Hi there.
I’m thinking about buying an M&E polymer. Many of you have said that those are really gorgeous instruments. However, there is a bit too much to chose from for a newbie like me. Should I order a standard modell or pay $50 extra for an R&R modell, are they really noticably better? Should I buy one with split embouchure or not. They have stronger bottom range with the split right? But does it affect the overall sound or is it harder to play? Does anyone know if he’ll make leftie key’s? I would like some key’s on it, but im a left hander. What is better with the M&E compaired to the Seery? Should I think about buying one of those instead? I need a good solid polymer or ABS/PVC flute. Wich one is best to buy?
Thanks for any reply. I’m in desperate need of info…
The seery is definitely good.
I’ve played the old MandE and liked it, though
for me it’s less likeable than the Seery.
The MandE RR sounds better on clips.
I’ve never seen or heard it live.
So it may be worth the fifty.
But others will tell you.
You might check the last couple of days
postings for a comparison.
I get the impression that keys
on MandEs are adequate but
unaesthetic, for what that’s worth.
If my M&E is any indication, the tone and playability of the flute are good to very good…but the workmanship is is very rough on the whole finish, especially the keys. My long F key keeps moving around and leaks. I just taped it down so I can be cool like one of the geezers.
He needs to do something drastic with that amateur case he makes. Horrible workmanship and far too heavy.
Get the M&E “R&R” model. I’ve got one and another person in my session has the basic model. There’s a big difference in the sound and volume. As to the M&E vs. the Seery: the M&E “R&R” has a clearer sound unlike the Seery which is a little reedy. Check the great comparisons between the sound of the Seery, M&E and Hamilton flutes done by James Peeples on this board. The difference between the Seery and M&E are definitely noticeable. Workmanship on my keyless M&E is a little rough (compared to the Seery I owned) but the “R&R” model is a great polymer flute.
Paul
In terms of the “book’s cover”, the M&E polymer flute is, shall we say, a bit funky and chunky, and its weight might be a concern to some. It’s not to me. I haven’t played any split embouchure, Henke, so I can’t weigh in there. However, for tone, it’s definitely worth considering. As soon as I was bringing it out to sessions, I got very immediate and positive reactions to the R/R design’s tonal color (and there is a good range of that, from dry/reedy to fat/dirty to pure). Maybe someday I’ll get plaudits for my playing, too.
For what it is, it’s a very good flute, and surprising volume can be got out of it, and responds easily and cleanly if you want to play very quietly, too.
If the looks of a flute is a strong consideration along w/ playability, you might want to keep looking (that’s no help, I know; sorry); but with that said, I find the M&E R/R to be a damned good workhorse.
Well, Paul, you know how it is…great minds and all that.
OT: I’ve just been for the first time recording sound files on GoldWave today (so far I can only produce .wav files, can’t do an MP3 despite all the downloading I’ve done; yes, I am lame), and I’ll agree w/ Jim Stone about how it sounds on recordings. Until I figure out the MP3 thing so I can post clips for your horror and morbid fascination, it’s a great way to assess one’s playing in the meantime. Cool stuff.
And kudos to Carol for getting me started. Thanks!
N
(edited for proper capitalization of Jim’s surname. Goodness knows he deserves the respect.)
Skip the split embouchure - Yeah, it makes it easier to get more power on the bottom end, but this isn’t going to help you as you move up to better flutes without that split.
Hi Nano,
if you download Music Match Jukebox (free ) you can convert wav. to mp3 and even select how much compression you want (so it fits the e-mail att. limit)
The R/R doesn’t have the split embouchure option, but I don’t think you’ll need it. I have played the Seery, the R/R and the regular M&E flute (With the split), and my favorite is the R/R model. Good strong tone, easy to play (And I’m a relative newbie as well, only about a year now). It is a bit on the heavy side, but I haven’t noticed any problems with it.
As people have pointed out, the finishing is a little rough, in this respect the Seery I tried out was much better. As far as tone, etc. the R/R is a little louder, but not quite as reedy as the Seery. I judged them about equal, but the Seery I tried was a bit of a stretch on the fingers (I have small hands).
