Arie De Keyzer VS Sam Murray Flutes

Hi,

I’m currently playing on an Arie De Keyzer keyless flute. However, I’m looking to upgrade to a keyed flute. I’ve heard really great reviews about Sam Murray flutes and I want to know your thoughts…

I have played both. Both good. I’d go for the Murray, bigger bottom D in my opinion. Some prominent players use Sam Murray flutes.

I have read about reputational difficulties with Sam Murray though ( on this board )
So best of luck.
Pat

Murray flutes are excellent, my somewhat limited experience with them is that they can be driven hard with wonderful results.

I would say that, if the many, many stories I’ve heard have an ounce of truth to them, the best way to get a keyed flute would either be on the used market or through a shop that has them in stock. He has been known to accept orders (and money!) without following through and producing a flute.

This discussion from a mere month ago might be relevant.
https://thesession.org/discussions/46714
I say this as the happy owner of a Sam Murray flute since 1992. It’s a great flute.

Shane, are you considering a few keys or fully keyed?

Fully keyed 🙂

Don’t have any dealings with Sam Murray. He will cheat you as he has so many others.

Solen Lesouef makes excellent keyed flutes, and she is trustworthy:
http://sosolaflute.com

Martin Doyle also makes fine flutes:
http://www.martindoyleflutes.com/keyed-flutes.html

Tom Aebi too:
https://www.aebi-flutes.com/index.php/en/d-flutes/rudall-d-flute

If comments above leave you wary of going for a Sam Murray flute, here’s an alternative: https://www.justflutes.com/shop/product/pre-owned-dominic-allen-grenadilla-wood-boxwood-r-traditional-flute.

(Should mention: I have an interest in the sale of this flute!)

McNeela Instruments in Ireland advertises a couple of Sam Murray keyed flutes in stock at https://mcneelamusic.com/all-irish-flutes/?_ga=2.25826298.613164419.1645105117-1382330855.1645105116

Why is Sam Murray unreliable?

“Why is Sam Murray unreliable?”

That’s a very good psychological question.

If you mean, “Why is Sam Murray considered unreliable?”, check the thread listed above https://thesession.org/discussions/46714 or search the Chiff & Fipple site—there have been several discussions in that group.

I have no personal knowledge of the man but do own a wonderful boxwood keyless of his manufacture.