Sankyo cf201-muramatsu EX, which one?

[Zevang]

Dear cflutist, thanks for the compliment.

The difference in weight sometimes leads me to playing the Muramatsu EX, because it's so much lighter than the Sankyo. This occurs only when I'm physically tired, overloaded with work and let's consider that it happens one or two times a month. Normally I can clearly feel the difference in weight from gold to silver plated, but this really doesn't get me into trouble. I simply choose to play one or another, generally according to the repertoire that is being played by our orchestra or in my recitals. In terms of daily practice, I always use the Sankyo with the Nagahara headjoint, exception when I need to "convert" to the wooden headjoint, for example, I need some extra practice to adapt.

But you're right about being necessary to blow more in the Sankyo. Just the same as with your Brannen. I think this is a function of the design of the embouchure hole. My Muramatsu has the "Tsubasa" headjoint, with a design that resembles the "adler wings" of Mr. Lafin. It's really easy to blow and I get a pure and clear sound with it. In terms of sound volume, it's more difficult to play with the Mura, because I crack more easily.

The Sankyo, both with Nagahara and original NRS-1 headjoints, requires far more air stream. But on the other hand, I can blow as I want. The point where my sound finally cracks is far beyond that of the Mura, but I really need to breath carefuly so I don't run out of air in the middle of a phrase.

But, talking about your showder now, let me tell you my case, so you judge if this is your case or not.
I used to take my things, like the flute, accessories, my netbook computer, wallet, etc, in one large rucksack, with stripes over my showder. I simply had pain migrating from one showder to the other every month during the whoe year! Once I went to a doctor and he saw my bag and asked me if I used it every day. I asked "yes", and simply as that he told me not to use it any more. Since then, I use a bag with wheels and had no more showder pain!
Also, I search for an exercise that could make my arms and showder stronger, without running into another problem. I found out that roaring is excelent not only for the arms and showders, but also for keeping my back from pain, and also helps keeping a good posture when playing. Swimming is also as good as roaring. The problem is that both require good places for practice. I was lucky that in my town there is a roaring club in the fine lake we have here. I don't need to actually own a boat, I just use the ones in the roaring school.

Besides all of that, once I tried to get rid of my showder pain and a doctor teached me 3 exercises to "lubricate" the showder articulation, so the pain would be more in control. It really helped me to begin cope with this problem. Consists of three exercises with 5 repetitions each, to be done two or three times a day. Movements are very slow:
1) Move your hand in the direction of the opposite showder and touch it, keeping arm in horizontal position. Elbow pointing to the front.
2) Move your hand up in the direction of the center of your back and touch it, arm moving upwards, elbow pointing to the ceiling.
3) Move your hand down, in the direction of the center of your back, arm moving downwards, elbow pointing to the side (like if you'd scratch your back...)
These simple 5 repetitions are really miraculous, it's difficult to believe it works, so simple it is...
I have been not in the need of it recently, but I usually did it for 5 consecutive days and it really worked!
Just that the doctor teached me this because the X-rays didn't show any problem with my showder articulations at that time. If, otherwise, there is any other problem, I think it's better to take care with proper treatment.

Cheers!

[cflutist]

Zevang,

Thanks for the advice. Will give it a try.
Sometimes I think I have too much tension in my body when I play, need to relax more.

[flutego12]

Glad you found your match!
I am really curious - one hears a lot about the EX but not the GX.

[Rossweisse]

Welcome, Flutego12! I am pleased you have joined us.

Ta for your kind words. I have bonded well with my Mura EX and still don't understand the various comments about wildness.

I did not try to GX due, primarily, to financial concerns. Having an all solid silver flute might make a difference in sound but I am willing to be somewhat practical and compromise on a plated body. That being said, I am also interested how the GX compares to the EX. Anyone compared both??

Rossie // yeah, yeah I'll return to oboe immersion soon

[avins]

Zevang, I just wanted to drop in for a sec to say that I listen to you ryoutube recordings form time to time , and I think that regardless of the flute you play your sound is always beautiful and you are IMHO very musical . I also thought from these recordings that I preferred the mura config, which is probably very appropriate to the that period
I'm now contemplating between the mura ex ( which I had in the past) and pearl 765 ,
All the best
Avins

[avins]

Zevang , I also mentioned in another thread, but after more test driving various flutes, The mura E is really an incredible flute especially its articulation potential , and thats with the ordinary HJ .
All the best
Avins

[flutego12]

Welcome, Flutego12! I am pleased you have joined us.

Ta for your kind words. I have bonded well with my Mura EX and still don't understand the various comments about wildness.

