Fluteland.com Flute Message Board

I see no compelling reason why we should treat flutes any differently. I can see one. At the handmade level, flutes are generally one-off creations. Every flute is slightly different than any other. The cars that most of us drive are hardly handmade creations from skilled artisans...Most of them ar...

It's certainly possible to get going again. However, as you almost certainly know, your determination and dedication are what will determine how far you go this time. I can't think of any big name flutists that went the same route as you did, but that shouldn't stop you from picking the flute back u...

Here's a great fingering chart that should be able to help you:

http://www.wfg.woodwind.org/flute/fl_bas_1.html

Am I expecting too much? Do all new flutes come with their own "beauty marks" and I shouldn't worry. Is the black stuff just grease and all new flutes have it? Or does the one tarnish mark mean that this flute will likely easily tarnish in the future moreso than another? I think Phineas nailed the ...

It's not at all necessary. Most people don't use them except for extended C4's, and even then they aren't necessary. The gizmo is simply too awkward fro most players to use it consistently. The gizmo may clear up the tone slightly on C4, depending on the instrument and the player, but it's perfectly...

See the FAQ or search the board for High-E for a more lengthy discussion of the pros and cons. I would suggest reading through the entire FAQ, as it seems that many of the questions you have are answered there. We're perfectly glad to answer any questions you may have that aren't answered by the FA...

Note: The cut of the headjoint can also alter the sound. My observations above were based upon trying several with the same cut but different metal components. It should be noted that the cut is the primary determinant in sound production, and IF there is a difference between materials (I won't arg...

I perform wherever I'm hired to perform, or wherever the groups I participate are slated to perform. That ranges anywhere from churches to large concert halls to the outdoors. As for what I wear, that depends entirely upon the occasion. Usually, it's a tuxedo, but sometimes that's slacks and a dress...

What has happened to the Db piccolo? When I was in high school, in the mid-1970's, Db was the standard piccolo. In fact, I don't think anyone in our band played a C piccolo. I did not even know C piccolos existed at the time. Now, I never hear of Db piccolos anymore. Do any of you know why these we...

If you sit, what do you sit on? A barstool? Dining room chair? Your bed? Something else? I practice standing. However, if you choose to practice sitting, find a flat, level chair to sit on that's at the right height to allow your feet to hit the floor normally. This eliminates barstools and beds fr...

I played it a couple of years back and (if I'm thinking of the same trill) I just trilled to a C natural using the left thumb key. I actually think it sounds better than trilling to a Db. Whether or not it sounds better to you, if it's not what's written, and there's nothing in the score to suggest...

Holy crap, I can't afford that! :shock: I didn't think I would have any problem finding one at least under a thousand! I guess I may have to stick with a student flute for now. I'll have to see if the shop rents intermediate flutes- I could do the thing where they put the rent toward the purchase o...

Any chance of getting a nice intermediate flute for $500 USD or less? Not counting shipping, which is inevitably exhorbent when it's to Alaska. :roll: Not really. Good quality used intermediates in working order generally command prices of about 1000 and up. You can certainly get decent student lev...

The Inline G may be less comfortable for you than the Offset, but it may not. Until you've tried both, there's no way to know. In any case, it's perfectly possible to get open holes with an Offset G (I play such a flute myself), and closed holes with an Inline G. Open hole flutes are not necessarily...

Well said, SK. I couldn't agree with that anymore, though I would like to add that if it's at all possible, you should take someone with you while you're playtesting, and perform the tests blindfolded. What the audience hear can be very different from what we hear as performers, so it's always good ...