Compare Muramatsu Flute Models EX vs GX vs DS vs PTP vs PT
Introduction
Muramatsu Flutes is a flute manufacturer founded by Koichi Muramatsu. It is probably one of the oldest Japanese classical flute companies, having manufactured the instrument since 1923. Their handmade flutes are made from Sterling silver, 9K, 14K, 18K, and 24K gold; as well as platinum. Many artisans who have worked for Muramatsu have also created many of the new companies in Japan that make high-quality handmade flutes.
Muramatsu flutes are internationally respected for their precision craftsmanship, tonal consistency, and long-term reliability. Unlike many manufacturers, Muramatsu focuses on a small range of professional models, each distinguished primarily by materials and construction rather than marketing tiers. About Muramatsu Flutes. They have never offered a ‘range’ of different headjoint cuts like many other manufacturers. Although there have been some adjustments over the years in the embouchure shape and cut, Muramatsu have remained faithful to their sound. They are known for superbly constructed handmade flutes with a rich, powerful sound with a wide width of tonal colours.
Famous flautists who use this brand include Sir James Galway Sharon Bezaly and Sami Junnonen.
Overview of current Muramatsu Flute Models
All Muramatsu flutes are hand-built in Japan and intended for advanced and professional players. Below is a summary of the primary Muramatsu flute models and their construction differences. All are available in closed and open hole versions, in-line G and offset G with C or B footjoints.
- EX – Sterling silver headjoint and silver plated body and keys.
- GX – Sterling silver tube with silver-plated keys
- DS – Sterling silver tube and keys (Also available in 9K, 14K and 18K Gold)
- SR – Sterling silver tube and keys with soldered tone holes
- PTP – Sterling silver tube and keys with platinum plating
- PT – Platinum tube and keys
Other options include C# trills, D# rollers and split E mechanism.
Muramatsu EX Flute
Sterling silver headjoint with silver plated body and keys
Muramatsu EXIII
The Muramatsu EX flute is widely considered the reference point for the Muramatsu sound. It has a handmade solid sterling silver headjoint which offers warmth, richness, stability, and a balanced resistance profile. The body and mechanism are silver plated. These are very versatile models and used in a large variety of music settings and styles. Very popular for wind doublers as they have a relaxed embouchure and so are easier to switch from other woodwind instruments. The price point is also very attractive for a flute that has a large and full sound.
Best for advanced students, conservatory players, and professionals seeking a versatile orchestral flute.
Muramatsu EX Product Page
Muramatsu GX Flute
Sterling Silver Tube with Silver-Plated Keys
The Muramatsu GX flute features a solid sterling silver tube paired with silver-plated keys and drawn tone holes. This configuration results in a slightly richer sound than the EX and more resonance for the player.
Best for advanced students and professionals.
Muramatsu GX Product page
Muramatsu DS Flute
Sterling Silver Tube and Keys
The Muramatsu DS flute is constructed with a sterling silver tube and keys and drawn tone holes. It is known for its refined tonal core and orchestral projection. Very similar in sound to the GX and benefitting mainly from the addition of solid silver keys.
Best for advanced students and professionals.
Muramatsu DS Product page
Muramatsu SR Flute
Sterling Silver Tube and Keys with Soldered tone holes
The Muramatsu SR flute combines sterling silver construction and keys. The tone holes are soldered on to the flute and have a hard, precise tone hole edge. This suits harder pads and gives superb sealing and therefore maximum response and feedback.
Best for professionals seeking the optimum sound from silver.
Muramatsu PTP Flute
Sterling Silver with Platinum Plating
The Muramatsu PTP flute combines sterling silver construction with platinum plating on the tube and keys. This adds density and resistance while maintaining silver’s flexibility. This model is based on the DS but can also be ordered as a PTP-SR model Similar in essence to the solid platinum version with a darker, more denser feeling of resonance and feedback. Not as dark as gold in tone and has a more solid ‘edge’ to the sound.
Best for professionals seeking added projection without committing to full platinum.
Muramatsu PT Flute
Platinum Professional Flute
The Muramatsu PT flute is the pinnacle of the Muramatsu lineup, constructed entirely from platinum. It offers maximum projection, resistance, and tonal density. These are a special order only and very rarely seen. Here however is one for sale with London Flutes
Best for professionals.
Muramatsu Flute older models.
Muramatsu had slightly different models for the Asian and Western market for some time in the mid 1970’s to early 1980’s. Used models can still be found for sale and can cause some confusion when trying to understand the similarities to current models. These models generally incorporated silver and Nickel-Silver without silver plating. The Nickel-Silver therefore was duller in colour and easy to spot against the silver parts. Nickel silver is a durable, corrosion-resistant alloy composed primarily of copper (usually ~60%), nickel (~20%), and zinc (~20%), containing no actual silver.
Asian Flute Market Muramatsu models:
Muramatsu M-85 – This model had plateau keys (Not French Pointed Key Arms). It had a solid silver lip plate and riser and a nickel silver head, body and keys.
Muramatsu M-95 – An early first version of the current EX with plateau keys. It featured a solid silver headjoint with nickel silver body and keys
Muramatsu M-120 – The second version of the EX, made towards the late 1980’s. It has the same specification as the M-95
Muramatsu M-180 – This is the first version of the Muramatsu GX with plateau keys. It featured a solid silver head and body with nickel silver keys.
These earlier versions are quite inexpensive to purchase on the used market and are a cheap way to experience the Muramatsu sound. It should be noted however that the mechanism can be a bit clunky and the sound can lack the finesse of the later models. This is due to the embouchure shape changing slightly and incorporating over and under-cutting at the edges to open the sound.
Earlier Worldwide Muramatsu Flute models
From around the 1970’s onwards, there were Muramatsu flute models that were more widely sold and had a little more in the way of features. These models formed the base for the current Muramatsu flutes we see today and are still very much sought-after on the used market. They were very solidly made by hand and whilst headjoints have become more advanced, they are still very relevant.
Muramatsu ST – 1970’s-early 1980’s. This is a plateau key model with solid silver head, body and keys. The flute was also silver plated, unlike the Asian market models. Handmade headjoints on these early models do vary and Muramatsu did experiment with different styles and cuts of the lip plate.
Muramatsu AD – 1980’s and 1990’s. This is an updated version of the ST model with an upgraded mechanism and headjoint. It also features French pointed key arms.
Muramatsu DN – 1990’s to around 2003. This model was primarily the same as the AD. The only notable difference was that it did not have adjustment screws. It was replaced in 2003 by the DS model.
USED MURAMATSU FLUTES
There is a large market for all of the above models. The older models such as the ST and AD are very popular due to the cost versus the newer DS. A good example of an ST can start as low as £1,650 and an AD from around £2,500, depending on the specification. The AD especially is worth considering due to its similarity to the current DS model priced at over £8,000. There is also the popularity of adding a bespoke headjoint to these solid silver models, which can result in a professional quality sound at a fraction of the new price. Here are some used Muramatsu flutes for sale with London Flutes.
IN SUMMARY
Muramatsu remains one of the most popular and purchased maker of handmade flutes worldwide. When purchasing a used version then check that it has recently been serviced and ho old the pads are. A good used Muramatsu can last a lifetime and this is what makes them sought-after used flutes.