I did not try to GX due, primarily, to financial concerns. Having an all solid silver flute might make a difference in sound but I am willing to be somewhat practical and compromise on a plated body. That being said, I am also interested how the GX compares to the EX. Anyone compared both??

Rossie // yeah, yeah I'll return to oboe immersion soon

Hello Rossie, by the sound of it you have found your match. The EX is simply beautiful instrument and you are closer in construction material to the Louis Lots then a full silver version! I'm sure you will get many years enraptured by it

[krzyflutist87]

Hey -- I'm a newbie, as you can see. I have a Yamaha, and I've had the same one for I think 11 years now. It's an open-hole, and the tone is great, but not that pure, professional-sounding tone that I want to have and I know I'm capable of having. (Plus, you can tell it's old just by looking at it). I'm considering getting a new flute, but I'm not exactly loaded right now. I'd be able to save up for one, I suppose. Would a Muramatsu be good? I know Sir James Galway has recommended that brand. Thanks!

[evrmre]

I've tried the muramatsu EX myself, and I'm already saving

That said, what model is your yamaha, and how long since it had a service? If it is an open hole, then I wouldn't think it was a beginners model, so it might just need some TLC to become the flute you're looking for.
Also, if you have others you know who play like you're wanting to sound, then perhaps get them to try your flute out just in case it comes back to different playing styles and techniques. I've just revamped my entire embouchure in the last 6 months, and the tone has really shifted as a result. Before you go looking for a new flute, it would pay to check through these things first...

That being said, I fell in love with the EX within minutes. It has a tone to die for, and an ease of playing that nearly brings you to tears. Not cheap, but one day...

[avins]

Hi evermere , I've just bought the Yamaha 574 , and I think its a great flute and love the sound , it was a difficult contest with the Ex , what made me decide in favor of the Yamaha , was ,firstly I prefered the sound of the 574 with the c foot vz Muramasu c foot( the one with the b foot was better though) and secondly ,I didnt feel the higher price of the mura was worth what it offered, at least with the samples I could try out
All the best

[avins]

Hi evermere , I've just bought the Yamaha 574 , and I think its a great flute and love the sound , it was a difficult contest with the Ex , what made me decide in favor of the Yamaha , was ,firstly I prefered the sound of the 574 with the c foot vz Muramasu c foot( the one with the b foot was better though) and secondly ,I didnt feel the higher price of the mura was worth what it offered, at least with the samples I could try out
All the best

[krzyflutist87]

I've tried the muramatsu EX myself, and I'm already saving

That said, what model is your yamaha, and how long since it had a service? If it is an open hole, then I wouldn't think it was a beginners model, so it might just need some TLC to become the flute you're looking for.
Also, if you have others you know who play like you're wanting to sound, then perhaps get them to try your flute out just in case it comes back to different playing styles and techniques. I've just revamped my entire embouchure in the last 6 months, and the tone has really shifted as a result. Before you go looking for a new flute, it would pay to check through these things first...

That being said, I fell in love with the EX within minutes. It has a tone to die for, and an ease of playing that nearly brings you to tears. Not cheap, but one day...

Thanks for the tips! Yeah, that's out of my price range at the moment too, but it looks great. I have a Yamaha 461 (silver); I had it serviced about a year ago. I'm too wimpy to actually go ahead and ask someone to test out my flute, but maybe I'll first experiment with my embouchure. I do envy that professional sound that some people have, and it may be because they have better instruments. Mostly, I just want to eliminate that fuzzy sound, you know? Lately, my flute has been filling up with spit quite frequently, especially when I use fast tonguing. It's a pain to have to keep cleaning it out. I know it's not me, because it doesn't do it when I play picc.

[evrmre]

Hi evermere , I've just bought the Yamaha 574 , and I think its a great flute and love the sound , it was a difficult contest with the Ex , what made me decide in favor of the Yamaha , was ,firstly I prefered the sound of the 574 with the c foot vz Muramasu c foot( the one with the b foot was better though) and secondly ,I didnt feel the higher price of the mura was worth what it offered, at least with the samples I could try out
All the best

Everyone's different when it comes to flutes, I've noticed. The EX I tried was a B foot also. I've not really been impressed by the yamahas I've tried, though I haven't come across a 574 that I could try, so I can't really compare. But most yamahas I've tried have felt weak and empty toned, despite them having a very good rep in the flute world. I actually chose a gemeinhardt over a yamaha when I last upgraded (a 471 vs. a 3B ltd edition), largely based on the tonal qualities.

The EX, however, is the first flute I've tried that I'm in full agreement with so many others who play: it is just that good. Not cheap, sadly, but the quality was so much above my current one that I consider the $ to be a fair price...