Muramatsu DS or Miyazawa 402

[amir]

Hi,

I want to upgrade my flute from an intermediate yamaha flute to a professional one. I have searched for used flutes and I have found two good options, but unfortunately both are in different cities than where I live. The person with Muramatsu ds-rci is selling it for 3200 euro which seems a good price but a little high for me while Miyazawa pa 402 is being sold for 1850 euro (i know it is a less professional flute but it costs much less respect to muramatsu). The both owners say these flutes are in good condition. Next week i will go to try the muramatsu, but since the miyazawa is so far from the place i live i can not try it. I know muramatsu ds is a superior flute (and it has also silver keys) but since the prices are different I wanted to know Which of the two flutes are being sold with more fair price? and do you think it is worth to pay 1450 euro more for having muramatsu ds-rci instead of miyazawa pa 402?

Thanks,
Amir

[fluteguy18]

I think that there are MANY people who would disagree with your opinion of which is a more 'superior' flute. Both are made extremely well and at this price point it's a matter of opinion, and making wise purchases. I do however feel that spending this much money without trying it first would be an unwise gamble. But I staunchly disagree that the general opinion is that Muramatsu is better than Miyazawa. They both have advantages and disadvantages.

[amir]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't mean that Muramatsu is better than Miyazawa, I meant specificly Muramatsu Ds model maybe is superior to Miyazawa 402 model, at least in term of cost, a new Muramatsu Ds costs about 50% more than Miyazawa 402 and it is completly made of solid silver (including keys). I wanted to have idea of how fair are the offered prices of two flutes.
This weekend I will go to milan (which is 2 hours from the place I live) to try the Muramatsu flute but it is not possible for me to try Miyazawa flute, but the owner has sent me a video and some photos.

Amir

[fluteguy18]

See, this is the fallacy of sterling keywork. Solid keywork is really nice to work with as a technician because it can be cleaned up cosmetically without any risk. But mechanically, silver is a tenacious metal that is unfriendly to wear and tear. It's soft. It's gummy. That's where plated keywork has its moment to shine. True, the plating will come off and it will not be as beautiful to look at. But nickel silver is very hard by comparison and wears quite differently. So silver keywork is not necessarily better, and some would argue that it's mechanically inferior (Oboes, clarinets, saxes.. all plated keywork). It's just different. And more expensive due to raw materials prices alone.

Since you can't try the miyazawa, I would not consider it any further. But it would be remiss to overlook flute dealers in your area that carry used inventory.

[SylvreKat]

First, I don't see the big point of having silver keys rather than plated. Unless your skin is particularly acidic, it won't make any sound difference.

Next, I did some Googling for you. Seems like the Mura's tone is much mellower and darker than the Miya's. But also that the Miya's head joint is designed a bit different as I read of quite a few not liking it.

Finally, have you contacted any dealers to see if they'll send you that same model Miya to test-drive? I know you'll have to "pay" beforehand, but it's not actually charged 'til you buy (or shouldn't be). That way you can see how YOU like that model Miya, compared to the Mura. Yes, the used one won't be exactly the same. But it should be similar enough to let you know if you like it the same as the Mura (then pick the cheaper one), love it more than the Mura (then buy it, duh ), or hate it (buy the Mura, also duh )

I agree with fluteguy that spending this much on a completely untried flute isn't the best way to go. Please do contact some dealers and try the Miya.

>'Kat

[Phineas]

Material/Brand means nothing. Design and playability for the player means everything.

If you like a flute, it is of good quality and you can afford it....get it.

Phineas