Some questions for those here who actually own and play a KDJ flute: How does it stack up against other Pratten-design flutes? How ergonomic are the finger holes? Is that brass joint as sturdy as it looks? How many octaves is the instrument capable of? Is it in tune with itself? Do you consider his asking price of $300 worth it, or would you say the instrument is worth more or less? Would you say the instrument would be good for a beginner?
I ask because his flutes seem to be very low priced, and use some uncommon materials. Every now and then I see one of his flutes on Ebay, but I never see how much they went for at auction’s end. But the price listed on his site is still very low compared to other makers’ prices. Thank you.
I have his Cocobolo low D w/ Brass Ferrules, and will be receiving his C Fife (which is really a piccolo and not a fife) with the same setup as well as a custom case soon. I’ll report my findings in the thread linked above.
Excellent! Thanks, guys. These are exactly the things I wanted to know. I’ll be checking the other thread out for your findings, sigurthr. Thanks again, guys!
I bought two of Kevin’s flutes for not much money on ebay, a piccolo and a low D flute, both in Amaranth or purple heart. I really liked the piccolo, but the low D flute was a little soft-spoken for my tastes, due in part, no doubt, to the softer purple heart wood. I wrote about the KDJ flutes earlier on C & F, but I can’t find the post now. I do recall that, although a little bit unconventional in design (IMHO), both flutes were well-made. I communicated with Kevin that he was selling his flutes too cheaply. I see that he has taken my advice. I sold both of my flutes to a woman in Canada, and she wrote back that she was delighted with them.
Hi Doug,
Yes I expressed the same feeling about cost with Kevin myself. The quality really is astounding considering the cost. I searched for info on KDJ as well a short time ago and wasn’t really able to find anything either, which is why I was surprised when Kkrell posted that link.
About the KDJ’s on eBay: the ones from Instrumentmaker777 are direct from Kevin, that is his eBay ID. The ones he sells on eBay are no different than those from his site in any way (other than often a MUCH lower price on eBay). I suspect he does this to bring in sales, which is a good technique, since there are bound to be people who get frustrated at losing an auction and decide to just buy direct. In a way I wish he would get more exposure to not have to resort to eBay, just as I wish he would make more off them. However as a customer I have to say his prices are fantastic and what allowed me to consider his flutes first off.
I posted a long detailed assessment of my Cocobolo Low D from Kevin in the other thread linked above for those who are interested.
From a customer’s point of view I have to say the communication and customer satisfaction level offered by Kevin is quite fantastic. I have had an open line of communication for nearly three months now as he has been building my C Piccolo and custom case. He hasn’t minded my weekly to bi-weekly emails asking how progress is going and always provides pertinent details. When I wrote him about care methods for my flute he was very detailed and answered all my questions as I had hoped for. When I ordered my hardwood case I requested that it not only fit both the Piccolo and Flute (which from what I can tell on the site is NOT an advertised option) but also accepted my request to have a space for an in case hygrometer built in. He accepted my measurements and did not charge any extra for my pain-in-the-arsery.