Feedback/Reviews
You are probably thinking that I only publish the positive feedback, and leave out the negative. The honest to God fact is: There have only been 2 negative feedbacks from anyone who has purchased my flute stopper!! Hey, nothing is for everyone all the time, but my flute stopper plug is pretty close. Frankly, I am a bit surprised at the universally positive praise, but delighted to receive it. mark seidman
PLEASE READ ON
January 3, 2012
I've received your stopper and had the opportunity to try on many headjoints (Arista, Muramatsu, Miyazawa and Yamaha) and the results were very positive.
In my opinion the choice of instrument and its component parts is always a very personal and particular decision. Today we needed to be awake for the evolution of technology and be able to follow all the trends. The Seidman Flute Stopper is a tool available to performers, who can help us find new colors and sounds. The main advantages I find are better able to resonate throughout the body of the instrument, more clarity in the articulation, and a fuller tone [tone richer color] especially in the recording medium and severe (especially in right hand).
I can say I am very pleased and I recommend everyone to try.
Best Regards,
David Sousa - Portugal
December 12, 2011
I recently bought two flute plugs, one for myself and one for my niece. Both of us are wild about the plugs. They're amazing!
November 15,2011
Yes indeed!!! It's in all the flutes I care about ... and even in a couple I don't care much about. That's how good this brilliant little gizmo is. Pauline Finch- Canada
November 11, 2011
Sorry for getting back to you this late ... I really must congratulate you for on your ingenious flute stopper - it's marvellous! It simply transforms the whole instrument - more immediate response, much more resonance (both markedly improved in the low register), more controllability and better intonation. I am playing a solid silver Muramatsu heavy wall with soldered tone holes and a Lafin silver headjoint with 18ct riser and lip plate. This provides a fat and voluminous sound I am very attached to, but so far lacked a certain, well, "slimness" and ease it has now acquired with your stopper. So thank you so much - I wish you loads of success with this simple but most efficient tool!!
This brings me to the next question: Do you make similar stoppers for alto and bass flutes? I play a Muramatsu alto flute which will greatly benefit from a similar stopper. Please let me know.
Thanks so much again, congratulations, and cheers! Oliver Busch - Germany
November 11, 2011
I put one of those in my headjoint last spring!! I LOOOOOVE it!!!! :-) One of the best purchases I've ever made for my flute! Scott D. - USA October 5, 2011 I just installed (pretty easy, too) the stopper plug on our Gemeinhardt 3SS all sterling pro flute made by Kurt himself in 1963 before he retired. Like I said earlier, we didn't expect much, but not having to replace the cork again and not having to WONDER if the cork is leaking or NOT all the time makes this a good modification so long as the sound did not suffer compared with a properly fitted cork plug. Well, I'm pleased to tell you it made immediately noticeable changes: the high notes are sweeter sounding and easier to produce (no small thing!) and the low end sounds less "fuzzy", more focused. It simply plays easier and sounds better and this was a pretty nice flute to begin with and my son, Max, brings out a wonderful tone which is now even better. Now, I want two more stoppers from you. One for our modest 22SP student flute and another for our rather special Altus 1207RB with C# triller. Funny, I was pretty skeptical, but now I'm quite sure we'll be hearing improvements in these instruments, as well. This is the cheapest thing we've done to this Gemeinhardt and it has made the biggest difference. Quick, let me buy two more before the price goes up. Charles- USA
September 17, 2011
I have already bought 2 stoppers from you. The difference it has made to the sound of my flutes is just astounding. You have done a very good thing for flutes!
best regards
Robin Wilson- London, UK
August 18, 2011
This is my second purchase, this time for my wife's Muramatsu flute after she heard that my old Yamaha had improved so much with the stopper. I told my Flute teacher -- who helped me put in the flute stopper -- and now he is buying one for his gold Althus as well. It is is amazing. It frees the flute. Wish we had something like that for humans. John- France May 20, 2011Dear Mark
I play an Emanuel solid gold Flute Nr. 50 one of the best flutes he has ever done .
This Flute is so wonderful has its own sound and carisma of colours .
I got your Stopper Plug last week I installed it with a great curiousity !
I play with it now for seven days . The result is fantastic .
