Help me decide on a new flute (Sankyo or used Haynes)

I would recommend the Powell out of bias. I've played sankyo's but not the haynes, but I have never played a flute with a better headjoint than the powells.

Have you or will you be able to try them all?

Go with the haynes

I have a Haynes with serial number in the 32xxx range. Also, have a Sankyo, but a different model.

I recommend the Haynes, because unlike the others, it is a handmade professional flute.

I know lots of people don't like vintage flutes, but I think once you learn how to drive a Haynes flute you'll never go back.

luisfernandos said:

* brand new Sankyo (401) with c# thrill and offset G. (U$ 5700)
* Powell Signature Series Flute with B Foot $3,795.00
* used Haynes model number is 49892. solid silver, B foot, in-line, french cut, and has the Gizmo key (U$ 4.000). THe flute is in very good condition

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The Sankyo is the winner here in my book. They are nicely built and play very well. Powell's are OK. Not crazy about the signature, but that is just my personal preference. Your mileage may vary...

I wouldn't buy an Old Haynes if you paid me. The scale is just lousy, (too low to be played at current modern pitch) Half the headjoints were not stellar. Better play it first to make sure you really want it. The best thing going for the Haynes is that the construction is good and the keywork feeling is like putting on your favorite pair of jeans.

Have you tried a Pearl Cantabile? Model 8800?

Joe B

JButky said:

I wouldn't buy an Old Haynes if you paid me. The scale is just lousy, (too low to be played at current modern pitch) Half the headjoints were not stellar. Better play it first to make sure you really want it. The best thing going for the Haynes is that the construction is good and the keywork feeling is like putting on your favorite pair of jeans.
Joe B

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Joe B,

Would the same apply to a vintage Haynes piccolo. I'm in the market for one with a conical bore.

Bill

Joe is this Pearl model made in Japan? I'm thinking of going back to a Pearl from a Mura DS which even after a repad I don't love.

Another vote for the Sankyo here. Not only is the 401 a FAR superior flute to the Powell Signature, but it has a C# trill key.

Get the Sankyo.

However, with a $6,000 budget, there are many, many, many flutes that are available to you, should you choose to look. Take your time, and try as many as you can, depending on what is available to you. If those three are your final choices, however, I would really quite strongly recommend the Sankyo.

I agree on the C# trill. Of the flutes I make, over 80% buy the trill. It only adds about $250 to the price.

Also Check out the Miyazawa models. The Sankyo's are nice and light sounding, the Powell never did it for me and the Haynes have always been a favourite.

In the end, if you are unsure, take a recording device with you, play the flutes again, walk away and listen back to your recordings later with fresh ears.

All the best in your search and subsequent mental anguish of chosing a new flute. I feel for you as I was only there myself last year or earlier this year.

SuiZen said:

Joe B,

Would the same apply to a vintage Haynes piccolo. I'm in the market for one with a conical bore.

Bill

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The vintage Haynes piccs are quite nice, Metal or wood. There are some Db's out there too that are also very very nice..

Joe B

Michael Ward said:

Joe is this Pearl model made in Japan? I'm thinking of going back to a Pearl from a Mura DS which even after a repad I don't love.

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The Cantabile is made in Japan. It's a lot of flute for the money and you can get many options with it. It was one of the favorite flutes at the NFA convention last week. Particularly, the 8800RBECDY..open hole, B foot, Split E, C# trill, D# roller with gold plated tube astonished many people for the price you can get it for.

Since I'm talking Pearl right now, I might as well take a moment to introduce myself as the new Pearl Flute Product Specialist for Pearl Corporation. It's a rather sudden change for me and I will be moving to Nashville, TN shortly to assume my duties full time.

Joe B

Joe, Congratulations, these new Pearls are some of the nicests flutes out there for the money. I have been very impressed with these instruments, especially the lower end ones. The quality of finish and keywork is quite startling. others have been noticing too in the industry Down Under.

"I have been very impressed with ... the lower end ones. Others have been noticing too in the industry Down Under."

I am officially excluded from that statement. I DON'T like student Pearls for a variety of reasons, which I've mentioned here before. Some respected teachers here concur. Perhaps they have changed in the last year or two though.

I've been really impressed by some of the Japanese-made pro models though.

Congratulations Joe.

Gordon,
Check the newer models just released here, maybe they haven't made to NZ yet. Anyway, you're in NZ not Down Under........

Hi Guys,

Sorry for not replying in a long time.
I end up bying a Muramatsu

hello which Muramatsu model did you buy.? thanks

Hi Michael,

The model I bought is MUR-DSBOCHV
- French model, Handcut headjoint, offset G, pointed Key Arms, c# thrill, D#roller, heavywall and B Foot.

hi thanks I just saw this.
Do you have any problems with the padding of your DS? Mine was very difficult to set up so I had the new style Muramatsu pads removed and regular ones installed which transformed the flute's response. I'm actually looking at changing to a high end Pearl.