Alto Flute question

[Peepers]

Hello, I'm new here. I hope I'm posting in the right part of the forum to ask this. I played flute for 27 years (great now that I've counted I feel old) I went through school (marching & concert band). My senior year I got my first open hole flute. Love it. I also enjoy playing piccolo. I taught myself to play alto saxophone, guitar (thought not as proficiently as the flute). I was considering taking up the French Horn until I discovered the alto flute. I know it may seem impossible to believe that I've played this long & just today learned of the alto flute's existence, but I promise it's true. I don't play in concerts, just for my own enjoyment & also go play at nursing homes from time to time. Have occasionally played in church or events like that.

Is playing the alto flute very different from playing my current one? Is it a significant difference to transition from one to the other? I had no trouble going from flute to piccolo.

I'm sorry if this is a repeat but I didn't find my answer when doing a search. Thanks in advance for any info you can give.

[pied_piper]

Alto flute has the same fingerings as flute and piccolo. The difference is primarily a looser embouchure and more air. Like transitioning from flute to piccolo, flute to alto flute is an adjustment but overall not really that different. Just be sure to relax when playing it and keep the air moving.

[dogster]

and its easier especially the straight head joint takes getting use to. But all in all I love my alto

Doug

[cflutist]

I find that the straight headjoint gets tiring to play after awhile. So I also have a curved headjoint.

[goldenflute]

I love my alto flute. Making the change was not a big deal. As previously stated, the embochure is slightly looser and the needed air supply is greater. In the beginning it "feels funny" putting down one and picking up the other. But once your muscle memory develops, its inconsequential.

[Peepers]

thanks everyone! It'll be a little while before I can get one unless I run across a true bargain. Any recommendations for brands? Or even brands to stay away from?

[dogster]

C flutist i agree but the intonation on the straight alto for me is better then the curved

[cflutist]

thanks everyone! It'll be a little while before I can get one unless I run across a true bargain. Any recommendations for brands? Or even brands to stay away from?

Chris is the NFA's "Low Flutes" expert.

http://www.chrispotterflute.com/altobas ... endations/

[Linda L]

Just wanted to mention that a great way to possibly get some playing time on alto flute without necessarily having to own one would be to join a flute choir.