Can anyone explain the difference between the M&E polymer standard flute and the M&E polymer Rudall and Rose flute? (both are keyless). Is one better than the other for a beginner? Is it a sound difference thing? Are the holes smaller (or larger) or spaced further apart (or closer together) on one or the other? Any feedback would be great.
Mike
I have a 6-key original model M&E with the cutaway embouchure, and also a keyless M&E Rudall & Rose model.
The original M&E model has a darker sound with more resisitance. The R&R has a more open sound and a little less resistance. The way they are tuned is also different, as the R&R has the “old flute scale” with the flat f-sharp, C-sharp, and C-natural, and sharp B and A. The original model’s tuning is much closer to a modern scale.
That said, I find both flutes to be easy to play well in tune as well as being easy to fill and in general easy to play.
You can hear both these flutes, as well as my other instruments, in my ongoing comparison project, found at
http://www.flutesite.com/comparison_recordings.htm
Each flute also has its own page with photos and more recordings.
The M&E 6-key is featured at
http://www.flutesite.com/m&e_6-key.htm
and the M&E R&R is featured at
http://www.flutesite.com/m&e_rudall_&_rose.htm
I hope you may find this to be of help.
Good luck and best wishes with your new flute, whatever kind it may happen to turn out to be.
–James
Listening to and playing both the M&E “Standard” and “R&R” models at our session, I vote for the “R&R” model which has a much bigger sound. Also get the optional (although unnecessary) rings for a nice cosmetic look.
Paul
or…
You can get a nice wide silver “Gaelic” (made in Mexico ?) design ring at the local import jewlery…size 15 if I remember right…slips over the foot and locks it to the RH section making them one piece…makes a nice rest for the RH pinkie too !
PS…go with the R&R