Azumi or Pearl

[Tolleybrother]

So, I want to sort myself out with a better flute. I have been trying out the Azumi AZ S2E and a Pearl Dolce 695 with a forza head.

I don't know very much about flutes at all but I find the Azumi fits wonderfully under my fingers and is very clear the higher I play but with the
Pearl I get a much fuller sound.

Now, I'm sure that with good technique etc I will be able to make a fuller sound on the Azumi but does anyone have any advice as to which is a better flute?

I am a sax player really but have started playing the flute over the last year.

Any advice would be very helpful indeed.

Thanks

Ben

[fluteguy18]

At the end of the day they're comparable to my understanding. All that really matters is that you get the flute that you like the best. I personally would go with whatever flute gives you the best sound and gives you the most room for growth. Sometimes that just means your best potential sound instead of best initial sound. Joe here is one of our resident techs and he has worked for both Pearl and Altus so he should be able to give you a rock solid comparison.

[Phineas]

Play on it. See how they feel to you. Either one could potentially be a good choice.

From a preference stand point, I would go with the Pearl. The mechanism on the keys just feels better to me than the Azumi(s) I have played on. IMHO, if you like Altus flutes, buy a REAL Altus instead of the hybrid Azumi models.

Let me explain.....

Hybrid is just a term I use for flutes that have Hand finished/pro headjoint, put on what is suppose to be an intermediate body. Brands like Brio(Gemeinhardt), Amadeus(Haynes), Azumi(Altus), and Sonare(Powell) are a few brands that do this. The idea is to give you an upgrade path. My problem is not the quality over all, but the idea of putting a pro headjoint on an often mediocre body/mechanism and selling it as a new flute. This would be fine with me if...

1. You had an old flute, and you were upgrading to headjoint.
2. If they did not want so much money for these things.

For the same money, you can often get a flute with a decent headjoint, and a good feeling mechanism. Or, for a little more money, you can get a used pro model.

Again, your mileage may vary. I know players that are happy with both of these flutes. I am just expressing my opinion.

Joe here is one of our resident techs and he has worked for both Pearl and Altus so he should be able to give you a rock solid comparison.

Yep, I am probably going to be in trouble for this one...LOL

Phineas

[JButky]

Phineas... NOW you've gone and done it

Seriously. Both are in the same category but are quite different in both the way they feel and play. It really comes down to personal preference. Pick what you like..

[Tolleybrother]

Thanks for the advice. Ive been playing them both over the last few days and even though I feel more dexterous on the Azumi I suspect that I should go with the fatter sound of the Pearl. I'm sure I will get used to its higher set up.

Thanks once again.

B