Goodbye, Muramatsu. Hello, Muramatsu.

Because Thursdays consist of grand rounds, resident teaching and a very abbreviated clinic, I had time to journey back to Arlington and meet Lauren and Alberto Grossi of Alberto Grossi Woodwinds.  They are dealers in all things Muramatsu.  I almost cancelled the appointment, as I had just mailed the Maramatsu EX back to Flute World, figuring that if I've tried one of them, I've tried them all.  I'm glad I didn't.  These flutes feel and sound great.  The explanation given by Mr. Grossi for the huge difference in quality was a change in the headjoints.  In keeping with my less than $5000 price range, I took home the EX model, which is the exact same model as the Flute World Muramatsu, just newer.  The price tag is $4300.

I was able to do some side-by-side comparison fluting with Mr. and Mrs. Grossi's Muramatsu and Ms. Trimber's Hammig/TJ combo:

Maramatsu

Handcut solid silver headjoint

Silver plated tube and keys

Split E mechanism

No C# trill key

Mechanism soft, not clicky, feels good

Sound big, clear

Intonation consistent across register

Hammig/TJ

Handcut solid silver headjoint

Solid silver tube with plated keys

Split E mechanism

C# trill key

Mechanism tighter/clicky

Sound bigger, clearer, but not by much

Intonation less consistent

Hammig headjoint also has 24 kt gold riser

I'm still not certain, but I think the Muramatsu may end up victorious in this little match up.  Flute World is sending a couple of Yamahas out this way as soon as they receive their flute back.  The competition continues, and I'm rich in flutes in the meantime.

Aside from trying to determine the flute victor, my practicing today consisted of (what else) long tones, scales and JSB.  It's amazing how quickly endurance builds and sound improves, much the same as with exercise.  I wonder, though, how long I can keep up the practicing enthusiasm.  I don't feel it waning at all, but I can't really practice here, not the way I want.  I'm considering searching the hospital campus for a suitable practice room until we move.

And now back to some must-see TV.  We DVRd Top Chef and watched the finale.  Keith and I were on opposite sides of the fence with whom we wanted to win.  I won't spoil it here for the random person who might actually reads this little blog AND be behind in their Top Chef knowledge.  But my chef won.  And now Thirty Rock and Parks and Rec await.  I'm coming Tina and Amy.