offset G

Ronald · Post by **Ronald** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:55 am

Hello,
I have relatively short fingers.
Should I stick with an offset G?
Is the in-line system easier for people with long fingers?
Ronald

sherbert789 · Post by **sherbert789** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:03 am

I have medium sized fingers and I recently converted to off-set from in-line and I think it's a MILLION times better. I would stick with off-set even if I did have long fingers. But go with whatever is more comfortable for your hands!

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:18 am

The only reason for inline keys is the aesthetic appeal of having all the keys in a line. The offset G is more ergonomic for all hand sizes. However, If you have large enough hands, you should be able to play offset or inline without any problems (assuming you use proper hand position.)

apleasuretoburn · Post by **apleasuretoburn** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 10:56 am

I'm a big fan of offset g, and I do have long fingers (though my pinkies are oddly short in comparison). I guess the best thing to do is just to try both and see what is most comfortable for you. When I first learned to play my student model had an offset G, so because that's what I learned on, that's what I feel most comfortable with.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:02 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 gcan 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!

flutegirl58 · Post by **flutegirl58** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:24 pm

flutepicc thank you so much! Wow I never knew the reason behind in line g's and I didn't know if they were for better tone quality or just for looks. It always seemed to me that the flutes of higher quality were this way, but thanks for the history!

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:13 pm

No problem! I'm glad you found it so interesting!

band_orchestra_geek · Post by **band_orchestra_geek** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:09 am

hi guys.. i can definitely appreciate the fact that an off-set g is more comfortable for most hands, but not for all! the shape of my hands (i have extremely short pinkies) makes the offset almost impossible to play comfortably for me. my first, beginner flute was an offset and i had to put an extension on the g# key. for my second flute, i decided to try an inline, and it has worked so much better for me. i havent even had to worry about my hands when i am playing an inline flute. even though i know that mine is a very different circumstance than most, keep in mind that for some people (like those w/ very short pinkies) an inline is the best way to go.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:17 pm

I think we mentioned that the inline G is better for some, depending on hand size and shape. For those people with unusually short pinkies, it may or may not be better. One of my students (albeit informally) has incredibly short pinkies, and she can just barely reach the inline G she is playing now. She has already chosen to buy a new flute, and elected to hunt out an offset G because they are much more comfortable for her. Give both ways a try, and if one seems more comfortable than the other, go with that. There are those that can play both with equal comfort, and for them it's not really an issue whether the flute is inline or offset.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:42 am

Inline G is recommended foremost for those with overall-small hands, or particularly, those whose left ring finger is much shorter than the middle finger next to it. But, hands are all different, so just play a bunch of flutes and choose one. Due to design characteristics, inline and offset flutes of various brands will feel different as well. One (whose fingers can go either way) may prefer an inline flute of one brand and an offset from a different company altogether.