I picked up a Gary Sommers medium-holed delrin Rudall a couple months ago. It was difficult for me to play it at first, but something about it (the tone, response, the Rudally quality of it) compelled me to keep playing it even though I did not sound very good on it. I now find I’m locked in with this flute and think it’s excellent. It’s similar to a Murray in its hole size and hole placement, even its sound. The embouchure hole is rather small and in a unique teardrop form. It seems capable of many different sounds/timbres, though I’ve settled for now on a nutty, smooth, softer sound. Will record a clip as soon as I can. Will probably be my #1 flute.
For the money and for a delrin Rudall, it’s the best I’ve played by far. It’s very well in tune, has good volume, rich tone and solid response.
I’d say your favorable view of Gary’s work holds more weight than mine. Would love to try out one of your Rudalls one of these days. How’s long is your waiting list at this time?
I’ve had the same flute for a while now and have been very pleased with it as well. Excellent craftsmanship and a strong Rudall sound with a lot of variety in the tone available from the embochure he cuts. Only problem I have with mine is that it does not fit on my flute stand…