It has been my priviledge to have the roving ambassador flute for this last week. That’s a lovely and powerful flute!
With Terry’s permission and blessing, I have a photo, tunes, and comparisons, as well as a review posted at
http://www.flutesite.com/mcgee_raf_flute.htm
–James
http://www.flutesite.com
As the owner of a McGee 6-key the only comment I would like to make on this review is that, on my flute at least, the C natural fingered oxx ooo is spot on. I admit when I drive it really hard for volume the C goes about 20 cents sharp if I concentrate on not compensating with embrochure. I compensate for this easily without thinking about it. Its tone is a little reedy compaired to the other notes, but that’s what the C natural key is for.
Clark
I’m now number 8 or 9 on the list for a turn at this McGee, so I should be seeing it sometime in Sept., I’m guessing. Ought to be fun comparing this flute with the Olwell - about as apples and oranges as it could get I imagine 
Loren
Loren, when you get your turn on this flute I’d be interested in your thoughts on it.
The words to describe the properties of sound of a wooden flute are elusive, but there is a certain “glisten” to the sound in the second octave that this flute has. It has just a hint of that metallic bite in its sound (I like that bitter “bite,” and for an example of what I’m talking about Frankie Kennedy’s sound had it in spades), and its tone is rich and thick. I didn’t have much luck making it “bark” though–strong breath accents don’t speak as clearly on this flute as on others I’ve played.
It would be interesting to get others who have had the RAF flute to post their thoughts here.
–James
http://www.flutesite.com
Edited by James to fix a typo.
[ This Message was edited by: peeplj on 2002-06-14 14:54 ]
Hmmm, I’ve played 3 different McGee keyless flutes and oxx ooo C natural has been fine every time. Just tried it to make sure on my Gidgee Metzler copy McGee and it’s dead on against the tuner.
For playing around the house I actually prefer my Metzler, The Rudall Improved with the squared modern cut embouchure in blackwood is almost too loud. What a great, honking, loud, beautifully toned, easy to play flute it is! Get the modern embouchure! Both these flutes have a big, powerful low D, not sure if they did when I got em, but after a year & a half on McGee flutes I find it so easy to get a great low D.
Just tried C nat on the Rudall against a tuner and oxx ooo is a bit sharp, but I can lip it in perfectly. Never noticed this playing before.
I’ve tried lots of top maker’s flutes by now, but I’m so used to my McGees (I guess) that I can’t play anything else as well as my own flutes.
I just love these flutes, they are just great!