What flute model am I playing?

flutestudent · Post by **flutestudent** » Thu May 20, 2004 9:47 am

I am a beginner to flute and I had
thought all flutes are the same!......the same keys and same notes. But somebody
had mentioned fluteworld.com here.Out of curiosity I checked up their site and I
found out that there are different types of flutes, which makes me think that
the fingering chart could be different for each flute model.Is it true? What is
the difference between offset G and in-line G flute? What is B footjoint and C
footjoint? What is offset G key and split E mechanism? My flute is silver color,
model is Bauscher, a used one from the US, bought from a shop recommended by my
teacher here in the UK. The 3 fingers of my left hand closed produces G. * * * o
o o * = G * 0 0 0 0 0 * = C So what flute am I playing?

IHeartGemeinhardt · Post by **IHeartGemeinhardt** » Thu May 20, 2004 11:02 pm

My guess is that you have an inline G
key. That's really what most people have... and you've also got the C foot. B
foot is a different foot joing that allows your to play a low Bb. Check your
foot joint. Now, look at where it has the keys towards the ends. If there are
two of these, you have a C foot. If there are three, your foot is B. A B foot is
longer than a C foot. To tell if you have an inline or offset G key, examine
your body. If it has a key hanging off of it, or as I like to call it, "The
little tabby thing," then it's an offset G key. Offset G keys allow for easier
fingerings. Regardless of this, all fingerings are the same for every flute.
Sure, there are alternate fingerings for most notes, but there is only a single
flute fingering chart. Regardless of wether your G key is offset or inline, you
still finger the not the same way. The things you mentioned are simple
differences. All flutes are, generally, the same.

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Sun May 23, 2004 9:11 am

An offset G is when the G and the key
after the Aflat key are out-of-line with the rest of the keys. The key you put
your index finger on would be pertruding. I would guess that you have an offset
G because it sounds like you have a student model flute and most do. A B foot
joint is longer than other foot joints because it has an extra key. It makes the
flute able to go one note lower. I would think that you have a C foot joint
because very few Student model flutes have B foots, but you can tell by if there
is three circular keys at the end or only two. I have a split E mechanism and an
offset G because not many inline-G flutes have split E too. I have heard it is
possible but have never seen it basically. I would guess you on't have this
mechanism because I've never heard of it on a student model flute. All of my
inferences where made based on the fact that you are a beginner and may have a
beginner flute. But if you have a conservatory(intermediate) or professional
everything will change. Also, I cannot tell you what model your flute is unless
you know these things about your flute. I also cannot tell you what it is made
of.(silver, nickel) So mabye with a little research it's possible but I'll
ceratintly try. Ask anything else your wondering anytime, Kendall

flutestudent · Post by **flutestudent** » Sun May 23, 2004 2:23 pm

I have "Buescher BU-1" engraved on my
flute, which I think may be the company model name. I have the key G and its
neighbouring key, out of line with the rest of the keys. Also I seem to have 2
keys on the footjoint(and 1 key on the other side),which means C joint.Isn't
it? I also checked up a few flute images at the Yamaha site.It looks similar to
flutes with Offset G and C footjoint.(for B footjoints there were 3 keys and 1
key on the other side for some professional flutes) thanks to the above posts,
it was useful.I do not know if it is silver or steel,but no worries...my flute
looks good. Cheers, Vish [:)]

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Sun May 23, 2004 2:52 pm

This is what I have found on your flute.
"Model BU1 Plateau with offset G key, silver-plated head-body-foot-keys, ribbed
construction hidden adjusting screws, pointed pivot screws, stainless steel
rods-screws-springs, rolled tone holes, yellow treated pads, metal pad
retainers, C foot, formed case." Ok, to explain what all this means. Plateau
means closed holes(frech meands open holes if you don't know the difference
between open and closed holes just ask. Your flute is probably nickel with
silver plating. This is VERY common on a student model flute. "ribbed
construction hidden adjusting screws, pointed pivot screws, stainless steel
rods-screws-springs, rolled tone holes, yellow treated pads, metal pad
retainers" Thats all just fancy talk about how they made it and it really doesnt
make a difference nor will you notice it You already know what a C foot is and a
formed case is the same as any other case. If you have anymore questions feel
free to ask.

flutestudent · Post by **flutestudent** » Sun May 23, 2004 4:02 pm

I do not know the diff between
open/closed holes.I guess closed keys are what I have on my flute. And the open
holes are something that the Irish/Indian/Chinese wooden flutes have. Right? I
am just a beginner, started 2 months ago.I am glad to know more about my flute.
thanks a lot, Vish

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Mon May 24, 2004 3:35 pm

Open holes are the same as you have
except there are holes in the top of the keys. The keys aren't missing. Here is
the picture of where the right index, middle, and ring finger keys are on an
open hole flute. http://www.nrayworth.freeserve.co.uk/fl ... s/ophl.htm Here
is an entire closed hole flute. http://www.wholenotemusic.com/images/armstr7.jpg
This picture is a bit harder to see but it is a comparison of open and closed
hole flutes the closed hole flute is the one on the left and the open hole flute
is the one on the right is closed. http://www.myatt.co.uk/pics/flute_g_keys.JPG
Now not all the buttons on an open hole(french) flute have holes in them. Only
the following keys. Left Hand: middle and ring fingers Right Hand: index,
middle, and ring fingers Feel free to ask any more questions

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Mon May 24, 2004 9:32 pm

Kendall is right; just wanted to add
that it is common for "beginner" flutes to have closed holes and the more
"intermediate" and "advanced" flutes tend to have open holes.

woof · Post by **woof** » Tue May 25, 2004 11:39 am

What great sites Kendall- the one on
making the flute was really informative:
http://www.nrayworth.freeserve.co.uk/flute/compidx.htm Thanks,

flutestudent · Post by **flutestudent** » Thu May 27, 2004 5:22 am

Thanks very much for the links and the
pictures. They were very useful. [:)]