I have a Yamaha 385 that I have been playing. I have a Muramatsu EXIII on trial.
I think that I still have a student embrouchere. Somtimes I get the most incredible sound out of the Muramatsu and other times it's like playing the Yamaha and I can hardly tell the difference except for:
It plays in tune better thoughout all octives.
The sound seems darker and richer. The low notes are very strong. The Yamaha has a great lower register but this seems to be kicking it's butt.
My index finger isn't going numb (the Muramatsu is offset G).
Somtimes it gets airy sounding. But I think it is because my lips are getting tired.
I have to warm up the flute to get A3 to C4 to come out. (Could there be a leak or could it just be me?)
I need to decide today.
Any suggestions?
I like it because of the hand issues, but I can get other flutes with an offset G. I wish I could play it for a year.
If you still have a student embouchure (an embrasher is an opening in a house for a window), you have some skill building to do.
After you build these skills, you might find a flute that really floats your boat, but:
This one is comfortable for your hands.
You can get some great sounds, sometimes, on this one. Keep working and you'll get that great sound more often.
This one plays well in tune.
So...it sounds to me like this would be a GREAT flute to build your skills on.
If there is someone good on flute nearby, or a good flute tech, you could check out the high end problem, but it may just be that you need to get used to this flute. Are you using the gizmo key for C4?
Yes, I am using the low B key for high C. I am not used to the gizmo so I am going to have to learn to use it. My first flute with a B foot didn't have a gizmo. I don't know when they started putting them on flutes. I just stick the tip of my pinkie up on the B key. I am trying to train my hand to go to the gizmo.
I think that the G# key might not be opening enough. I have compared it to several flutes that I have laying around and it doesn't open as much. I have been playing a lot. I take breaks to type on the computer. Anyway I was playing and I got an airbubble in the G# hole and the flute didn't play G#. I thought that the pad had fallen out or got stuck on the hole. Talk about panic! I am going to take it and have it adjusted.
I haven't found any other used EXIII models with an offset G used for a good price so I guess that I am keeping this one.
If this is used, it likely just needs some adjustment and an overhaul. No biggie. If new, talk to the shop about that key - their technician can adjust it.
It's definitely a "keeper" from what you have said. That "sometimes" tone that astounds you will eventually be the only tone that you get out of it - provided you work hard enough. FYI - when you play another flute and can get that dramatic improvement in sound, even if only every so often, that's when you know it's time to trade up - your current flute is holding you back.
(note - the period of adjustment isn't always easy, but you can't get better with mediocre tools, either)