Since your Plug is installed my flute became much better . The lower register is much easier to play
and the higher notes have more power . Ulrich - Germay
May 18. 2011
Thanks so much. Actually, I got it today, and my teacher and I love it! (I've played around three hours today) So far, the changes I've noticed are; the flute is more "present," the tone is clearer, it has more "ring," and best of all , that "gap" or break between the upper and lower octaves seems to be gone; tone color is a lot closer! We're going to work again tomorrow (just got back from rehearsing with him, in fact.); but he and I feel very comfortable. So, thanks for being concerned! I appreciate that so much, and am telling all my flute friends about the stopper. Sincerely, Kathleen- USA
April 20. 2011
Hi Mark -- thanks for your quick shipping. I have already tried the plug on all three of my headjoints and found that it improved response in fast articulation as well as in the ease of playing at both extremes of the range, especially on my Armstrong thin-wall sterling "WS" cut HJ which is the one I use most of the time anyway. Carolyn - USA April 4, 2011I just received your plug and I must say, I wasn't expecting much. It is nothing short of amazing! I put your stopper on my Gemeinhardt KG Special really as a means to try to make it better. I can't afford a new flute at the moment and I'm very unhappy with the sound I was getting. It's difficult to put into words what exactly has changed, but I think overall response (and as a result, attack clarity) has become worlds better! I haven't even "fully" installed it (I've left it un-cemented for the moment) and I think it's absolutely brilliant. Kedgrick - USA
April 4,2011
I just received your plug and I must say, I wasn't expecting much. It is nothing short of amazing! I put your stopper on my Gemeinhardt KG Special really as a means to try to make it better. I can't afford a new flute at the moment and I'm very unhappy with the sound I was getting. It's difficult to put into words what exactly has changed, but I think overall response (and as a result, attack clarity) has become worlds better! I haven't even "fully" installed it (I've left it un-cemented for the moment) and I think it's absolutely brilliant. Kedgrick- USA
March 29, 2011
Hi Mark, The second stopper is a perfect fit and I have been using it for about 2 weeks with a Burkart headjoint with a platinum riser and a 1880s Bonneville. It is an improvement over my zirconium stopper that I have used for about 2 years. After about the 1st week I was convinced it was an improvement compared to my zirconium stopper, so I made a slight modification to the silver plate, that would normally be glued to the cork. It provides a more balanced response over all octaves. Low notes pop out or it can be played PPP with ease. I will send you the first riser that had dimensional problems. I did try it with a thicker o rings but it did not work well. I will be in touch to get another for my powell. Regards, Henry - USA
February 18, 2011
Hi Mark, I tried petroleum jelly because it was easy and I figured I could just wash it off and start over if it didn't work. It worked very well. My (very inexpensive) flute sounds better than I ever hoped it could. Thank you for the great stopper and for all your extra help. You make a great product and you really understand customer service. Unfortunately that's kind of a rarity these days. Betty- USA
January 17, 2011
Thanks Mark - I'm glad to have you as an FB friend. I was so pleased with the way your stopper has enhanced my sterling silver low-B open-hole Emerson (I just put it in today)that I had to tell everyone. The best flute I've ever owned is now even better! - Pauline Finch- USA
January 7,2011
These are fantastic. Really aids in getting a solid, dark, vibrant sound.Maximizes projection but with a beautiful sound and solid low register.These increase control and lock in 3rd octave tuning. Amazing! Joe- USA
December 30,2010
I got the flute plug today and fitted it to my Muramatsu DS with a Yamaha 925 AC headjoint. I did this because I wanted to see how it worked before I spoiled the Muramatsu headjoint that belonged to the flute. I must admit I was a little bit skeptical about your claims but thought it was worth a try.Once I replaced the stopper and played my flute I was literally blown away by the improvement in tone and ease of playing in all registers.I compared the now modified Yamaha headjoint to the one that came with the flute and now it sounds even better with your plug.Please rush me two more for my second flute and my Muramatsu headjoint. You are a genius!!!!! Mike Parlett- USA
November 13, 2010
today the flute stopper plug arrived. I installed it on my flute. I played for some hours now, it is really amazing, everything works better. Sound quality, articulation, dynamics. I couldn't believe it. Flute playing works so easy now, it gives the feel like a well oiled engine.... I love it.
Flavio- Switzerland
November 9, 2010
Hi Mark. I am very happy with your stopper. Every time I pick the flute to play is more joyful the experience. Some of my friends has noticed the change for good of the sound. I have been passing the news, so others here can experience how wonderful their flutes can sound using your stopper. I will be thankful for ever... to you for this. If you make one for the piccolos, tell me as soon as you can. Ricardo- Puerto Rico
October 14, 2010
The stoppers have been installed in both my Muramatsu flutes (open and closed hole instruments) and I have to say that the difference between the old cork stopper and your stopper is utterly astounding.
The resonance, particularly in the closed hole flute, is so different; enough to say that my relatively medium sound is now a bigger one, which also means it improves the tone colour significantly without having to change anything in the way of the embouchure.
The open hole flute is a slightly different matter, but then again, that is to be expected, but it is still a better sound.
Getting the old cork stoppers out was really easy, nothing difficult or technically challenging about it, and installing the new ones was easy. Your instructions were clear and precise, and no jumping up and down was required! .... :-D
We have passed your website on to the local music store with excellent referrals, letting them know that this is a product every flute owner should have, student or professional, it's the only way to go to get rid of the dirty old corks and move flutes into the 21st century!
Many thanks again for your wonderful service and prompt efficiency. Jaqueline- Tasmania, Australia
September 26, 2010
I tried the stopper on a Myazawa with a platinum chimney headjoint, and then the same flute with a Drelniger headjoint, and noticed a favorable difference with both. Better high notes, more even response for me. I have just ordered a second stopper. The price can't be beat.
Charles- USA
September 26, 2010
I install one of your stoppers in my new Hammig flute head, Man, that stoppermade that flute sing like Pavarotti. I put another in my Rudall Carte head with similarresults.There are no stoppers around the world that can compare with yours, You are a genius! Carlos- USA
September 6, 2010
I got the new stopper and it works great. My flute sounds much crisper and cleaner. I had no idea it would make so much difference. I left you what I consider the best feedback I have left in my ten years on eBay. Hope you like it.
David- USA
August 22,2010
Mark, Your stopper is the best. It makes my Muramatsu sing! Laurent Bass- USA
August 24,2010Played with your stopper for over a year now. It's fantastic !
Par Johansson-Sweden
July 24,2010
Fantastic Item!! I highly recommend this stopper.I have them on all my flutes!!
