Muramatsu EX and Azumi 3000

[cebrul]

Hello! I recently got back to playing my flute and am looking to potentially upgrade to a "forever" flute (I don't plan to play professionally). I currently own a buffet 228 student flute and I think it's time for me to upgrade to something better. I tried the Muramatsu EX and the Azumi 2000* in store the other day and I enjoyed them both. I've been looking at reviews in the forums and on youtube and there seems to be an overwhelming response to the quality of Muramatsu. I am just curious about the necessity of the C# trill key. I've read online that it really isn't necessary, but in the later stages of flute playing, it can be very beneficial. The Azumi 3000 has the C# trill key but the MuraEx doesn't - I will go by the music shop in the future to try them both out again, but is the craftsmanship/reliability/quality of the Muramatsu worth the CAD$1,580.00 difference? Based on your experience

I mean of course I will test them out again to feel out what's best, but I am curious about advancing in the flute without the C# trill key if I pick the Muramatsu. Also I guess the split E mechanism is also a difference.

Specs:
Azumi 3000 - CAD$3,695.00
- Altus-Bennet Scale
- .925 Sterling Silver Headjoint (Altus Z-Cut) and Body
- SP-1 Spring System (Proprietary Alloy)
- High C Facilitator
- B foot
- Offset G
- Split E
- C# Trill Key

Muramatsu EX - CAD$5,275.00
- Solid Silver Head Joint
- Silver Clad Body and Keys
- Open hole
- B foot
- Offset G
- with Tsubasa head joint (CAD$5,725.00)

[pied_piper]

The Muramatsu GX also has a Split-E that you didn't list. Both are good flutes. I play a Muramatsu AD and love it. Regarding the C# trill, it will neither help nor hinder advancing your flute skills. The C# trill provides some alternate fingerings. That's it. In a few cases, the C# trill can make a few trills a little easier, but it is not essential. Many of the worlds most famous flutists like Jean Pierre Rampal did not have a C# trill. He also did not have a split-e or low B on his flute. He was an amazing artist. I do not have a split-e nor a C# trill and I play at a very advanced level.

Both of those flutes are fine, reputable instruments. In comparison, they each have pros and cons. Bottom line, play them both and choose the one that feels right and that you sound best playing.