Flute Workshop - Some Observations

[Konstantin]

Below, I have shown some of my observations. They are not meant as questions, only my own observations and opinions.

I have been playing flute for about four years. I play rather well for a typical community band player, but not to the ability of many people on this forum. I will probably never become a really good player. I only play for fun, and practice a few times per week.

I attened a workshop yesterday presented by the Arizona Flute Society with guest artist, Ervin Monroe. As expected, Mr. Monroe was magnificient, and a nice guy as well.

There were some Muramatsu flutes on display, and for sale. I have a Yamaha 684, which I consider good quality, but not top of the line.

Yesterday, I played two alto flutes, and enjoyed them very much. This may be my next large purchase. I play in our small church quite often, and with some transposing, could easily include some alto flute playing in church. I loved the low sounds. Although I probably differ from most flute players, I do not intend to ever buy a piccolo, or play one. They are too screachy!

I also played two Muramatsu C-flutes. I do not know which models, I just played the ones that were available. One was for sale for $8,000. I did not like it. I had trouble getting a nice tone out of it. The other was for sale for $20,000. This flute seemed to play well. However, I don't think the tone, nor the feel of playing it was any better than my Yamaha. I do not intend to put-down Muramatsu flutes with these comments. If I were a better player, I am sure I would have noticed the difference. This was a happy reminder that my Yamaha fits me just fine. As of now, I have no intention of ever replacing it with something better.

If any of you have any comments on this, I would like to read them.

Thank you
Dean

[fluttiegurl]

Dean,

When a student comes to me and says that he/she wants to upgrade to something very expensive, the first thing I do is test them to see if they really can tell/make a difference playing a high end flute. The truth is, only a very small population of flute players will ever have the opportunity to see all of the benefits of playing an expensive flute. I have seen many players spend the money on flutes they they rarely play. If you are happy with yours, congratulations. You are certainly on the right track. If the times comes when you notice a considerable difference or you feel that your flute is limiting you, it is fine to change your mind.

On the other hand, flutes in general will play differently for different players. Just some food for thought.

[Phineas]

Dean

Its called "Cost justification". If you are making $50000+ a year playing flute, then a $20000 dollar flute would be an investment. If you are playing for free, a $20000 flute is an expensive toy. If you have that kind of money to spend ONE toy, got for it!

From my experience, once you get over $2000 for a flute, the differences are very small between models. For example, there is a far bigger difference between a $1000 and a $2000 flute than a $2000 flute and an $8000 flute.

As far a Muramatsu flutes, you have to play on it for awhile before you can get a nice tone out of it. That is just how theire headjoints are cut.

Phineas

[pied_piper]

As far a Muramatsu flutes, you have to play on it for awhile before you can get a nice tone out of it. That is just how theire headjoints are cut.Phineas

That just goes to show how different we all are. When I was shopping for a new flute, I tried different models from Powell, Pearl, Miyazawa, and Muramatsu. I was able to play the Muramatsu and get a great tone immediately. In my case, I thought it sounded much better than all the others and so did an unbiased listener that came along to help me. That's why I bought a Muramatsu. So, it would seem to validate what has been said here many times before: What works for me, may not work for you and vice-versa...