Damian- USA
July 10,2010
Fantastic, Installed it today,Works Great, Great Packing & eMails, 5 Stars All
Bill- USA
June 26, 2010
Suono migliorato notevolmente su flauto Yamaha, si fa meno fatica a suonare.OK!
Anna- Italy
June 23, 2010
item as described works great for 1953 Haynes closed hole Michael- USA
June 4, 2010
superb, really works Steve- USA
May 2, 2010
Super product! incredible performance, and very honest ebayer. Fabio- Italy
April 28, 2010
Hello Mark,
I put one stopper in my Flute this morning (FAULISI head, ROOSEN Flute)The richness of sound quality and the tone are wonderfull.It's a real pleasure to play with this new plug.My Flute factor is interest by your stopper.He have your mail.Thank you and BRAVO
Frédéric Werner Professor at the Schola Cantorum in Paris
March 15, 2010
Hi. The flute plug came yesterday. I just left you + feedback and 5 stars across the board.
This is an interesting product. On my intermediate flute head joint, the one I have my students use, it not only improved the response and tuning but gave a much better tone quality.
On my hand made headjoint, it didn't change the tone or response much but did greatly even out the sound between registers. Not only do the high notes not thin out but I don't have to fight to keep them from going sharp. Your plug seems to add a bit of resistance in a nice way, helping me make a better connection with the instrument. The end result is better control and, surprisingly, better tonguing. This is the first performance product I've tried that actually improved my hand made head joint.
Overall, I'm very impressed. I have to give it a big thumbs up. I'll be recommending it to my students and the other flute players I know.
Thanks again.
Joe- USA
April 7, 2010
Hi Mark, What a fantastic product your stopper is! I'm a long-time flutist and thought I'd give your stoppers a try. I wasn't unhappy with my overall sound or anything - I was just curious about your product. I have to say that I'm very pleased with it. I noticed a definite difference immediately. I sound like I'm playing in stereo now - it's great! Thank you! Lisa- USA December 20, 2009
REVIEW FOR PICCOLOIST.COM Recently I was given the chance to try a stopper plug made by Mark Seidman of seidmanflutetechnology.com. Initially intrigued by the interesting shape of the little gadget, I wasn't thinking that it was going to make a huge difference in my overall sound. I had tried a few others before this particular plug. Most were similar in material, having being made of Delrin, or just your traditional headjoint cork. The little plug is very well put together and has 3 "O" rings which the maker claims "for just the right dampening of balance and tone control". One downfall was my own responsibility. The cork in my headjoint was almost 2 years old and was not easy to get out. It literally had to be broken apart since it was glued on to the little metal plate quite good! After getting through that, installing Mark's stopper plug was extremely simple. Mark gives you step-by-step installation instructions on his website. The very first thing that stood out was that my lower register just seemed to "pop" out (in the words of Emeril, "BAM!"). I'm used to playing on a colorful headjoint that I absolutely love, but all of a sudden the notes seemed to feel more powerful and have a bit more life to them. I thought that playing up through the registers that I would lose some vibrancy or quality due to the low register's new brilliancy. Not the case! Both my middle and high registers were not affected by Mark's plug and the flute just seemed to play more effortlessly than it ever did before! Tone and pitch were not affected at all. Consider playing low-register passages from "Syrinx" or parts from the Khachaturian "Concerto". For articulation, try the allegro from Bach's "Sonata in C Major". For the high register, I played Ran's "East Wind" and overall found that something like the Dutilleux "Sonatine" was a good piece for all three registers. However, a student flutist would fare well on just their scales. The sound is not brassy, nor is it fake or shrill. I still sound like me, but I feel more powerful and feel like I am projecting more. I imagine something like this would work wonders in most flutes, especially for those who are seeking a new headjoint or flute. Perhaps you wouldn't need to go there quite yet.... Consider trying a stopper plug made by Mark Seidman before spending thousands on a new headjoint. He does give you a 7 day money-back guarantee and for only $25 (which includes shipping, $10 more for international) it is a steal! Mark himself says, "no other stopper plug in the world creates this shape space around the tubing for maximum resonance". I played on my new setup for the first time in a recent Christmas concert with my orchestra and have not taken it out since! The other flutist in the orchestra also tried my flute and agreed that it sounded great! Overall I would rate this an A+ buy because of the final result being so positive. Go get one for a flutist for Christmas! For more information on the stopper plug by Mark Seidman or to purchase, please visit Mark's website atwww.seidmanflutetechnology.com(Cristina Ledford tested the Seidman Flute Stopper Plug on a .017
Silver Muramatsu flute with a Silver Lopatin headjoint and a 14K
riser)
February 9, 2010
This stopper has changed my playing forever...I Love It.
Kennith- USA
February 8,2010
I recently purchased one of these plugs for my Fiancee’s flute; and it is absolutely wonderful! I am a music teacher and will be promoting your product as much as possible. Thank you. Jeremy- USA
January 27, 2010
Hello Mark, Please know that I am thrilled with the two plugs I bought from you. Your response and service could not have been better, installation was successful, and the tone and ease of playing are wonderful. Being a bit squeamish, I installed the first plug on an old Artley flute that I leave out all the time just to pick up and play a bit whenever I walk by it. That gave me the confidence and eagerness to put the other one on my Powell. The ease of bringing out clear high and low notes was everything I had hoped for, and the tone of the whole range a thrill. I'm so glad I found out about your plugs and happy to have them. I did not see anything about life expectancy, so I assume they will last for a very long time - thus not need replacing with every cleaning and adjustment. Thank you for inventing such a neat product.
