Hi all! This is my first post. I've had a Gemeinhardt student model for over 30 years, and it's time to move up now that I'm playing regularly with a group again. I'm considering the Muramatsu EX (having to try everything through Flute World since there's not much to try in my area), but I'd like to know from anyone who's owned one for awhile how the silver plating on the body holds up. I'd love a GX but I can't even begin to afford that, though I'm keeping my eye out for used models. Should the silver plating on a flute of this quality (the EX) hold up over time?

It is my understanding that the silver plating will hold up for many, many years. I think someone at a Miyazawa counter told me at least 15 years. I love the Muramatsu EX... it's a beautiful flute. And to be honest there is something I like about the silver plating... Not only does the sound quality appear to be just as nice as say, the GX (my opinion of course), but the flute is also lighter and easier to hold for longer periods of time.

I have an EX and I also have acidic skin. I was worried that the silver plating would start to pit and come off. I was looking to sell my flute last year and get a solid silver flute. I ended up keeping my flute for many personal reasons plus I love my EX. I love the sound.

So I called Muramatsu America and I spoke to a representative and asked him if he had ever had anybody have any problems with the silver plating. The representative told me that as far as he knows, they have never had any problems with the silver plating. I told him about my acidic skin and he said if I ever had a problem with the silver plating that I could send the flute to them and they would replate it at no charge. I find it too good to be true, but that is what I was told.

I play my flute a lot. I play at least two hours a day almost every day. I have only had my flute for a year and a half. So far, so good.

I hope this helps.

I own an EX III (the most recent model) I just bought from Muramatsu America.
I agree with all the comments here, adding that you probably won't find a better deal concerning the relation cost to benefits like the one you have on this particular model.
I play as principal at a major symphony orchestra, and the EX makes a wonderful match with the other instruments/players at our woodwind section, not only in terms of the scale of the flute, which is very up-to-date, but also in terms of timbre.
My main flute is a gold Sankyo and the EX is in many aspects very close to it.

I see what you are getting at Gordon/Micron, but Powell IS NOT selling their soul to Chinese production. Powell, NOT Sonare flutes are still being made completely in Boston. Boston is located in the US. The only thing Powell on a Sonare is the headjoint in which many fine flute makers are offering now. Do not confuse the two. Muramatsu just ridiculously jakes up their prices and doesn't offer a cheaper means to a growing student like some of the other flute companies. Don't get me wrong, I think Muramatsu flutes are wonderful! There is nothing wrong with many of these bodies being made in China. They have improved greatly just in the past year. Then when matched with a handmade head, for a lower price they can outplay per say a Yamaha that cost twice as much. I do wish that they could keep it in the US, but in order to keep costs down they have to hire work from China. It is such a shame. Now, I should be honest and say that I have seen really poor craftsmanship on the older Sonares. The newer ones are much better. I certainly don't mean to start a debate here, but I just felt like that needed some clarification.

Thank you to all who replied! I appreciate the information!

I hope that you aren't ONLY have a Muramatus EX sent to you. If you are going to fork over that kind of money, at least try other brands as well.

Oh no, of course not! I've been trying as many as I can, though it's challenging with shipping charges back and forth since there's hardly anything local to me. I started with an Azumi 3000 and 400 Series Yamaha, then decided to move up a little and tried a Haynes Q2, a Pearl 795, and now I'm planning on trying the Muramatsu EX and Powell Signature, both of which I'll need to get on trial.