The Muramatsu scale. Older and newer flutes

[vampav8trix]

I am about to buy a used flute.

I love Muramatsu flutes. I have an EXIII and I love it above all other flutes I have owned, Powell and an Amadeus.

I am trying to find a good used flute.

Did Muramatsu change the scale on their flutes when they went from the AD model to the DN?

I am wondering how different the scale would be on an older AD flute then my more modern EX. I need to keep my EX as a back up flute but I want an all silver flute. I like the sound of a silver flute better. I can tell a difference when I play my plated flute and then I put my same headjoint on a solid silver flute. My Amadeus and my Armstrong have a less harsh sound then my Muramatsu. When I have tried the new Muramatsu's in the store, they too sounded and less harsh. I can get an amazing full sound out of the Muramatsu flutes and I have spent several years working on my intonation. I am used to the scale.

I travel a lot and I have to take my back up flute on the road. Some months, I play my back up flute more than my primary flute. I don't want to be going back and forth between two completely different scales. (Does this make sense?)

My Amadeus has been my back up flute. The low end is not as flat as the Muramatsu. I went to my flute lesson and played the Amadeus and my instructor observed that my notes below C2 were very sharp. I was having a hard time with the entire scale. Usually I bring my Muramatsu to my lesson, but I had to go to work so I didn't want to bring an expensive flute with me.

I have never had the chance to play an older Muramatsu and a newer Muramatsu side by side. I am hoping someone here has. Any knowledge is appreciated. I am hoping to save a little money on shipping by narrowing down my choices before I send for flutes.

Thanks

[msalamon]

I'll check with Ervin and see if I can get you an answer.

[Zevang]

Well, I guess I just fit in the situation!

For 16 years I played on a really old all silver Muramatsu Standart model (1970's), with a Tudrey headjoint. Maybe it's a little older than the scope of your research. This flute used to take my energy away because of the hard work I had to do to tune with the other woodwinds at the orchestra (I started in 1989).
It's funny, because I had also to work a lot to get a good tone from that flute.

After that, some 3 to 4 years ago, I presented myself with a used gold Sankyo flute, constructed in 1995. I just couldn't believe how easy it was to tune and to get a vibrant, projecting and beautiful tone with this one.

As my old Muramatsu got really old, it was clear I'd need a new backup flute. My choice? Muramatsu EX-III, which I bought two years ago.

I can say to you that I was even more surprised with the results and the comfort on playing this flute. It's much lighter than the sankyo (since it's silver plated, only headjoint all silver). I can clearly feel that it indeed has an enhanced scale, if compared to my Sankyo, and the difference is huge if I put the old Muramatsu into consideration.

My answer to you is yes! There are many differences the makers introduce from time to time based on constant researches (and inputs from flutists) they do to improve the "quality" of scales and many other items that result in more comfort to play, tune, get a better tone, and so on. It's said that the EX-III has a newer scale than the EX-II, being one of the most important differences between these models. That's the reason I opted in purchasing a new EX-III (with a little more time for savings) over a nice used EX-II model that was available from Muramatsu America.

Note though that we talk much about this or that scale, but it's a very personal experience. I really did not play out of tune when I had the old Mura, but now I can play more relaxed because the work to do is smaller. Neither did play out of tune the old european flutists with their old, almost without keys, wooden flutes, many years before Theobald Bohm brought us his genius.

If you want this Muramatsu you said, experimented and liked it, and find it to be in great condition, it's not the scale that will keep you apart from playing well. It's just the way you adapt to it that will do the trick.

Good luck

[vampav8trix]

Thanks Zevang.

I will be going back and forth almost constantly between the two flutes. I have only been playing for about 4 years and it's a little harder for me to make quick adjustments to play the flute in tune.

I was playing my old Armstrong this afternoon and it was a lot of work. Not enjoyable at all.

I guess I will try to find a newer flute.

[msalamon]

Well, I guess I just fit in the situation!



My answer to you is yes! It's said that the EX-III has a newer scale than the EX-II, being one of the most important differences between these models. That's the reason I opted in purchasing a new EX-III (with a little more time for savings) over a nice used EX-II model that was available from Muramatsu America.

Actually, according to Valerie at Muramatsu, they have not changed the scale since 1981.

"Dear Matt,

Muramatsu Inc. has not changed the scale on their instruments since 1981, so the short answer is that the EX and AD have the same scale.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

Valerie at Muramatsu America"

[vampav8trix]

Thanks Matt for taking the time to research this for me.

"Dear Matt,

Muramatsu Inc. has not changed the scale on their instruments since 1981, so the short answer is that the EX and AD have the same scale.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

Valerie at Muramatsu America"

I was wondering about that. I was planning on trying some of the older ones anyway. Yours being one of them because you live so close.

[Zevang]

Funny that she told that... I reproduce below one of the earliests emails I received from Valerie before I decided to purchase a new EX-III. Take a look at the 4th paragraph...



"Dear Jose,

Thank you for your inquiry.

EX#50318 has been sold. We do have another one, EX#6046 (mfg. 1992). It is an open hole, Bfoot flute with inline G.
The owner (consignor) is asking $1950.00 for this flute. It is in very good condition.
What is your price range...we have a couple of other used Muramatsu flutes that have just come into the office.
There is a GX model, open hole, Bfoot, Split E mechanism, offset G for $5150.00 (this flute is two years old), and there is an AD model, open hole, Bfoot, heavy wall, inline G for $4000.00 (this flute was mfg in 1985).

You may also want to consider a new EX model ($3550.00), as you will then be upgrading to the most current scale, mechanism, technology, etc.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our office at 248-540-6424 (EST), or via email.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Valerie at Muramatsu America
On Apr 14, 2009, at 5:17 PM, Jose Silva Jr. wrote:

Hi,

I've seen at your web site a flute that interests me:
EX #50318 Open Hole, BFoot, inline, wing lip $2,250.00
Do you still have it for sale?
What is the condition of this flute?

I own a Standard Muramatsu (#13532) and think this is a good alternative (since I cannot afford a brand new right now) for continuing playing with your brand.

thanks a lot,

Jose Evangelista"

[msalamon]

Most interesting!--I'll be checking with Valerie and let you know what she says...

[msalamon]

I have an answer! So, Jose, the flute that you originally had - the 13532- was actually manufactured in the mid 70's--PRE 1981---- so that means that Valerie was right in saying that if you bought an EX (or any other model made after 1981) you would be upgrading the scale-since your flute was made before 1981.

But after 1981 and ever since, all Murumatsu flutes have been created with the same scale. They have not changed the scale at all since 1981.


My AD # 60269, was made in 2001, so it has the same updated scale as any other Murumatsu model (GX, EX, ect.) made after 1981

[Zevang]

Well, It could really be understood that way, I admit. But what came into my mind was that she was comparing the used EX-II (which I originally wanted to buy and unfortunately was sold) with a new EX-III. For me the idea was that the EX-III would have a newer scale than the EX-II I intended to buy. By the way, in the same post she offered another EX-II a bit older (built 1992)... I may have misunderstood though. Thanks for making things clear

Well, fact is that I'm veeeery happy with my new EX-III. And as I stated above, it really made a huge difference if compared to my old pre-1981 standart model Mura. That's what really counts in my particular case.

And yes! You're about your AD. It's really worth a try. Hope you like it, because Muramatsu flutes are instruments for a life, IMHO.