C# Trill Key?

[JenLynne]

How useful is the C# trill key?
If I'm looking to play in college and maybe a little afterwards do I need to get a flute with the C# Trill key?

[Zevang]

This key make some passages a lot more in tune and also corrects a natural tendency of our modern flutes of having an ugly and dark C#. It's also used in other passages. As I don't have C# trill in my flutes (the first one will come with my next flute, at the end of this year) I could not tell you all the applications.

This doesn't mean you cannot play without this key. I play for almost 23 years as a principal in an orchestra and very seldom I could say it would really make a difference. Maybe that's because I got used to resolve myself all the issues attributed to the C#. But I imagine it will get me some comfort when I have it

[JenLynne]

awesome, it sounds like it's bearable then.
thanks for explaining!

-let me know how your new flute does (:

[pied_piper]

The C# trill provides a number of alternative, easier ways to execute certain trills. It can also provide some alternate fingerings that can make some musical passages easier to play. The Larry Krantz website has a good article about how the C# trill can be used.

http://www.larrykrantz.com/csharp.htm

You will have to decide if you need it or not.

[fluttiegurl]

The only issue I have seen with a C# trill is that it is something else that can leak (often bent easily) even on the highest end flutes. I have several colleagues who have had this problem. But then again, I am pretty old school on this stuff.

[cflutist]

I love my C# Trill key, have it on both flutes.
Have not had any issues with it.
Used it a lot last night in Bizet's Carmen.
In one passage, went straight from the C# Trill to the adjacent Bb shake, pretty cool.

[pied_piper]

The only issue I have seen with a C# trill is that it is something else that can leak (often bent easily) even on the highest end flutes.

That same reasoning could apply to flutes with a low B. Actually, the low B key is even more susceptable to damage and leaks because it is on the extreme end of the flute and more likely to be bumped. However, few flutists who have a low B would be willing to give it up. The C# key location adjacent to the thumb B/Bb is really better protected than the low B. IMHO, applying that reasoning against the C# key is a needless worry. Yes, it is one more key, but leaks there are really no more prevalent than on any other key. If a leak develops on the C# it is simply more noticeable and detrimental because it will affect nearly every note on the flute. If it should develop a leak, correcting it is often easier than similar leaks on keys in the left or right hand key stacks because it is an independent key with no mechanical linkage to other keys.

Would you also prefer a flute without the D and D# trill keys? Those are often subject to damage and leaks because of the long, relatively unsupported rod mechanism between the key cups and the finger touches and also because that mechanism protrudes higher than some of the other mechanism.

[fluteguy18]

I consider it an indispensable part of the mechanism. If I ever get another flute I won't even consider one without the C# trill.

[Treemotan]

To me, the C# trill key is something that's nice to have, but not necessarily vital. Like sprinkles on ice cream. Certainly, they add to it, but you can just as easily enjoy your ice cream without them. It definitely makes several trills easier and can help with the tone on some of the ickier notes, but both are issues that can just as easily resolved with lots of practice.

Basically, it's nice little bonus, but it's not exactly indispensable.

[flutego12]

IF MY EXISTING FLUTE do not have a C# Trill, can one be added on post production?

[az1983]

I consider it an indispensable part of the mechanism. If I ever get another flute I won't even consider one without the C# trill.

I agree with Fluteguy18, I am so spoiled now that I won't even look at a flute without one. I find it's much easier to put different colors on that note utilizing the C# trill.

IF MY EXISTING FLUTE do not have a C# Trill, can one be added on post production?

Flutego12, I've heard of this being done many times before. That said, I'm not sure I would risk it.

[cflutist]

Haynes added a C# Trill and an Inline Split E to my backup flute about 10 years ago. They both work fine.

[flutego12]

I consider it an indispensable part of the mechanism. If I ever get another flute I won't even consider one without the C# trill.

I agree with Fluteguy18, I am so spoiled now that I won't even look at a flute without one. I find it's much easier to put different colors on that note utilizing the C# trill.

IF MY EXISTING FLUTE do not have a C# Trill, can one be added on post production?

Flutego12, I've heard of this being done many times before. That said, I'm not sure I would risk it.

How is it a risk post production?