Ah Kippsix! So it emerges that you have hidden expertise in generalising looks?

Way, way outside my field. While working on Altus I did not even notice its `look`, only its function.

I have a Altus 907. I have been playing about 30 years and have had played many makes over those years. My Altus is the best I have played so far. It has not been adjusted in a year and plays with ease to bottom C, with a light touch. Mine is built exstremely well and all the holes in the open keys are round, with not a file mark in site.Yes the pads are thin and hard but this flute being so well made means they seal with a light touch.
I would say to anyone, give one a blow and then make up your own mind.

Sorry Arak, I was referring to the Matit flute that Piko referenced: (http://www.matitflutes.com).

I don`t think I could have made a design comment about Altus flutes! That would definitely be way out of MY realm!

I`ve played an altus for years and never had a repair problem until now (11 years later) and its is only a cork that fell off. Otherwise this flute has a tone that is dark and lovely! I wouldn`t trade it for anything!!!!!!!!!

My flute teacher plays a 1307 and loves it. I cannot say the same. I`ve played an 1107 and 1707 and found them both to be too bright for me. I kept referring to the sound as "shrill", my teacher "bright". Perhaps it was my embouchure or something, however, when I switched to a muramatsu, the tone was immediately darker and MUCH richer. Everyone wonders how I improved so quickly!

Every player has there favourite make, mine at present is my Altus. Not everyone has the time or money to try every make, model and combination of headjoint on the market. If a make works well for you then it is a good flute, the whole thing is subjective.

Have a look at this, I think a lot is down to price and what teachers tell students to buy.

http://www.larrykrantz.com/survey2.htm

Muramatsu may sound dark to some, but they sound very muddy to me and have no projectional at all. (At least all the silver ones that I have tried don`t.) I wonder what the big thig is about them anyway? I think it has a lot to do that Galway plays on one, so all the kids are running out and buying one. Me thinks that that is pathetic!

"Dark" and "muddy" are the last words that I, personally, would use to describe even the basic models of Muramatsu, EX and GX.
Perhaps it depends on the player.

However I have an old-model head of a top Muramatsu model which I find quite disappointing.