I have recorded the same reel (Swinging on a Gate), played pretty much the same way, on each of my flutes.
Why I did it is I think it’s neat to be able to directly compare the sound of different flutes that aren’t normally played together; for instance, you can compare the sound of my Baroque flute against my Hamilton against a Hall crystal flute if you want to.
Great playing, James. H’mm, I liked the antique 8-key best, followed by the M & E Rudall, followed by the Hammie, but they were all nicely unique. I always enjoy your instrument comparisons, James.
Well, much to the delight of Jack Bradshaw and others, it looks like I am gonna have to eat my haikus because I actually like the Hall Crystal flute in D rendition the best.
It gets the lotus wreath from me.
Followed by the Sweetheart Baroque A=415 which gets the frangipani wreath.
I would think so but James, despite his incessant posting of clips, doesn’t seem to agree, or so he told me in no uncertain terms. It seems OK to say it’s beautifull and all that but if you, say, raise the issue of rhythm it isn’t. I had some correspondence with James on this and it’s probably best to leave it behind us.
I liked the Boehm-System Flute best
Does this mean that I really shouldn’t be hanging around this board?
Nice work James, I enjoyed listening through all your clips. As for comparison one would have to consider the effect of the player. Which flute do you like best and which flute do you feel most comfortable playing? I sure it will reflect on your recordings.
It would still be very interesting to see how people rated the sound clips in a blind test, especially if you added some more expensive high end flutes to the lot.
I personally think that if you want to post clips it should be done on Clips & Snips or a forum for clips posting. James keep on posting stuff, but if you happen to criticize his playing he’ll lash out at you. So you end up with threads that look like “flute comparisons” but to me are in fact ways to collect nice comments (not subtle enough for me, I can see through that). James made up that rule, if you post something and don’t ask for comments, then you can’t criticize (but good comments are welcome, off course).
I personally don’t like James’ playing, I actually can’t stand it, and would maybe leave a session if over exposed to it, and I feel like I have the right to say it because almost every 12 threads you have James posting clips. Now, I’m sure James doesnt have better comments for my own playing, but at least I keep my stuff on Clips and don’t try to show off on the board.
Now, is what I’m saying here against board’s policy?
It is patent that this is not a topic about James’ ability on flute
but a COMPARISON of FLUTES, A COMPARISON BASED ON EACH FLUTE BEING PLAYED BY THE SAME PERSON PLAYING THE SAME PIECE OF MUSIC.
Whatever you may think or feel about James’ playing style, at least it is consistent. ITS THE CONSISTENCY THAT DETERMINES WHETHER THE COMPARISON OF FLUTES IS FAIR.
James, last night I rang a friend and we happened to to be talking flute.
She’s from Dublin and was very curious about why I would like the crystal flute the best knowing that I am a bamboo bhaloo. She asked me not to say which is which and I played a few of the clips to her (wood, delrin and crystal) through the phone. She also liked one of them the best. It happened to be the crystal flute!
You’re right James playing is consistent, though it could be argued it is so in it’s own inconsistency. In comparing instruments I think there is some relevance in how competent they are being played in order to get a fair and valid comparison.
Az’ point though, and I am not alone in agreeing with him, was that he feels that James avalanche of clips serves another purpose:
It’s fair to bring up that concern isn’t it? Or are you too of the opinion that only those who have praise are allowed to speak while those who feel differently should remain silent?
Well I tell you what Peter. Here’s a deal for you and your syndicate. I’ll accept that the jury’s still out on crystal flutes despite my preference (and my friend’s) of it in peeplj’s expose.
So now I would like to hear you play at least 5 different D flutes at least one of which is a crystal flute. Play the same piece on each, any piece you choose . Post it as a new topic.