Carolyn- USA
January 25, 2010
Okay, Mark - I got your stopper today. I can't say I'm any closer to virtuosity, but my old Haynes is MUCH more responsive. I'm a believer! Please send me another for my second head joint. Many thanks for a terrific product.
Craig - USA
October 9, 2009
Your stoppers arrived safely today. I put one in my Powell flute, because the cork is very old and I seldom play the flute anymore, and see, it sounds great!! I will introduce it to people here in Zürich, I think it is fantastic. It has the effect Arthur Lora described in the fifties. Florent Hofinger also did experiments in this direction, by the way.Thanks a lot!
Maurice Heugen - Zurich Opera Orchestra, Switzerland
October 4,2010
Thank you Mark.
So far I am liking your stopper best of the ones I have tried. I tried the Robert Bigio (Zirconium) stopper. The sound is great with lots of core to the sound, but there's a hollow thing happening in parts of the middle register that I find uneven and unsettling.I haven't fully tried the Lafin because the screw at the present moment is too long. It sounds good and very clear but a little tight.
Yours on the other hand seems to have a nice balance of features in the sound that I find quite useful. I will continue evaluating, specially when I get your new version. I'll have a chance to try it in a week or so since I have some out of town gigs this coming week.I would like to pay you for your stopper, do you accept paypal? Thank you so much, Peace Marco- USA/Venezuela "Peace & Prosperity"www.sunflute.com
September 4, 2009
Hello Mark, Well I stayed home today with a slight reaction to the flu vaccine I got yesterday, which was a good enough reason to spend the past 1.5 hours flute playing with your plug in my 14k headjoint. At first I thought the upper register was a bit thinner and maybe not as much resonance in b2, c2, c#2, but since I have been only playing on a Folkers &Powell Full Circle wood headjoint for a while, it was just a matter of reorganizing my embrochure to the metal headjoint. I just finished playing Carnival of Venice and am absolutely thrilled with response & sound change of my heajoint (it came with an Ogren Stopper, so I have never played it with a cork stopper). Amazing!!!!!! Did I tell you I am thrilled with the improvement? There is also an added POP to the notes. I think is opened up this headjoint (which is really a very nice head on its own, but its just that much more now).
I have tried Bigio delrin stopper&crown and Ogren Stopper on this headjoint as well as other headjoints but at this time I must agree your stopper is superior in results. I was afraid of the word Clarity in your description, as in my mind that usually is synonymous with bright& thin, like some of the Japanese flutes, maybe loss of resonance, but that is not the fact with your stopper. I just did a buy now on another stopper. I will try it on my silver Dana Sheridan headjoint. Sorry for my long winded review! Dee- USA
December 10, 2009
Congratulation! This is one great plug!Do you make one for alto and bass? Those really need the low register response!
Thank you! Petri - Finland September 10, 2009
Thank you for your kind and gracious reply. I am sorry for the tone and words of my knee-jerk reaction. I regretted it immediately after hitting the "send" button. When I showed the photo of your stopper to Bob Ogren (our flute tech who designed the one we sell) he said; "Way cool!" I asked him why he wasn't upset, and he said "we obviously think alike and have similar interests. Wish them good luck!" So I offer you my apologies and thank you. Obviously God intended our paths to cross because I was way overdue for a lesson in humility! God bless YOU!
Paul Leithold - USA
October 13, 2009
It really is working ! With this plug my standard silver Muramatsu
(from the 70´ies) got a much louder, wider tone, without missing the accuracy and easiness to play. It was very smooth and easy especially in the high level before, because the embouchure plate has been altered years ago by J.R. Lafin, but now it achieved fullness and a little more richness of volume, esp. in the lower level. Very good piece of invention!! Andreas- Germany
September 3, 2009
The upper register is VERY responsive now. THanks! Ted- USA
September 4, 2009
The stopper works well on my wood flute. Thanks! Larry- USA
September 6, 2009
I installed the plug myself, a simple procedure really, a much easier process with threading the delrin stopper. Again, I played yesterday morning and am just amazed at the change in the performance of my gold headjoint. Feel free to use my comments on your website. I think you are really on to something with your product. Thanks again. Dee- USA
September 7, 2009
I blew my flute last night at a gig and there is a
noticeable difference. I can do multi-phonics
without even thinking about now. Thanks very much! Ted- USA
September 12, 2009
Excellent! My flute has never sounded so good! Lynn- USA
September 14, 2009
The stopper plug has arrived and was easy to install. It definitely makes a difference. Top octave notes E and F sharp seem easier and the top octave is less shrill. Steve- United Kingdom
September 15, 2009
Better then ever!!!! Raytin- Thailand
September 19, 2009
Arrival safely today. It's a GREAT SOUND! Very kindly & Fast response. Thanks!! Katsuyuki- Japan
September 22, 2009
I received the stopper yesterday and you definitely didn't exaggerate!! It's so simple, and so brilliant. I'm going to orchestra tomorrow night and tell the other flautists about it. The change in richness of sound quality is amazing- D USA
September 22, 2009
Thank you for working on my flute! It sounds great and better than before. Thank you. Annie K. (age 13) USA
September 22,2009
THIS THING WORKS!! Dramatic improvement to flute.Easy to install. FAST shipping. Deena USA
September 26, 2009
Flutes sounds really great. Just ordered another plug to show other flute players in our Community Symphony Orchestra at West Virginia University. Heikki USA
PLEASE READ ON
January 3, 2012
I've received your stopper and had the opportunity to try on many headjoints (Arista, Muramatsu, Miyazawa and Yamaha) and the results were very positive.
