Hello everyone. I have two flutes narrowed down that I would like to purchase. One of them is a Windward flute. Does anyone have any experience or feedback with these flutes. I also read that the maker has different embouchure cuts, and before I bother him with questions, I would like to see if anyone has information on those cuts. Thank you in advance.
What’s the other flute?
My experience with them at a convention is that they are attractive and carefully made, and sound and play decently. Nice design for the combo flutes, and good finish and keywork. I have no knowledge of different embouchure cuts. Hanz Araki and Andrea Bohnet are fans. My own opinion is that there are other flutes that sound and play better for the expense, some Pratten-style (as the Windward flute is), Rudall-style, or unique formulations of the modern maker. I recently lean towards Rudall, but have a couple of Prattens I still cherish.
Jim’s question goes to the heart of that matter: What is the other flute you are considering?
One of Stephane Morvan’s flutes i believe based on the OP’s other current thread.
My experience is like Kevin’s. I hesitate to judge, since I didn’t spend much time with the flute,
and I was less impressed than I thought I’d be. FWIW.
Just like moneymonk said, I am leaning towards a Morvan flute.
But thank you for the inputs so far!
Remember, you puts your money where your mouth is!
I like my Windward flute as a search of my posts will show. But to be honest, at this level of flute, there is a lot of personal preference involved above and beyond the objective quality of the flutes in question. And your discernment will also improve the longer you play and the more different flutes you have had in your hands.
Not very helpful for the immediate problem of what flute to buy, but I assume the Morvan is ok, though I have never played one and I know the Windward is good too, so it sounds to me like you are in a position where you can’t really go wrong with either.
My favourite flute was also my personal pick from a tableful of flutes by the same maker and definitely fitted me better than the other flutes on the table, so even with one maker, there will be differences between supposedly identical flutes.
Good luck.
Here’s a chance to hear what Sylvain Barou can make a Windward flute do:
I’ve played everybody’s stuff and lots of Windwards. I’ve only played one Morvan.
I am not a Pratten guy but the Windwards often cause me to question my resolve. Their Olive wood stuff is particularly gorgeous as is their pink ivory.
Forbes and Yola are like doting grandparents to their customers. They will take extraordinary care of you before and after you buy one of their babies.
Doc
Doc, what did you think of the Morvan?