Well, according to my calculations, I ought to receive the Terry McGee Roving Ambassador Flute sometime in the next 2-4 weeks. Can’t wait for my turn on this instrument as I’ve never had a crack at one before, and I’m really looking forward to comparing it with the Olwell.
Has anyone here aside from G and David M. had a turn on this flute yet? Just wondering what the impressions to date have been…
Loren
That’s right, I forgot you’ve had a turn James. Well, that’s three folks here, anyone else?
It’s interesting, someone recently told me, after looking at several of Terry’s recent flutes, that they aren’t as well finished (cosmetically) as Olwell’s, Noy’s, Wilkes and some of the others. This surprised me.
Loren
Well, I didn’t see anything wrong with the finish. Fact is, it was a real work of art.
There is a photo (although it’s too small to see much detail) at
http://www.flutesite.com/mcgee_raf_flute.htm
Now this is not a flute with fancy fillagree on the end caps and engraved rings. This is what it looks like, a blackwood session flute. The design is elegant in its deadly simplicity.
Best,
–James
http://www.flutesite.com
The specific comments I’m thinking of were in reference to the finishing of the embouchure and tone holes. It’ll certainly be interesting to see.
Loren
I just sent it on to Michael Eskin. I didn’t want to do it, but it’s part of the deal, right?
It's astounding. I played better just because the instrument is as good as it is. I wrote to several people that if this is one of Terry's unfinished flutes, I hate to think what one of the finished ones plays like.
As for workmanship, beats the s--t out of me. The thing looked as done as anything could look...a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. I don't know what Terry is supposed to have left out....
[ This Message was edited by: KenWolman on 2002-08-07 16:20 ]
I just received the RAF, its a phenomenal instrument, suprisingly different in several ways from my McGee Rudall-Carte, which is also one of the best flutes I’ve played.
I haven’t spent enough time with it to give a full report yet, but I’ll do so in a few days.
Michael
I have a McGee Rudall’s Improved with the square, modern cut embouchure. Once you get to the top makers it’s a matter of personal preference. They’re all great.
While there are fancier flutes than my McGee, I doubt very much there are better crafted flutes. Mine is perfect, at least to my eye. I can’t find any imperfections, amazing actually.
My only complaint is that it’s not a great practise flute for my small room. The flute is powerful, with a gorgeous tone. I actually prefer my Metzler copy for practise as it’s not as loud. When I move into the bigger living room I always play the Rudall. While lots of people will prefer a different flute, you’re not going to find a better flute, IMO. I love the modern embouchure as it’s easy to get a great big beautiful sound. It’s very expressive, but it’s so fun to lean on it and make it really sing that I find it hard to back off and play it in a more restrained manner. Tunings great, tone is just gorgeous and it’s easy to play. (My McGee Metzler is even easier to play, but it’s a smaller flute, both bore & holes) The Rudall is blackwood, the Metzler is Gidgee. Gidgee is a very pretty brown wood with a beautiful black grain.