So Many Instruments, So Little Time!

This is the first post in a series of short, easily digestible "Spotlight" posts I'll be doing where I discuss with you all, in depth, one specific model of instrument that I think you should know more about! To kick it off, we're going to talk about one of my absolute favorite flutes on the entire market, the Sankyo 201. The entry-level model into the world of Sankyo flutes, the 201 is a totally handcrafted jewel that is priced to be accessible to all, but provides performance quality equivalent to flutes that cost several times more. Each 201 is supplied with a hand-cut solid sterling silver (.925) headjoint, in one of Sankyo's 3 colorful and exciting cuts (RT, ST, or FT); paired with a thickly silver-plated nickel-silver body and the same precision-fit, completely handmade mechanism that appears on all Sankyo flutes. Even though the body is silver-plated, don't be fooled into thinking this is a student flute! It is a truly handmade instrument that

When I wrote my original post detailing the many wonders available to us in the world of oboes, three and a half years ago, I never dreamed that it would gain such traction and be read by so many of you around the world (over 25,000 of you last time I looked)! I am truly honored that you’ve taken the time to read it, and I LOVE that I’ve actually been able to help some of you find your dream instrument. Since I first posted this, there have been some very exciting and fun developments in the oboe world, and it’s been pointed out that I also neglected to mention one or two makers, so I hope to address that in this edition. (I’ve also since been fortunate enough to try some instruments that I had not as of the original publication date, such as the Buffet Orfeo!) The original information is retained, but slightly reformatted. With the IDRS conference fast approaching, my vision for this revised version is to act as a sort of “Buyers and Triers Guide to IDRS”, so that those of