Posted by Sir James Galway on June 16, 2004 at 06:51:00:

I have to tell you that I buy ALL my flutes from Muramatsu. I have never received a flute from them for free and I would not accept such a gift from any manufacturer. By accepting such a gift you forfeit the right to complain about it and to have it repaired under the guarantee.

I had an incident where the barrel fell of the flute in a concert. I sent it back to Muramatsu and they replaced the flute at my request. Had they given me a flute I could not have complained and had them change it. I don't believe that they make special flutes for me. All the Muramatsu flutes I have tried happen to be very good flutes and I even think that some players have better instruments than I have.

It is known by some people that I play a Muramatsu. I don't advertise them and Muramatsu do not use me as advertising material for their product. I have told them they may do it but so far they have never used my photo or biographical material for their flutes.

I am just another customer as far as they are concerned and when I order a flute I have to wait 9 months to a year until it is delivered. I do not ask for special treatment and I don't get it either.

When I happen to be in Tokyo they do overhaul my flutes and that is the only special service I receive from them.

I do know some of the people in the firm and Mr Muramatsu personally and count them as my best and dearest friends.

Best regards,
Sir James