Hi all,

This is my first post in the forum and I seek your opinions on specific Japanese flutes.
What would you prefer between Altus 1707, Miyazawa Type II Muramatsu SR and Mateki 06?
I know that I should play each one and I am planning to do that. However, it would be great if you can share some impressions if you have experience with these instruments.

Cheers.

I like Muramatsu and Miyazawa.

Welcome to the board!

Of the models you listed, I only have played the Altus. I thought it was an excellent flute and I have nothing bad to say about it. I have a Muramatsu GX that I think is a supurb flute, but I don't know how it compares to the Muramatsu SR you referred to. In general, Muramatsu flutes certainly have a good reputation. (Of course, I'll admit to possibly being just a wee bit prejudiced!

see if you can try them blindfolded, also try them in a room with good accoustics as well as a very dry room...see what feels best..

Thanks all for replies.

Allieanie what's the prob with Muramatsu headjoints? I 've never heard complaints about that. Can you please elabolare?

theyre nice headjoints, but the cut is pretty standard and there isnt much variety (ex: miyazawa). it would be nice to see muramatsu offer a different cut of headjoint, especially a more modern cut. the tone that muramatsus are associated with are the old-school sounds. which is nice, dont get me wrong, but when you need to play a crisp, breezy passage in the low register (i had problems with a muddy low register with mine), i think that a head with a more square cut would be a more optimal choice.

mechanically, i think the muramatsu is one of the most sound flutes out there.

perhaps we can petition to muramatsu in japan to make them come up with another type of headjoint. it would be nice to have options.

Thank you all for the info. I will play some flutes and decide in the forthcoming month. I will let you know of my choice.

Muramatsu does have another model headjoint known as the Tsubasa head joint. It has "wings" that help to focus the sound and make the low and high register easier to play.

See the picture at http://www.muramatsu-america.com/images/Accessories/Tsubasa.png

Looks like a gimmick as good headjoints can be found that don't have it.

Muramatsu are very nice bodies. A lot of people have eventually gone the custom headjoint route anyways, so the main focus at the upper end should be on the body, IMO - it's unlikely that you'll keep the stock headjoint forever.

i mean a completely different cut. i dont like that headjoint, but i dont like wings. i like how miyazawa has many different cuts and i think muramatsu should also adapt that idea. or at least one other.

i play out of the side of my mouth. it has an effect on my tone and its not necessarily a good one.

a question regarding the original topic: is there any particular reson why you are searching for a flute with soldered tone holes or is that just a coincidence?

Nope! people keep telling me that soldered toneholes are a must if you are going to have a flute at this price range.

ive never noticed a difference between the two except a higher price tag. one is easier to have straubinger pads put on them (soldered) but i dont like straubingers anyway. i think perhaps if youre really serious about flute dont limit yourself to just soldered tone holes. you may find the flute of your dreams with drawns.

Interesting. To tell you the truth, I haven't noticed something different in the tone when I tested some soldered tonehole flutes. I'll keep that in mind because the price dif is pretty big.

some makers only make their flutes with soldered tone holes. ive noticed that to be extremely common with the american makers over the japanese makers. theyve been coming out with a "lower line" for less money without the soldered.

brannen vs. millenium series
burkart vs. burkart&phelan
powell vs. conservatory

yeah, you get the point.

and out of the flutes you listed, id still go with the muramatsu. i own one (the ds) and i absolutely love it. i do have a lillian burkart headjoint now instead of the standard one that came with it. ive never had any problems with it. in fact, i havent even taken it in for so much as a coa since ive owned it and ive owned it for almost 5 years. i definitely need to do that soon... i will say that im getting a leak in it now, but after 5 years of no tech touching it, i think its in great shape.
i almost bought a miyazawa when flute shopping. my sister owns one right now (parents just bought her one). she sounds great on it. but to be honest, she sounds much better on my flute.