I am a rank newbie and am trying to find a first flute to learn on. I know that I want one made out of polymer. I am trying to decide between the Pratten style like a Forbes or Cochran or the Rose and Rudall like the M&E.
I have tried both types and being where I am on this instrument, I have no idea which would be better for me. I want which ever will be easiest to learn on and one that I will want to play for some time once I learn.
I have heard both played (by the same players) at a session, and I am not sure I have a preference for the sound of one over the other.
Is there an answer to that question or is it simply personal preference?
Also, the M&E that I am currently borrowing to try has a slot cut on the far side of the embouchure hole. I am trying to find out any information that I can about that as well. I don’t see any on the M&E Site.
Rudall or Pratten- doesn’t matter really, not for your first flute anyway. Just go with something, M&E, Seery, Cochran, or Forbes- haven’t tried the last one but I can voutch for the first three. All wonderful instruments.
Usually, we tend to think of Prattens as being a little bit harder to fill (taking more air), having a drier sound and being a little louder. A Rudall is usually though of as having a little smaller sweetspot (takes a little more work to get the embouchure right), and a deeper sound. But these are all just broad generalisations, and they are often just barely true. Whichever type you get, that will likely be your preference for the first few years or so.
Personally, I’m more of a Rudall guy.
The M&E you’re describing is the old model, standard M&E with a split embouchure. When I started out, Michael had introduced his R&R model and both where available. Since then he discontinued the standard model because everyone was buying the R&R anyway.
Edit: Wow, you got my 2000th post. Time to break out the
whisky
I agree with the other posts. Also, you should consider Dave Copley’s delrin flute. Without rings it might be a bit less expensive, and it’s an easy flute to learn on, IMO. But you really can’t go wrong with any of those flutes.
A bunch of folks have heard me say this before, but I will repeat: the M & E has a good sound and is a good player. But, for me it was not very ergonomically friendly at all - quite heavy and top-heavy. After I upgraded to a wooden flute, I’ve had a huge reduction in the amount of ttendonitis and wrist strain that I got with the M & E. Your mileage will certainly be different.
