Product Reviews: Azumi AZ-Z3 Flute

I played on a Yamaha YFL-212 for six years and now having finished my Grade 8, felt the need to progress onto a more versatile and dynamic instrument. The Azumi AZ-Z3 was recommended to me; having played it for a week, the special Z-cut mouthpiece makes it easy to play high register notes, especially in fast passages. I'm very excited to have this sterling silver flute take me through my diplomas and later study at conservatoire.

I learnt to play the flute 40 years ago at school where I played in the school band, did a few graded and performed a solo. But after leaving school I had not played. I only recently took it back up playing on my original Boosey and Hawkes Emperor flute which was still in very good condition and easy to play. However, the rich tone I was longing for was just out of reach and I could not push my old flute to perform.

I decided it was time to pass my student flute to my daughter who is now learning, and treat myself to a new flute. Spending several hours at Just flutes with the patient and helpful staff assisting me (sorry I took so long!), I was pointed in the direction of the Azumi AZ-Z3E sterling silver head joint and body.

It is very easy to play, sounds rich and resonant, with great dynamics, reliable clear notes with little effort. The mechanism is light and responsive.

We have only been getting to know each other for a couple of weeks and I am still relearning technique and trying to get faster fingers, but I can see all sorts of possibilities for my progress and the sheer joy of mastering new pieces and playing in the local community band.

The only problem is that I have been playing it so much, and it is a about 40 grams heavier than my original student flute, I am getting a sore patch on my index finger and some stiffness in my right little finger. I am now looking at finger and thumb ports to alleviate holding the additional weight whilst I get used to it.

It has a beautiful rich tone, especially in the low register. But it is just as easy to play in the high register. Entr'acte from Carmen has low C to top BFlat and this flute handles it well. I am looking forward to perfecting the best tone possible from this beautiful instrument.