Mateki flute

[MissyHPhoenix]

There are a couple of threads that are years old about Mateki flutes. Does anybody have any current opinions on these flutes? Do you have one and/or played on one? How do they perform and hold up?

Thanks!

[Phineas]

Missy

Remember me when you open up your flute dealership!

I tried out an Mateki MO-061 when I was in Japan. It is a good flute, I just did not prefer the headjoint. I did not know you could get those in the states without special order.

Over all, it was along the lines of a Yamaha, Sankyo, Miyazawa, Muramatsu, Pearl(Japanese) etc....

Remember, when you open your dealership, I get the "BIG PHIN" Discount...LOL

Phineas

[MissyHPhoenix]

Will do, Phineas!

I'm just always looking at the unique flutes, the ones I've never heard of before. Never know when I'll get a wild hair and decide that I have to have one ....

I'm still trying the altos. I'll let you know what I decide on.

[Emmyflute]

Hi, I know this post came up some time ago. However, I tried a Mateki 5 at my flute lesson on Monday and thought I would share my thoughts. The Mateki was solid silver with drawn tone holes. This was the only Mateki flute I have ever played. Having said that, I must confess that I hated it! The right hand keys were not finished correctly. The inside of the key holes still had an edge so the flute was uncomfortable to play. The middle register notes were stuffy. The low notes were fine but I could get a much more powerful sound from the Haynes Q4 I played at an earlier lesson. The higher notes were nice and clear. My music store wanted 9,000 dollars for that flute. They want 7,000 dollars for the Haynes Q4. The Haynes Q4 is a much better flute!! Please bear in mind that I only tried one Mateki and I am sure it is not fare to judge an entire flute brand by one experience. However, I am hoping to buy a solid silver flute next summer and that experience makes me want to rule out a Mateki flute.

[StephenC]

Hi, I know this post came up some time ago. However, I tried a Mateki 5 at my flute music lesson on Monday and thought I would share my thoughts. The Mateki was solid silver with drawn tone holes. This was the only Mateki flute I have ever played. Having said that, I must confess that I hated it! The right hand keys were not finished correctly. The inside of the key holes still had an edge so the flute was uncomfortable to play. The middle register notes were stuffy. The low notes were fine but I could get a much more powerful sound from the Haynes Q4 I played at an earlier lesson. The higher notes were nice and clear. My music store wanted 9,000 dollars for that flute. They want 7,000 dollars for the Haynes Q4. The Haynes Q4 is a much better flute!! Please bear in mind that I only tried one Mateki and I am sure it is not fare to judge an entire flute brand by one experience. However, I am hoping to buy a solid silver flute next summer and that experience makes me want to rule out a Mateki flute.

^ +1.

Honestly, I will never choose Mateki again. I guess if I had no choice in the matter and HAD to choose one, I would choose the Miyazawa. I would go for Powell or Haynes too.

[JButky]

The Mateki's are fine flutes. I have a couple repair customers that own them and love them. Construction is good and playability preference belongs specifically to the person playing it. It does not necessarily transfer to any other player.

This brings me to a pet peeve of mine. Please separate a good sound construction and design of a flute from your personal preferences. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean the next person won't adore absolutely adore it.

There are many excellent flutes out there that are of fine construction but I personally don't care for the way they play for me, but that doesn't mean someone else will not love them and be a match made in heaven for someone else. It's strictly a personal personal preference and the manner in which people condemn a brand because of their unique personal preference is quite deplorable. So please separate the difference between your player's preference and the quality of a flute.

[StephenC]

The Mateki's are fine flutes. I have a couple repair customers that own them and love them. Construction is good and playability preference belongs specifically to the person playing it. It does not necessarily transfer to any other player.

This brings me to a pet peeve of mine. Please separate a good sound construction and design of a flute from your personal preferences. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean the next person won't adore absolutely adore it.

There are many excellent flutes out there that are of fine construction but I personally don't care for the way they play for me, but that doesn't mean someone else will not love them and be a match made in heaven for someone else. It's strictly a personal personal preference and the manner in which people condemn a brand because of their unique personal preference is quite deplorable. So please separate the difference between your player's preference and the quality of a flute.

Fair point. Well in my defense, what I said is just my personal preference so don't rely on them. Best thing you can do is try one in a music store so that you'll know if Mateki flute is the right instrument.

[cflutist]

There was a lady who played a Mateki in a flute masterclass I attended and she sounded wonderful. She told me that had she bought that flute from another member in the class who had just bought a Platinum Clad Muramatsu.

[boonedoggle]

About ten years ago, I ordered a Mateki flute. I was thrilled when I got it, but after a year of use, I decided to sell it. Beautiful instrument, but I found that I easily over-powered it. I would describe my style as being a clear, strong and dramatic tone, and I found myself getting frustrated with this instrument's ability to manage and enhance that. Of course I could have adjusted my style of playing to the flute, but I was unwilling to do that. I still have an extra S. Watanbe head joint; haven't used it for ten years and it is literally brand new, gorgeous. I think it's time to part with it!