I am very surprised that you don't like the donut on your flute! I had one installed on my Muramatsu DS and I love it! But when I had it put in a couple of years ago, I remember the dude told me that some people just don't get along with them. Weird, huh?

I've never had a problem with cracking of notes, unless it's a personal issue (which I'm sure we all have...). Flute plays well, except for the overhaul it desperately needs.

p.s. I found that I perform better on a Japanese flute rather than an American flute. What is ever more strange, I prefer a Japanese flute with an American head. If I do the ol' switcheroo and put a Japanese head on an American flute, I sound like a dying calf. Ok, it's not that bad, but the intonation is absolutely ridiculous and having clear, strong, definite octaves is quite a challenge. I notice a lot of resistance that I'm not so sure I'm fond of.

It's all a matter of taste!

I had a donut installed in my Muramatsu DS when I purchased it, but don't notice any difference at all. My embouchure isn't what it used to be, so I still have problems going to/from high E and third octave A. I know it's my embouchure since I also sometimes have trouble with high F#. I don't have time to practice as often as I would like.

Mbrown, did you get the circular platic donut, or the crescent shaped high e facilitator?

Pearl has not moved its manufacturing. It remains the same. Gemeinhardt did, and I must say the result was a tremendous improvement over the recent previous years...!

I could be wrong, but I had heard that Pearl had moved manufacturing. It has been several years since I've tried their flutes, though, so perhaps they are better than I remember. My friend has a gold pearl that plays moderately well, but she constantly has to take it in for repair (could be that she isn't taking care of it as well as she should).
Also, as far as I know, Gemeinhardt no longer makes flutes. I had heard that they are now part of the team (I think?) that now makes Trevor James flutes, which are quite nice. The only Gemeinhardt flutes I am familiar with are older models that most would use at a beginning to intermediate level. Did they ever make professional level flutes?

I also agree with Patrick. Jupiter has made great improvements to their flutes. I would definitely recommend a beginner flutist start with a Jupiter over a Yamaha, though I believe Yamaha is going through some changes as well. I think they are coming out with some new models soon.

Last week, I was in Houston TX. I spoke to a flute tech in a store about my high E facilitator. She suggested that it might be installed to high in the tone hole. My doughnut does sit high. My teacher has one in her Brannon and it is seated much lower. She suggested that I lower it before taking it out. I think I will try it.

I didn't have any problems with my high notes until I had that doughnut installed. I had the usual problem with the high E to A but all the other notes came out clear and easy.

Wish me luck

I have the donut: the little plastic ring deal.

Mine is pretty low. But my flute is in an unplayable state right now since my key is FROZEN!!! I am currently using a Dean Yang in its place, and it's a pretty good little flute, if I might add. Perhaps since my flute will not be fixed until the end of this month, I will make a recording (video??) to show that it's pretty nice. DOWNSIDE: key action isn't as light as my Mura. No donut (which I LOVE) which makes some of the higher notes a bit "different"

I agree with one of the posts above that the Muramatsu EX (I have an EX III) is is a good standard to compare to; very good value and none of the stupid extra cost items. I searched until I found one with plateau keys (even though I play jazz and rock and was replacing an open hole flute), offset G, split E (so I don't have to mess with donuts or struggle with exposed high Es), and C foot. It's light, fast and sounds marvelous. My backup is a Yamaha J40 (essentially a 211 with a special anniversary edition headjoint that is pretty nice); I mostly use the Yamaha for bar gigs and outdoor festivals. I haven't found anything in the price range of the EX III that even remotely compares in tone and build quality.

hi everyone: if someone has any partiture (not very complicate), because I´m yet a beginner, and want to send me any (by mail) or indicate me were get it (but free), please, tell me that: I´ll appreciate.
If I can serve you, I´m on your disposition.

best regards
Miguel Angel