Does anyone have an M&E with keys? If so, is it the R&R version or his standard? Does he put keys on both? How do you like the keys? Anyone offering one up for sell…
I had one. Sold to make money to buy something else. The keys were ugly but functional, and easy to use. The pads were made of sylicone, which means they’ll probably last a couple thousand years. This particular flute was a traditional model, and it was built before the “Rudall” model come into existence. I assume he can key either kind. He can also add keys to keyless flutes.
I think Doc Jones had a 6-key R & R model - you might drop him a PM.
Yep. I bought it off of him a couple of years back, I think it was. It was sort of a prototype in that it was supposedly the first one the maker keyed with Pakistani-made keywork: they seemed chrome plated, were ungainly looking, and some were not easy to operate. Still and all, it was a darn good flute. It’s in new hands, now.
BTW, I don’t know if the M&E still comes with those keys.
Second ugly. Never played it.
I have a 6-key M&E, original model with the sculptured embouchure.
The keys are solid, dependable, and work well. They appear to be some kind of light metal alloy, definitely shaped by hand. The pads on mine are not silicon but are standard waterproof synthetic clarinet pads.
The keys are not fancy–this is not an “eye candy” flute. What it is, though, is a very solid flute with quite a bit of bang in it. For many years it was my main session flute, and it still gets public play. It is easy to fill, has a strong vibrant sound, and is well in tune.
Here’s what it sounds like:
http://www.flutesite.com/samples/mne_dairy_bang.mp3
–James
nice playing. thanks
I have a new, 6-key M&E which plays very well. I’ve had a number of much more accomplished players try it and all comment on how well it plays, and how it looks at first glance like a wooden flute.
It seems to be a completely different base than my keyless M&E. From my view it is lighter and has thinner walls. The keys are well made, but I do have some tarnishing on some of them after a few months of daily use. Nothing extraordinary, just basic darkening.
A beautiful instrument.
My M&E R&R is nice for a polymer, but the keys stink, plain and simple. Get the keyless and get a better wood flute with keys.
I have an 8 key M& E RR. The keys are a bit clunky but it has a great sound. The G# key is a bit on a stretch for me. It took a while to get used to the weight. I got a bit of wrist ache at first but its fine now and a great instrument for the pub session - no worries about breakages! Its got a great tone and few people can tell its not wood - I usually have to confess! I keep my old wooden one for home practice and special occasions now.
Sarah
Sarah,
I’ve never seen an 8-key M&E; mine is one of the first 6-keys he made.
Any chance of posting a picture? I’d love to see that flute!
–James
:roll: Maths was never my strong point… 8 is the new 6!
Sorry it just felt like 8 keys!!!
Its very nice tho
Sarah (OK I was having a bad day)