I can only take a guess at your question about Fluted mpcs. as I don't have any real knowledge of them: in most cases, something that is fluted, according to Webster's, is something "ornamented with grooves, channels, etc." This would lead me to believe that the inside of the mpc is grooved, maybe to make the air flow a certain way. Can anyone give a better, or correct answer? It kinda has me wondering now. I played a Dukoff D7 on my alto for a time. I don't remember the reason, but I sold it and bought a Eugene Rousseau Jazz h/r with a Vandoren metal lig. I play a 1955 "The Martin" and the Rousseau gives me a clearer, crisper tone with better projection than the Dukoff did on it. When I play in a big band setting, I can get a loud enough volume to lead the section and still be relaxed. When I need to play solo, I can dig in a little more and I get enough projection to cut over the rest of the band without sacrificing tone quality. It may not be a Gaurdala, but I have no complaints. But, like I said, I play a Martin. If you play on a Selmer, Yamaha, Buecsher, or anything else but a Martin, I have no other suggestions other than to rent some mpcs. and ligs (and try different reeds with each combo) from your local shop and try each out in the band setting to see which is best suited for your needs. Good luck, and hope someone can better answer your question about mpc fluting.