In my opinion the choice of instrument and its component parts is always a very personal and particular decision. Today we needed to be awake for the evolution of technology and be able to follow all the trends. The Seidman Flute Stopper is a tool available to performers, who can help us find new colors and sounds. The main advantages I find are better able to resonate throughout the body of the instrument, more clarity in the articulation, and a fuller tone [tone richer color] especially in the recording medium and severe (especially in right hand).
I can say I am very pleased and I recommend everyone to try.
Best Regards,
David Sousa - Portugal
December 12, 2011
I recently bought two flute plugs, one for myself and one for my niece. Both of us are wild about the plugs. They're amazing!
November 15,2011
Yes indeed!!! It's in all the flutes I care about ... and even in a couple I don't care much about. That's how good this brilliant little gizmo is. Pauline Finch- Canada
November 11, 2011
Sorry for getting back to you this late ... I really must congratulate you for on your ingenious flute stopper - it's marvellous! It simply transforms the whole instrument - more immediate response, much more resonance (both markedly improved in the low register), more controllability and better intonation. I am playing a solid silver Muramatsu heavy wall with soldered tone holes and a Lafin silver headjoint with 18ct riser and lip plate. This provides a fat and voluminous sound I am very attached to, but so far lacked a certain, well, "slimness" and ease it has now acquired with your stopper. So thank you so much - I wish you loads of success with this simple but most efficient tool!!
This brings me to the next question: Do you make similar stoppers for alto and bass flutes? I play a Muramatsu alto flute which will greatly benefit from a similar stopper. Please let me know.
Thanks so much again, congratulations, and cheers! Oliver Busch - Germany
November 11, 2011
I put one of those in my headjoint last spring!! I LOOOOOVE it!!!! :-) One of the best purchases I've ever made for my flute! Scott D. - USA October 5, 2011 I just installed (pretty easy, too) the stopper plug on our Gemeinhardt 3SS all sterling pro flute made by Kurt himself in 1963 before he retired. Like I said earlier, we didn't expect much, but not having to replace the cork again and not having to WONDER if the cork is leaking or NOT all the time makes this a good modification so long as the sound did not suffer compared with a properly fitted cork plug. Well, I'm pleased to tell you it made immediately noticeable changes: the high notes are sweeter sounding and easier to produce (no small thing!) and the low end sounds less "fuzzy", more focused. It simply plays easier and sounds better and this was a pretty nice flute to begin with and my son, Max, brings out a wonderful tone which is now even better. Now, I want two more stoppers from you. One for our modest 22SP student flute and another for our rather special Altus 1207RB with C# triller. Funny, I was pretty skeptical, but now I'm quite sure we'll be hearing improvements in these instruments, as well. This is the cheapest thing we've done to this Gemeinhardt and it has made the biggest difference. Quick, let me buy two more before the price goes up. Charles- USA
September 17, 2011
I have already bought 2 stoppers from you. The difference it has made to the sound of my flutes is just astounding. You have done a very good thing for flutes!
best regards
Robin Wilson- London, UK
August 18, 2011
This is my second purchase, this time for my wife's Muramatsu flute after she heard that my old Yamaha had improved so much with the stopper. I told my Flute teacher -- who helped me put in the flute stopper -- and now he is buying one for his gold Althus as well. It is is amazing. It frees the flute. Wish we had something like that for humans. John- France May 20, 2011Dear Mark
I play an Emanuel solid gold Flute Nr. 50 one of the best flutes he has ever done .
This Flute is so wonderful has its own sound and carisma of colours .
I got your Stopper Plug last week I installed it with a great curiousity !
I play with it now for seven days . The result is fantastic .
