Well, I've completely decided that I like flute WAY better than saxophone. I thought about it and decided that I sound better on flute, all my money goes towards flute stuff(music, REPAIRS, etc. lol), and I just all around like it better than any other instrument! Ever since I picked up the flute in January of this year I've progressed on it greatly, and I can't believe my teacher is letting me do the Chaminade! Instead of a brand new alto saxophone as a new pro instrument I'm going to get a used Muramatsu EX(Open hole, inline G, low B, wing lip) from their website, about $2,300. But this will last me through college, right? I think I'm making the right decision. Just wanted to formally announce my dedication to fluting, as I know choose to call it my "primary instrument".
I LOVE FLUTE!!!!

Sorry for the outburst!

-Raymond


<Added>

KNOW choose to call it=NOW choose to call it.

Congrats and welcome to the dark side! lol!
You definitely want to try out that flute before you make a definite decision as the wing lip isn't for every one. You could always change headjoint later on if it doesn't work out too. Have you had a look to see what winds101 has? She usually has like new flutes for really good prices. I LOVE my EX, but I still prefer the sound that I get out of my Powell. Of course the EX will get you through college. It is built just like the top of the line Muramatsu flutes, but less silver content. I even love the headjoint on mine and I know many people don't care for Muramatsu heads. I didn't care for the one that came on my previous DS, but the one on my EX is wonderful! So they vary like any handmade headjoint will. If I could part with mine, I would sell it to you because I know you would love it. Mechanically that flute is sound! Good luck and if you have any questions at all, you know where I am.

Be careful about inline G, check previous threads here about it.

I currently play on an inline flute and prefer it over the offset models. It just feels more natural to me. I will of course, be testing the EX before purchase, and I think I will like the wing lip. I am looking forward to trying a higher quality flute.

"Be careful about inline G, check previous threads here about it. "
Hmmmm... I've been playing a few of them since 1973 and none of them have bitten me.

I find that with the inline G, If I place the back of my hand vertically, the balance and control of the flute is very good.
Why, I think that Sir James Galway has even been a user of this inline G for a few years. He seems to manage. A most recent view of his playing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ7vBIe1K_0

I agree with Bilbo, I have played both with no problems, and I have small hands

Hi Raymond,
also...you know you are a flute player because you are constantly trying to upgrade your instrument to something better. Now if we can only get you to remove these three letter in succession: "S" "A" and "X" from anything that you write at a flute forum THEN you will be fully transformed over to "the dark side." j/k.

As for whether the Mura EX will last you through college? Maybe, maybe not. You may be bitten by the latest trend in new models and you may just have to buy another flute. Then again, you may get attached to your instrument. It's a good flute though. and remember that your playing and your sound is 95% you and 5% the flute.

the Chaminade! great! work on those scales and arpeggios well.

good comment as usual Bilbo, I know a guy here in NYC who went through many flutes over a 2 year period, drove himself crazy, now he plays a Haynes closed hole c foot from 1927

It just seems like there is such a huge difference in sound when comparing a Gemeinhardt to say...a Muramatsu! If the player is good. And it seems to everyone that you won't get the fullest sound out of a gem then if it were sme fancy handmade flute.

Hi Patrick,
My Teacher is playing on a very thinwall Haynes that was around the group made for Laurent way back in either the 40s or earlier. He gets a great sound but it takes some work.

If you don't have any issues with the inline G then go for it.

When I was younger and played the flute the first time around, all that I played was an inline flute.

I took a 25 year break and now I am back at flute. The inline position feels more natural, but it is causing me a lot of pain. I went out and bought an offset flute and my pain went away but I am still trying to get used to the key positions. I know that it will come to me over time. I have only had this flute for about 3 months.

You can get an inline flute for a good price.

Play what you are most comfortable on.

Bilbo

Mine is just after that period, from 1951, so it is light yet has a full tone, the original head was pretty poor though/

His is one of the .010 ones.

You don't happen to know what mandrel was used on your original head do you?

don't give up on your other instruments, doublers, good ones, do very well...

How true Patrick.
They have an easier time getting musicals and dance band gigs. Dance bands can be cool and musicals are great fun to play.