever had it before you, did less than a stellar job of maintaining it.

Hi Joe, been flatchat and just got back onto the forum this morning.

You are right, I should make some time next week to check the seals - just haven't had the time to sit with it yet.

PS I would love to come attend your Napbirt Turbo workshop in Spring. Dates are iffy for me but. Be great if I could get Napbirt membership for the early bird. There are some hurdles in paperwork to overcome.

[flutego12]

I find the jupiters do not stand up very well plating wise here in Australia, 3-5 yrs and they look dead and brown

Hey Steve, greetings from the east coast.
I 'm not sure about dead and brown but they sure look like they scraped and wore more easily - the silver plating specification perhaps. I d like to do some basic read up about the different silver plating processes, compositions and their impact on quality - what the variables are... do you have any suggestions for a good resource?

[mirwa]

No,

My knowledge is from a 3mth metallurgical internship / component of a diploma I did many years ago.

I know no more or no less.

So definetly not an expert

Steve