Since your Plug is installed my flute became much better . The lower register is much easier to play
and the higher notes have more power . Ulrich - Germay
May 18. 2011
Thanks so much. Actually, I got it today, and my teacher and I love it! (I've played around three hours today) So far, the changes I've noticed are; the flute is more "present," the tone is clearer, it has more "ring," and best of all , that "gap" or break between the upper and lower octaves seems to be gone; tone color is a lot closer! We're going to work again tomorrow (just got back from rehearsing with him, in fact.); but he and I feel very comfortable. So, thanks for being concerned! I appreciate that so much, and am telling all my flute friends about the stopper. Sincerely, Kathleen- USA
April 20. 2011
Hi Mark -- thanks for your quick shipping. I have already tried the plug on all three of my headjoints and found that it improved response in fast articulation as well as in the ease of playing at both extremes of the range, especially on my Armstrong thin-wall sterling "WS" cut HJ which is the one I use most of the time anyway. Carolyn - USA April 4, 2011I just received your plug and I must say, I wasn't expecting much. It is nothing short of amazing! I put your stopper on my Gemeinhardt KG Special really as a means to try to make it better. I can't afford a new flute at the moment and I'm very unhappy with the sound I was getting. It's difficult to put into words what exactly has changed, but I think overall response (and as a result, attack clarity) has become worlds better! I haven't even "fully" installed it (I've left it un-cemented for the moment) and I think it's absolutely brilliant. Kedgrick - USA
April 4,2011
I just received your plug and I must say, I wasn't expecting much. It is nothing short of amazing! I put your stopper on my Gemeinhardt KG Special really as a means to try to make it better. I can't afford a new flute at the moment and I'm very unhappy with the sound I was getting. It's difficult to put into words what exactly has changed, but I think overall response (and as a result, attack clarity) has become worlds better! I haven't even "fully" installed it (I've left it un-cemented for the moment) and I think it's absolutely brilliant. Kedgrick- USA
March 29, 2011
Hi Mark, The second stopper is a perfect fit and I have been using it for about 2 weeks with a Burkart headjoint with a platinum riser and a 1880s Bonneville. It is an improvement over my zirconium stopper that I have used for about 2 years. After about the 1st week I was convinced it was an improvement compared to my zirconium stopper, so I made a slight modification to the silver plate, that would normally be glued to the cork. It provides a more balanced response over all octaves. Low notes pop out or it can be played PPP with ease. I will send you the first riser that had dimensional problems. I did try it with a thicker o rings but it did not work well. I will be in touch to get another for my powell. Regards, Henry - USA
February 18, 2011
Hi Mark, I tried petroleum jelly because it was easy and I figured I could just wash it off and start over if it didn't work. It worked very well. My (very inexpensive) flute sounds better than I ever hoped it could. Thank you for the great stopper and for all your extra help. You make a great product and you really understand customer service. Unfortunately that's kind of a rarity these days. Betty- USA
January 17, 2011
Thanks Mark - I'm glad to have you as an FB friend. I was so pleased with the way your stopper has enhanced my sterling silver low-B open-hole Emerson (I just put it in today)that I had to tell everyone. The best flute I've ever owned is now even better! - Pauline Finch- USA
January 7,2011
These are fantastic. Really aids in getting a solid, dark, vibrant sound.Maximizes projection but with a beautiful sound and solid low register.These increase control and lock in 3rd octave tuning. Amazing! Joe- USA
December 30,2010
I got the flute plug today and fitted it to my Muramatsu DS with a Yamaha 925 AC headjoint. I did this because I wanted to see how it worked before I spoiled the Muramatsu headjoint that belonged to the flute. I must admit I was a little bit skeptical about your claims but thought it was worth a try.Once I replaced the stopper and played my flute I was literally blown away by the improvement in tone and ease of playing in all registers.I compared the now modified Yamaha headjoint to the one that came with the flute and now it sounds even better with your plug.Please rush me two more for my second flute and my Muramatsu headjoint. You are a genius!!!!! Mike Parlett- USA
November 13, 2010
today the flute stopper plug arrived. I installed it on my flute. I played for some hours now, it is really amazing, everything works better. Sound quality, articulation, dynamics. I couldn't believe it. Flute playing works so easy now, it gives the feel like a well oiled engine.... I love it.
Flavio- Switzerland
November 9, 2010
Hi Mark. I am very happy with your stopper. Every time I pick the flute to play is more joyful the experience. Some of my friends has noticed the change for good of the sound. I have been passing the news, so others here can experience how wonderful their flutes can sound using your stopper. I will be thankful for ever... to you for this. If you make one for the piccolos, tell me as soon as you can. Ricardo- Puerto Rico
October 14, 2010
The stoppers have been installed in both my Muramatsu flutes (open and closed hole instruments) and I have to say that the difference between the old cork stopper and your stopper is utterly astounding.
The resonance, particularly in the closed hole flute, is so different; enough to say that my relatively medium sound is now a bigger one, which also means it improves the tone colour significantly without having to change anything in the way of the embouchure.
The open hole flute is a slightly different matter, but then again, that is to be expected, but it is still a better sound.
Getting the old cork stoppers out was really easy, nothing difficult or technically challenging about it, and installing the new ones was easy. Your instructions were clear and precise, and no jumping up and down was required! .... :-D
We have passed your website on to the local music store with excellent referrals, letting them know that this is a product every flute owner should have, student or professional, it's the only way to go to get rid of the dirty old corks and move flutes into the 21st century!
Many thanks again for your wonderful service and prompt efficiency. Jaqueline- Tasmania, Australia
September 26, 2010
I tried the stopper on a Myazawa with a platinum chimney headjoint, and then the same flute with a Drelniger headjoint, and noticed a favorable difference with both. Better high notes, more even response for me. I have just ordered a second stopper. The price can't be beat.
Charles- USA
September 26, 2010
I install one of your stoppers in my new Hammig flute head, Man, that stoppermade that flute sing like Pavarotti. I put another in my Rudall Carte head with similarresults.There are no stoppers around the world that can compare with yours, You are a genius! Carlos- USA
September 6, 2010
I got the new stopper and it works great. My flute sounds much crisper and cleaner. I had no idea it would make so much difference. I left you what I consider the best feedback I have left in my ten years on eBay. Hope you like it.
David- USA
August 22,2010
Mark, Your stopper is the best. It makes my Muramatsu sing! Laurent Bass- USA
August 24,2010Played with your stopper for over a year now. It's fantastic !
Par Johansson-Sweden
July 24,2010
Fantastic Item!! I highly recommend this stopper.I have them on all my flutes!!
Damian- USA
July 10,2010
Fantastic, Installed it today,Works Great, Great Packing & eMails, 5 Stars All
Bill- USA
June 26, 2010
Suono migliorato notevolmente su flauto Yamaha, si fa meno fatica a suonare.OK!
