I have a Ferris 6-key F flute, said to be made from ebonite, probably in India. I actually like the looks (like blackwood) and the tone of the flute, although it certainly isn’t anything fancy. I can envision how ebonite could be used to make a very fine flute. In my opinion the ebonite feels better in my hands than Delrin. I don’t want to mention “subtle energy”, or people will think that I am some kind of wacko. I wouldn’t want that, so I won’t mention it. Another interesting thing about ebonite is that it can be molded as well as turned. The Ferris flute is a molded flute, as you can plainly see the flow patterns in the bore. Being able to mold the pieces of a flute opens up all kinds of possibilities, some good and some bad, in my opinion.
I like ebonite better, too, Jon, and do think there is a tonal difference (at least to me the player). I’ve had an M&E keyed polymer and have one of Michael’s first ebonite 8 keyed flutes…everything looked and felt the same…but the tone was different to me and to my wife and son when I did blind playings for them. Maybe it’s just a slightly different embouchure cut or some small difference, but maybe, just maybe, it’s the material.
Eric