I was wondering aout the M and E 6 key ebonite. The price is reasonable. Would this be a good flute for playing classical etc. ? Is it loud enough for a session? What are its strong points?
I play everything on mine. Although I primarily play trad, I also play a bit of ragtime, classical, and Christmas tunes (our band is working up a set for an upcoming holiday gig).
It’s not as loud as a pratten based flute, but it’s plenty loud enough for sessions. Our session routinely has 12-16 people, and it’s fine in that setting. When our session, as it unfortunately does from time to time, grows to more than 20 players, well, you can’t hear anyone on the far end of the oval we usually sit in, especially with the punters adding to the noise level cheering on the whatever sports event is onscreen.
I’ve said it many times, but I really like mine. You can’t beat the price for a 6 keyed flute, and I like ebonite’s tone and low maintenance requirements (e.g., basically none).
Eric
I just bought one second hand in nearly new condition. I’ll share my impressions once I get it on monday!
ditto, except i play trad and old hippy songs 
ebonite is awesome, and the price can’t be beat
eric (also ; )