I’ve got an opportunity to buy an M&E Flute.
I haven’t seen it yet so I’m not sure which model it is ( standard or RR). I’d like to get members opinions of the 2 different style Flutes. Could one be said to be much better than the other?
Also does anyone have a wooden M&E Flute and if so what do you think?
Are wait times long/ What have your experiences been buying direct from the maker?
Thanks!
Ben
Well, Mr Fandango…if the flute is a 6 keys Rudall, it’s mine!
Just kidding.
If you make a search on the forum, you’ll find everything you want to know about M&E flutes!
Leo
IMHO, the M&E “R&R” delrin flute is much superior to the standard model. We have one of each in our session and there’s a significant difference in the volume (when played by the same player). Hope this helps,
Paul
I have an M&E keyless, about 4 years old, no rings. I also have an M&E R&R 6 key, no rings, that I have had for about a year. Rings on an M&E have no practical function, they just make them look like blackwood. M&E polymer flutes are sturdier than any other flute and a little heavier. The keys come out very easily with a small screwdriver and are easily replaced in case of an accident. These are the only two flutes I have. They are both around the house out of the case all the time and I pick one or the other up randomly and play it. The R&R plays easier. Louder? Better? I don’t know, just easier. They both play easier and better and louder than most flutes I have tried. Of course, one is always used to his own flutes and that makes them play better than a strange one. There is one thing I am sure of: It would be foolish to buy a wooden M&E unless you want it solely as an artifact. Some of the reasons are:
(1) It will not play any different than the polymer one.
(2) For the same craftsman, two polymer flutes can be made exactly the same in half the time for about half the price. Handcrafted flutes is a competative business and that is why the good polymers (e.g. Seery and M&E) are about half the price of a good wooden one.
(3) In case of damage, keys or a section can be replaced easily and cheaply.
(4) The polymer one will last forever, in case of global warming changes in 1000 years or so, and one has to keep it in a dry, arid, hot climate–no problem.
(5) A wooden M&E tells people that you are the kind of person who would shingle your roof with newspapers.