AboutHerbert Smith Expertise I can answer questions about almost any flute-related topic. I have trained professionally as a flute repair tech and and music educator, and have a broad range of experiences as a performer. I also have plenty of experience with flutes of every level from a huge variety of manufacturers and built with every imaginable material or specification, and can comment on the quality of various instruments, as well as guide people through the flute-buying process. I'm willing and able to discuss various flute gadgets as well (Valgon rings, Foster extensions, etc.).
I am also glad to offer advice on how to approach difficulties within pieces of music, offer teaching tips to those who give lessons, provide suggestions for repertoire, as well as answer just about any other flute-related query you can throw at me! I'm also quite familiar with piccolo, alto, and other harmony flutes (including those in unusual keys, such as Eb flute, Db piccolo, G treble, etc.), and have experience building professional quality head joints.
Please note, however, that I am not an appraisal service, and will not provide estimates of value. Please do not ask me about the value of your flute.
Experience I'm a professional repair tech with years of experience, and a veteran high school band director. I've maintained a successful studio for private flute lessons for many years, and have performed professionally in just about any imaginable venue.
Education/Credentials I have bachelor's degrees in music education and performance from highly regarded universities, and have trained with one of the best flute techs/flute makers in the US.
Expert: Herbert Smith Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: Used Muramatsu -Is this comparable to a DS?
Question Greetings and thank you for fielding this question. We are searching for a
new flute for my daughter whom has been playing and advancing well with 5
years of lessons behind her. At this time of the flutes she has tried locally her
favorite is a Muramatsu M-2805. I am not able to find this model in my
searches, but It is solid silver, has a gold lip and is about 20 years old. Any
information would help. We are also looking at several others in the high
3000 to low 4000 price range (both new & vintage) in this quest. Suggestions
are welcome. She plans on auditioning for both the local youth orchestra and
Interlochen in the future (under her teachers guidance & recommendation)
Answer Hello WC!
With regards to the specifications, that flute is very similar to the modern DS model. However, older Muramatsus are well known among savvy flutists for not living up to the same standard as their modern counterparts. Recent Muras are EXCELLENT flutes, but the older ones do not play quite so well. That's not to say that the one that your daughter likes plays poorly (as it is likely a major step above many other instruments)....Just that a modern one would probably perform BETTER. However, even the older ones are very well made and reliable...If your daughter decides (after thorough play testing) that this Mura is for her, she'll wind up with a great quality flute that likely plays very well.
As for other suggestions in the 3K-4K range, here are the names of the makers I'd take a look at. All of these produce great intermediate instruments, but as with any other instrument purchase, the only way to choose one is to play them. Here are those suggestions:
Sankyo
Pearl
Altus
Yamaha
Emerson
Azumi
Amadeus
Avanti
Brio
Sonare
DiMedici
Haynes
Trevor James
Muramatsu
Miyazawa
I hope this is helpful, and I wish you (and your daughter) the best of luck in finding the right flute. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