Anna- Italy
June 23, 2010
item as described works great for 1953 Haynes closed hole Michael- USA
June 4, 2010
superb, really works Steve- USA
May 2, 2010
Super product! incredible performance, and very honest ebayer. Fabio- Italy
April 28, 2010
Hello Mark,
I put one stopper in my Flute this morning (FAULISI head, ROOSEN Flute)The richness of sound quality and the tone are wonderfull.It's a real pleasure to play with this new plug.My Flute factor is interest by your stopper.He have your mail.Thank you and BRAVO
Frédéric Werner Professor at the Schola Cantorum in Paris
March 15, 2010
Hi. The flute plug came yesterday. I just left you + feedback and 5 stars across the board.
This is an interesting product. On my intermediate flute head joint, the one I have my students use, it not only improved the response and tuning but gave a much better tone quality.
On my hand made headjoint, it didn't change the tone or response much but did greatly even out the sound between registers. Not only do the high notes not thin out but I don't have to fight to keep them from going sharp. Your plug seems to add a bit of resistance in a nice way, helping me make a better connection with the instrument. The end result is better control and, surprisingly, better tonguing. This is the first performance product I've tried that actually improved my hand made head joint.
Overall, I'm very impressed. I have to give it a big thumbs up. I'll be recommending it to my students and the other flute players I know.
Thanks again.
Joe- USA
April 7, 2010
Hi Mark, What a fantastic product your stopper is! I'm a long-time flutist and thought I'd give your stoppers a try. I wasn't unhappy with my overall sound or anything - I was just curious about your product. I have to say that I'm very pleased with it. I noticed a definite difference immediately. I sound like I'm playing in stereo now - it's great! Thank you! Lisa- USA December 20, 2009
REVIEW FOR PICCOLOIST.COM Recently I was given the chance to try a stopper plug made by Mark Seidman of seidmanflutetechnology.com. Initially intrigued by the interesting shape of the little gadget, I wasn't thinking that it was going to make a huge difference in my overall sound. I had tried a few others before this particular plug. Most were similar in material, having being made of Delrin, or just your traditional headjoint cork. The little plug is very well put together and has 3 "O" rings which the maker claims "for just the right dampening of balance and tone control". One downfall was my own responsibility. The cork in my headjoint was almost 2 years old and was not easy to get out. It literally had to be broken apart since it was glued on to the little metal plate quite good! After getting through that, installing Mark's stopper plug was extremely simple. Mark gives you step-by-step installation instructions on his website. The very first thing that stood out was that my lower register just seemed to "pop" out (in the words of Emeril, "BAM!"). I'm used to playing on a colorful headjoint that I absolutely love, but all of a sudden the notes seemed to feel more powerful and have a bit more life to them. I thought that playing up through the registers that I would lose some vibrancy or quality due to the low register's new brilliancy. Not the case! Both my middle and high registers were not affected by Mark's plug and the flute just seemed to play more effortlessly than it ever did before! Tone and pitch were not affected at all. Consider playing low-register passages from "Syrinx" or parts from the Khachaturian "Concerto". For articulation, try the allegro from Bach's "Sonata in C Major". For the high register, I played Ran's "East Wind" and overall found that something like the Dutilleux "Sonatine" was a good piece for all three registers. However, a student flutist would fare well on just their scales. The sound is not brassy, nor is it fake or shrill. I still sound like me, but I feel more powerful and feel like I am projecting more. I imagine something like this would work wonders in most flutes, especially for those who are seeking a new headjoint or flute. Perhaps you wouldn't need to go there quite yet.... Consider trying a stopper plug made by Mark Seidman before spending thousands on a new headjoint. He does give you a 7 day money-back guarantee and for only $25 (which includes shipping, $10 more for international) it is a steal! Mark himself says, "no other stopper plug in the world creates this shape space around the tubing for maximum resonance". I played on my new setup for the first time in a recent Christmas concert with my orchestra and have not taken it out since! The other flutist in the orchestra also tried my flute and agreed that it sounded great! Overall I would rate this an A+ buy because of the final result being so positive. Go get one for a flutist for Christmas! For more information on the stopper plug by Mark Seidman or to purchase, please visit Mark's website atwww.seidmanflutetechnology.com(Cristina Ledford tested the Seidman Flute Stopper Plug on a .017
Silver Muramatsu flute with a Silver Lopatin headjoint and a 14K
riser)
February 9, 2010
This stopper has changed my playing forever...I Love It.
Kennith- USA
February 8,2010
I recently purchased one of these plugs for my Fiancee’s flute; and it is absolutely wonderful! I am a music teacher and will be promoting your product as much as possible. Thank you. Jeremy- USA
January 27, 2010
Hello Mark, Please know that I am thrilled with the two plugs I bought from you. Your response and service could not have been better, installation was successful, and the tone and ease of playing are wonderful. Being a bit squeamish, I installed the first plug on an old Artley flute that I leave out all the time just to pick up and play a bit whenever I walk by it. That gave me the confidence and eagerness to put the other one on my Powell. The ease of bringing out clear high and low notes was everything I had hoped for, and the tone of the whole range a thrill. I'm so glad I found out about your plugs and happy to have them. I did not see anything about life expectancy, so I assume they will last for a very long time - thus not need replacing with every cleaning and adjustment. Thank you for inventing such a neat product.
