Split E vs. High-E Facilitator

deina-kun · Post by **deina-kun** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 12:26 pm

I was wondering about the differences between the two.

I might be getting an inline G flute and was planning on getting a tech to insert the High-E facilitator if E3 is a problematic note on the flute.

Thanks!

finallyflute-ing · Post by **finallyflute-ing** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 12:29 pm

I don't know a lot about split-e mechanisms, but I think I remember seeing something about them in the FAQ thread. If you haven't already read it, you should check that out.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 3:24 pm

There is indeed something in the FAQ thread, and I believe it can be found in the intermediate section....But here's a basic rundown:

The Split E Mechanism reduces venting when you play a High E by closing the lower G key, which would ordinarily stay open on a flute without a Split E. The High E Facilitator also reduces venting to accomplish the same goal, but in a different way. It's a disk or crecent shaped bit of metal set into the duplicate G# tonehole, rather than completely closing off that hole, which means that it does not make changes to the way the mechanism works, while the Split E does. Split E's, depending on the design of the flute, have the potential to bind the mechanism on flutes with an Inline G, and unless you have an on/off clutch on your Split E (which generally runs a few hundred dollars if it's even an option), the Split E can affect your ability to play a few trills properly. The High E Facilitator will not affect how the mechanism operates, but some people report a slight flattening of A3 as a result of having it installed. Most flutes are capable of producing a good E without either of these options, but for some players, they can be helpful. Hope that helps!

deina-kun · Post by **deina-kun** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 11:05 am

Does many flute tech service high-E facilitator installation? How much would that cost around? And does it improve the sound of the flute a lot in comparison to the Split E?

MonikaFL · Post by **MonikaFL** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 11:48 am

I love my split E key.

But, something that I don't think has been mentioned yet... it does add a little bit of extra weight to the flute.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 1:37 pm

deina-kun wrote:Does many flute tech service high-E facilitator installation? How much would that cost around? And does it improve the sound of the flute a lot in comparison to the Split E?

Any good tech should be able to install a high E facilitator, though not all do. It costs around $100 generally, while the Split E costs a few hundred (usually around $600), and the High E Facilitator can be installed and removed at any point during the flute's life, while the Split E must be built into the flute during it's original construction, and should be considered permanent. Neither the Split E nor the High E Facilitator offers any improvement in the sound of the flute, just a High E that speaks more easily and cracks less.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 3:04 pm

MonikaFL wrote:I love my split E key.

Amen to that! And my C# trill key as well.

atoriphile · Post by **atoriphile** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 7:32 pm

flutepicc06 wrote:...the Split E can affect your ability to play a few trills properly.

Do you know which trills specifically? I have heard this in the past, but have never seen mention of which trills the Split E affects.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 7:42 pm

atoriphile wrote:
flutepicc06 wrote:...the Split E can affect your ability to play a few trills properly.
Do you know which trills specifically? I have heard this in the past, but have never seen mention of which trills the Split E affects.

Most notably G3-A3, as well as other alternate and trill fingerings.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 8:31 pm

atoriphile wrote:
flutepicc06 wrote:...the Split E can affect your ability to play a few trills properly.
Do you know which trills specifically? I have heard this in the past, but have never seen mention of which trills the Split E affects.

I was actually wondering that myself, because I had asked my "summer" professor about it, and she hadnt ever had any trouble with trills and her split E. But, she also has the C# trill, so that might have been part of it..... oh well. I guess I will run into those trills when they come along, and will fight those battles at that time.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:23 pm

The C# trill really should have nothing to do with it since the key remains stationary until the lever is pressed. As for the trills, I would have to check my notes to see which ones were effected. I noticed it more with alternate fingerings than anything, but it has been a while and I have a pathetic memory.

I also noticed some intonation issues inthe 4th octave when I played with a split E (2 different flutes). Now I have a plane 30 old Haynes that does not even have a gizmo, and I don't miss the split E at all. I never thought I would say that

In truth, it did take me a few days to get the high E how I wanted it, but I seem to have reached an understanding with the flute, so to speak, and I am not so sure I would go back.

In fact, I don't even miss the gizmo key. My teachers could never get me to use it for the high C anyway. I always forgot it was there

deina-kun · Post by **deina-kun** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:33 pm

fluttiegurl wrote:In fact, I don't even miss the gizmo key. My teachers could never get me to use it for the high C anyway. I always forgot it was there

I have an easier time hitting the high C with a C-foot flute than a B-foot flute. The gizmo key on my flute is too far for my small hands (though I play inline G, which people say it's harder for people with short fingers/small hands, but I have no problems) and it hurts when I play if I leave my pinky on the gizmo key too long.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 7:20 am

fluttiegurl wrote:The C# trill really should have nothing to do with it since the key remains stationary until the lever is pressed.

Yes, I understand that, I just was thinking that perhaps the trill key would help because it facilitates so many other trills and tremolos.

But, it doesnt really matter to me at this point in time.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:25 am

Good point. I am happy that you love your new flute. That is all that matters!

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 1:34 pm

Amen. I love it more and more every day.