Micron,

I`ve taken the flute to two different repair people. When the same problem occurred after the first repair, I took the flute to the store where I originally purchased the flute. This was Mrs. Nussbaum, who is a very reputable dealer and repair technician. The problem has been addressed at her business twice.

The flute is now functioning perfectly, but all these repairs within the flute`s 1st year have me doubting its durability.

In a reply to another thread regarding Muramatsu flutes, you stated, "A lot of people are drawn to the Muramatsu in the beginning because of the ease it takes to play one." You also advised me to be sure to try out a Powell.

I`d like to ask you to elaborate a bit and tell me why and how the Muramatsu is easier to play than a Powell in the beginning, and what about after a person is played either instrument for a while, how do they compare then?

Thanks!!!!!

There were at least 66 messages on 4 pages, now there are only 51 messages on 3 pages!!! Are the dropped messages gone for good?

I

`d like to ask you to elaborate a bit and tell me why and how the Muramatsu is easier to play than a Powell in the beginning, and what about after a person is played either instrument for a while, how do they compare then?

Simply because the Muramatsu is less resistant then the Powell. As far as comparing them after playing on each a while...well that is really up to the player. Since we all have different embouchures and styles of playing the experience that you have between the two may be totally different then mine.

IMO, after owning both brands, I feel that the Powell takes more air to play on and is for people that like a very big sound. It also projects very well and tends to play louder then some brands. The Muramatsu is very melodic and smooth but not as robust sounding for me. Like I said, it really depends on your personality.

I named my flute Prism because it is like a rainbow of many colors,sound wise for me. The sound is so unique and not like any other flute that I have played.

Kara--
How did you put that "quote" from Catman in the box/different color?
Is this a feature I haven`t figured out yet?

Evidence of the personal difference issues involved here, is the sound made by Galway when he was playing Muramatsu, which I for one would not describe as lacking robustness.

That is why I said this was MY experience with them. I couldn`t stress this enough. Galway didn`t play on a silver flute either. Regardless of what you may think about different metals sounding the same, I still beleive that they react differnetly.I am not trying to bring up a debate here on metals.

Kippsix, I just highlighted the text and cliked on the "" button.

First - micron, you are no doubt correct about Yamaha`s likely refusal to let me know all about their trade secrets, I guess I won`t even bother to write back to them. Kara - your jewelled crowns are very nice! Do you set the gems yourself?

Now, for a Muramatsu question. I see the GX can be purchased with optional heavy wall tubing. Has anyone here ever played a GX with heavy wall tubing? In general, what change in the sound of a flute (if any) can one expect when comparing the otherwise same model flute but with heavier tubing?

Kippsix, I just highlighted the text and cliked on the "" button.

Okay, once again I find that it doesn`t work in firefox, but it does work in internet explorer! Weird!
Can you fix that Admin?

CatMan, thanks, I do set the gemstones myself. I have never tried a heavy wall Muramatsu but if it is anything like the heavy wall Miyazawas I probably would have like it a lot better. I didn`t like the standard wall Miyazawa when I tried it, but lOVED the heavy wall. The Miyazawa was my second choice when narrowing it down between the Powell and the Miyazawa.

Kara, are you able to purchase special crowns that are all ready for a gem to be added or do you modify a standard crown yourself?

I modify the crown myself. It can`t be done to all crowns though.

Thanks Micron! I don`t use a drill, I use a mandrel with a special tip. It is time consuming, but the results are more precise and cleaning cut then using a drill. I will definitely look into those. Thanks again!

Thanks Micron, that would be really nice. I really wish I lived in the same vicinity as you, I could learn so much. I really don`t think that I will be making anymore crowns anytime soon, but I really appreciate the suggestion.