Carolyn- USA
January 25, 2010
Okay, Mark - I got your stopper today. I can't say I'm any closer to virtuosity, but my old Haynes is MUCH more responsive. I'm a believer! Please send me another for my second head joint. Many thanks for a terrific product.
Craig - USA
October 9, 2009
Your stoppers arrived safely today. I put one in my Powell flute, because the cork is very old and I seldom play the flute anymore, and see, it sounds great!! I will introduce it to people here in Zürich, I think it is fantastic. It has the effect Arthur Lora described in the fifties. Florent Hofinger also did experiments in this direction, by the way.Thanks a lot!
Maurice Heugen - Zurich Opera Orchestra, Switzerland
October 4,2010
Thank you Mark.
So far I am liking your stopper best of the ones I have tried. I tried the Robert Bigio (Zirconium) stopper. The sound is great with lots of core to the sound, but there's a hollow thing happening in parts of the middle register that I find uneven and unsettling.I haven't fully tried the Lafin because the screw at the present moment is too long. It sounds good and very clear but a little tight.
Yours on the other hand seems to have a nice balance of features in the sound that I find quite useful. I will continue evaluating, specially when I get your new version. I'll have a chance to try it in a week or so since I have some out of town gigs this coming week.I would like to pay you for your stopper, do you accept paypal? Thank you so much, Peace Marco- USA/Venezuela "Peace & Prosperity"www.sunflute.com
September 4, 2009
Hello Mark, Well I stayed home today with a slight reaction to the flu vaccine I got yesterday, which was a good enough reason to spend the past 1.5 hours flute playing with your plug in my 14k headjoint. At first I thought the upper register was a bit thinner and maybe not as much resonance in b2, c2, c#2, but since I have been only playing on a Folkers &Powell Full Circle wood headjoint for a while, it was just a matter of reorganizing my embrochure to the metal headjoint. I just finished playing Carnival of Venice and am absolutely thrilled with response & sound change of my heajoint (it came with an Ogren Stopper, so I have never played it with a cork stopper). Amazing!!!!!! Did I tell you I am thrilled with the improvement? There is also an added POP to the notes. I think is opened up this headjoint (which is really a very nice head on its own, but its just that much more now).
I have tried Bigio delrin stopper&crown and Ogren Stopper on this headjoint as well as other headjoints but at this time I must agree your stopper is superior in results. I was afraid of the word Clarity in your description, as in my mind that usually is synonymous with bright& thin, like some of the Japanese flutes, maybe loss of resonance, but that is not the fact with your stopper. I just did a buy now on another stopper. I will try it on my silver Dana Sheridan headjoint. Sorry for my long winded review! Dee- USA
December 10, 2009
Congratulation! This is one great plug!Do you make one for alto and bass? Those really need the low register response!
Thank you! Petri - Finland September 10, 2009
Thank you for your kind and gracious reply. I am sorry for the tone and words of my knee-jerk reaction. I regretted it immediately after hitting the "send" button. When I showed the photo of your stopper to Bob Ogren (our flute tech who designed the one we sell) he said; "Way cool!" I asked him why he wasn't upset, and he said "we obviously think alike and have similar interests. Wish them good luck!" So I offer you my apologies and thank you. Obviously God intended our paths to cross because I was way overdue for a lesson in humility! God bless YOU!
Paul Leithold - USA
October 13, 2009
It really is working ! With this plug my standard silver Muramatsu
(from the 70´ies) got a much louder, wider tone, without missing the accuracy and easiness to play. It was very smooth and easy especially in the high level before, because the embouchure plate has been altered years ago by J.R. Lafin, but now it achieved fullness and a little more richness of volume, esp. in the lower level. Very good piece of invention!! Andreas- Germany
September 3, 2009
The upper register is VERY responsive now. THanks! Ted- USA
September 4, 2009
The stopper works well on my wood flute. Thanks! Larry- USA
September 6, 2009
I installed the plug myself, a simple procedure really, a much easier process with threading the delrin stopper. Again, I played yesterday morning and am just amazed at the change in the performance of my gold headjoint. Feel free to use my comments on your website. I think you are really on to something with your product. Thanks again. Dee- USA
September 7, 2009
I blew my flute last night at a gig and there is a
noticeable difference. I can do multi-phonics
without even thinking about now. Thanks very much! Ted- USA
September 12, 2009
Excellent! My flute has never sounded so good! Lynn- USA
September 14, 2009
The stopper plug has arrived and was easy to install. It definitely makes a difference. Top octave notes E and F sharp seem easier and the top octave is less shrill. Steve- United Kingdom
September 15, 2009
Better then ever!!!! Raytin- Thailand
September 19, 2009
Arrival safely today. It's a GREAT SOUND! Very kindly & Fast response. Thanks!! Katsuyuki- Japan
September 22, 2009
I received the stopper yesterday and you definitely didn't exaggerate!! It's so simple, and so brilliant. I'm going to orchestra tomorrow night and tell the other flautists about it. The change in richness of sound quality is amazing- D USA
September 22, 2009
Thank you for working on my flute! It sounds great and better than before. Thank you. Annie K. (age 13) USA
September 22,2009
THIS THING WORKS!! Dramatic improvement to flute.Easy to install. FAST shipping. Deena USA
September 26, 2009
Flutes sounds really great. Just ordered another plug to show other flute players in our Community Symphony Orchestra at West Virginia University. Heikki USA
