They only had Azumi, Pearl, and Altus in store at the time (None came even close). I've not tried the Sonare, so I just can't compare. Sweetest sound and easiest playing flute I've ever picked up, right through the whole range. Please, if you know of any good online stores that sell these flutes, tell me! And please tell me any other good flute models (intermediate~semi professional) around the same price ($3000?) that would be worth looking into.Ībout all I can offer is that I've tried the EX, and fell in love.
But I cannot do that and people in these online shops will not let me have a trial (shipping costs are horrible). I know that it's a much better idea to try both of them and see for myself which one is better. Sorry for talking so much.but anyways my point is: MURAMATSU EX OR POWELL SONARE SF-75? And any experience with these flutes or anything you've heard of them. I would have gone with the Muramatsu EX except I realised that if the headjoint matters the most, why not go with Sonare (which has all solid body with plated keys) and save $1000 so I can save for a better headjoint? This is a bit risky as I have doubts about the Sonare body but still, it's solid silver. Does the silver plating wear off quickly? I'm planning to use this flute for at least 6 years.
I've heard great things about Muramatsu EX and I'm a bit hesitant about its silver plated body.
Does anyone know any sites with a cheaper price? It would be greatly appreciated. Everything here is basically a rip-off! I've heard many pros and cons about the Sonare.Īnyways, with the Muramatsu EX the cheapest I could find online was around $3000 without shipping costs. I think it's a pretty good deal as I found a SF-6 model for around the same price and more at my local flute store. It's body is made in Germany (they changed from China to Germany, I think.) and headjoint in Boston. I had many doubts about this store even though they had 100% rating and great reviews so I requested explicit photos of its body and headjoint. I would love to take a plane to America or Japan to buy a flute at their store, but the plane-ticket price is a bit too much :/ So I went on many online flute websites (including eBay) and found out that there was a store (dominicsmusic) who was selling the SF-75 for around $2000 including shipping costs. The one that is closest to me (also has the widest range of flutes in Australia) does not sell the Muramatsu Ex and the Sonare SF-75 model. I live in Australia and there aren't many flute shops around here. So price-wise, there is not much difference but here is the thing. The listed price for Powell Sonare (according to Flute Center of New York website) is $3999 and list price for Muramatsu EX is $3900.
The Muramatsu EX is silver headjoint, silver-plated body as far as I know. The Powell Sonare is all solid silver (head,body,foot) and has a Powell Signature Headjoint. So, I have narrowed down my choice to 2 flutes: Powell Sonare SF-75 model & Muramatsu EX. My current flute is Yamaha 281 model (open hole, nickel-silver, c foot) and although it is an amazing instrument I find that it lacks a sweet tone and a flute repairer suggested overhauling it as there were many things to fix. I've been playing the flute for around 6 years and for my upcoming ABRSM Grade 8 exam, I am thinking of upgrading my flute.