offset/inline G

fluteplayer09 · Post by **fluteplayer09** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 2:57 pm

First off sorry for all the questions lately. I am investing in a new flute and am wondering if my flute should have an inline of offset G. Currently mine is offset. Is there a reason to have offset/inline other than your personal prefrence? Thanks

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Aug 26, 2006 3:16 pm

The only reason that in line g flutes exist is that a French flute maker by the name of Louis Lot (you may have heard of him...He's quite famous) started making flutes this way, as it eliminated a rod and allowed him to get more flutes out the door for a
greater profit. Since he was widely acknowledged as one of the greatest flutemakers of the day (late 1800's to early/mid 1900's), other companies started doing it too, and it just spread. The original flutes designed by Theobald Boehm (who is responsible for the mechanism on modern flutes) called for an offset g. Because often it is children that are beginners, and they have smaller hands, the offset was used on beginner level instruments, and the in line on professional instruments, so some people today still believe that a professional flute must have an inline g. This is absolutely ridiculous, as neither offers a better tone or affects intonation in any way. The only consideration is if you want to have a Split E mechanism on the flute. These, in combination with an in line g, can cause the mechanism to bind, so if you want a Split E, you're better off going with an offset or half offset mechanism. Other than that, it is up to personal preference and comfort (and if it's an openhole, or French, flute, the ease with which you can cover the hole). Most flute makers today, if asked which way they make more custom flutes, will tell you that there is a big surge in purchases of offset g's, as the relatively recent revelation of repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel have inclined people to the more ergonomic offset g. For people with larger hands, the inline g can be more comfortable, however. I personally prefer an
offset , though I can play just as well on an inline. Try both, and whichever version is more comfortable is the one you should go with. Hope that helps!

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 3:41 pm

How fascinating. I had no idea that the inline-G came about due to Luis Lot. I had assumed the offset G came around due to ergonomic reasons/ carpal tunnel issues.

Fluteplayer9, do you have access to both styles so you can see how they feel in your hands? I've always played on an in-line. I tried an offset for the first time and it felt funny, but because of wrist problems due to typing, I'm thinking of using an offset.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:30 pm

I'm glad you found it interesting. It's true. The offset G by far outdates any recognition of carpal tunnel or repetitive stress injuries, and was what Boehm meant his flutes to be built with.

krissy897 · Post by **krissy897** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:23 am

Can you give me any advise? I just resently bought a open G# flute and started to play it and found that it is half a semi-tone out! instead of playing an A it's playing a Bb!!! I am rather confused

I am use to playing an inline G# flute but I thought that they still play at an A=440? Can someone help???

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:29 am

Are you sure the flute is in the key of C? Remember that with an open G# flute, you depress the G# key to close it, so the notes that you would usually press the key, you will not and vice versa. This really has nothing to do with inline vs offse G. Is that what you are asking? Just wanted to make sure I was clear on what you were asking.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:08 pm

Yes, Fluttiegirl's quite right. Open G# system flutes require a slightly different fingering system (the "normal" G fingering (L123 and thumb) will sound a G#, and to play a G (and many other notes), you must add L4), than closed G# system flutes (which most people play), while offset and inline G flutes simply affect the location of the G toneholes (and thus their respective key cups), but maintain the same fingering as most modern flutes. If it's an old flute, perhaps you ended up with a Db flute (which would explain it sounding a Bb when you finger an A). For the A fingering, you should not need to depress the G# spatula (as the G keys will be where the air vents, and are what determine the pitch), so I can't see an open G# system flute causing that specific problem with the A sounding a Bb. I would have to guess you got yourself a Db flute.

atoriphile · Post by **atoriphile** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:11 pm

I'm no flute historian, but the flutes in the pictures at http://www.flutehistory.com/Instrument/Boehm.php3 appear to have inline G. Or are these just earlier models before Boehm's final version?

<Added>

Apparently, offset G was not originally part of the original flute design, but it was in the final form. See http://www.oldflutes.com/boehm.htm which clearly shows offset G on the "Boehm and Mendler cylindrical flute (1877)" image.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:01 pm

If you look at all the pictures on that first link, you'll see that they incorporate a much different keying system that predates Boehm system flutes. Boehm went through several prototypes before perfecting his flute, and many of them differed from the diagrams and text he created explaining his invention. The original (fully formed) Boehm instruments did indeed have an offset G.