I just picked up an M&E R&R 6 key flute from a guy who lives about 20 miles away from me. I don’t think he frequents this board, but I saw a post on woodenflute.com. He sold me the flute for $300, I was very excited. It plays great, keys are functional (no aesthetic quality) and I couldn’t be happier with it.
I got to try out his Hammy and his Rod Cameron 8 key in blackwood. I was incredibly impressed with the Rod Cameron and it has such a small bore. He tooted on Jon C’s blackwood that I have and his eyes lit up, “This guy lives in LA?” Needless to say he wanted his email.
Since I was in the area I thought I’d stop off at Jon C.'s and pick up my M&E original that he just finished putting cork and silver rings on. The flute looks and feels so much nicer. I haven’t played it in a while, but I can see why I have never sold it, I think it has a darker tone than the R&R does. I saw Jon’s shop…looks wonderful, they have him right next to a huge generator so he won’t ever have to stop production . He polished the bore on my blackwood and now it shines like a gem.
As you say, a day in Flute Heaven! We’re all jealous, Michael! First a great deal on a flute, then stopping by to see Jon (haven’t met him in person, but I know he’s a great guy) and see his shop, and works in progress.
A day well spent, to be sure, but how’re you going to decide which flute to play when? Or do you have them on a rotating schedule?
I just played my JonC flute yesterday, the Bocote wood Pratten Perfected, and all I can say is aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Nice flute!
Enjoy your new keyed M&E. Michael Cronnoly, like JonC, puts some magic in his flutes too!
I have them on a semi rotating schedule, but I keep my M&E original in the car so I can play at stop lights etc.
Like you said, the R&R M&E is a great flute (I’m finding that the more I play it) and Jon’s bell tone (as well as everything else) on the blackwood R&R is absolutely amazing.
Its nice having keys as well although I got very good at half holing.
I own a MERR but I’ve only played the standard model once. I found that it was actually easier to generate sounds with, but maybe a bit quieter on the whole. DOes that match your experience?
I can’t really play in cars unless I roll the window down. ANother problem with being a lefty. That’s about the only time I specifically practice whistle though.
Yes the original might be slightly quieter than the R&R model. I actually find the R&R easier to produce a sound on, I think this is due to the embochure shape. The R&R is more square-like whereas the original model is fairly round.
That aside, the original has a much darker tone and gives a little more resistance than the R&R. The toneholes are pretty much exactly the same size, the R&R ones might be a bit larger.
. He polished the bore on my blackwood and now it shines like a gem.