E mechanism in Alto flutes

[Chamel]

Dear all,

I have been testing Trevor James alto flute (performer series). It is very easy to play (even for me, testing first time an alto flute) http://trevorjamesflutes.com/products/a ... altoflutes

Only two thing are bothering me, before buying it:

1) it does not have e-mechanism. Does anyone have experience about e-mechanism in alto flutes? Is it useful?
2) Pearl alto has full silver head-joint and has same price as Trevor James (http://www.pearlflutes.com/alto.html). Is the silver head join making the sound better that of TrevorJ?

[fluteguy18]

I've never seen a split e on an alto. That's not to say they don't exist, but rather I haven't seen one. As to the solid silver.... it's hard to say. You're comparing two completely different instruments (make and model). If they were the same (both Trevor James) then you could argue it either way. If the craftsmanship was completely identical then many would argue in favor of the solid silver. That being said however, no two flutes are completely identical (even if specifications are the same) because they're all going to have microscopic differences.

But because you're comparing two completely different brands it's like saying: 'Which is better? An apple or an orange?' Many times I've heard a plated version of one brand sound better for an individual than a solid version of another. And vice versa.

Every player is different and has personal preferences. Get what you like the best because you can't go wrong with either of these flutes. In the wise words of Phineas: 'Just play the dang thing!'

[Chamel]

I've never seen a split e on an alto. That's not to say they don't exist, but rather I haven't seen one. As to the solid silver.... it's hard to say. You're comparing two completely different instruments (make and model). If they were the same (both Trevor James) then you could argue it either way. If the craftsmanship was completely identical then many would argue in favor of the solid silver. That being said however, no two flutes are completely identical (even if specifications are the same) because they're all going to have microscopic differences.

But because you're comparing two completely different brands it's like saying: 'Which is better? An apple or an orange?' Many times I've heard a plated version of one brand sound better for an individual than a solid version of another. And vice versa.

Every player is different and has personal preferences. Get what you like the best because you can't go wrong with either of these flutes. In the wise words of Phineas: 'Just play the dang thing!'

Thanks fluteguy18,

Your answer gives perspective for the "problem" I have. Regarding to the TJ alto, it might be a case of "Love at first sight".
Cheers, Chamel

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[Linda L]

Just wanted to say that split E's do exist in the alto world. My Altus alto has that feature, but, then again, it cost close to three times what a Pearl or Trevor James alto does. The split E feature is nice, but hardly a necessity.
I agree with the advice of picking the instrument that works the best for you (in your price range). I have a Pearl bass, which I chose over several more expensive models.