Me and my girlfriend both recently purchased flutes and when trying to play b sharp on my flute I noticed the sound wasn't coming out right. All the pads seems to be fine and the keys move good. But what I noticed is that when I press down either the second key on the right hand or the second thumb key it presses down two keys near the left hand whereas it only presses down one on my girlfriend's flute. This makes the b sharp sound like a normal a. I don't see where I can upload pictures or I would. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Edit: B flat
Can't play b sharp
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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importedtermite
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:33 am
Can't play b sharp
Last edited by importedtermite on Fri Jan 23, 2015 6:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
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zummerzet_lou
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2003 5:30 am
Re: Can't play b sharp
Do you mean B# or Bb?
From your description of fingers, I suggest you mean Bb (Bflat), as B# is the same as C?
Also, Can you confirm which octave? I'll assume you are talking either 1st, or 2nd octave.
There are 2 fingers for Bb ...
-The first uses the Thumb Bb key, First finger left hand, and 4th finger right hand.
-Alternatively, try Thumb Bb key, first finger left hand, first finger right hand.
(Google for flute fingering charts as can explain better than me)
What flutes have you bought, and from where?
From your description of fingers, I suggest you mean Bb (Bflat), as B# is the same as C?
Also, Can you confirm which octave? I'll assume you are talking either 1st, or 2nd octave.
There are 2 fingers for Bb ...
-The first uses the Thumb Bb key, First finger left hand, and 4th finger right hand.
-Alternatively, try Thumb Bb key, first finger left hand, first finger right hand.
(Google for flute fingering charts as can explain better than me)
What flutes have you bought, and from where?
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importedtermite
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:33 am
Re: Can't play b sharp
Excuse me B flat.
The note won't play on either octave, the problem I see is that when the first finger on the right hand is pressed down it depresses two keys towards the left hand. The Bb sounds exactly like a regular A.
It's a lazarro flute (which I know is bad quality) but it seems like it should be able to play all the notes. I'm not sure on the make of my girlfriends but that one plays fine.
Is there anyway I can post pictures on here? Threat would explain it much better than I can.
The note won't play on either octave, the problem I see is that when the first finger on the right hand is pressed down it depresses two keys towards the left hand. The Bb sounds exactly like a regular A.
It's a lazarro flute (which I know is bad quality) but it seems like it should be able to play all the notes. I'm not sure on the make of my girlfriends but that one plays fine.
Is there anyway I can post pictures on here? Threat would explain it much better than I can.
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pied_piper
- Posts: 1962
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:31 pm
- Location: Virginia
Re: Can't play b sharp
There are several possible reasons for the problem you describe.
- a key spring is unhooked
- the key hinge and rod needs to be removed, cleaned, and oiled
- the key hinge and/or hinge rod is slightly bent and binding
- a post is bent and causing the key hinge to bind
- the steel hinge rod is rusted
- the above are the most common, but there could be another reason
Your best bet is to take it to a repair tech. They have the knowledge and skills to figure out what is wrong and fix it. Unskilled attempts to repair this may end up making things worse and costing more to repair.
- a key spring is unhooked
- the key hinge and rod needs to be removed, cleaned, and oiled
- the key hinge and/or hinge rod is slightly bent and binding
- a post is bent and causing the key hinge to bind
- the steel hinge rod is rusted
- the above are the most common, but there could be another reason
Your best bet is to take it to a repair tech. They have the knowledge and skills to figure out what is wrong and fix it. Unskilled attempts to repair this may end up making things worse and costing more to repair.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--
--anonymous--
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importedtermite
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:33 am
Re: Can't play b sharp
Thank you for your help, I will take it to a music shop this week and see what they have to say.
Re: Can't play b sharp
Having read this thread I have one other suggestion for you to consider. Sitting with an instructor for a couple of sessions will save you a *lot* of time with the learning curve. Some of the challenges about learning a new instrument can't be intuited. Good luck!
Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra ~ Quinn the Eskimo Vintage Horns
I played the wrong, wrong notes. ~ Thelonious Monk
I played the wrong, wrong notes. ~ Thelonious Monk
Re: Can't play b sharp
I originally tried learning through online video lessons, and that was working ok for me, but decided to take live lessons from a local teacher. It's a much better learning experience, as she can see what I'm doing and correct bad or incorrect habits before they become habits. Also, they can tailor your lessons to your strengths and interests. I hesitated at first, because I had a very hectic travel schedule, but after checking around, I found a local music shop/school that had Sunday lessons available. If it's affordable and practical for you, I would highly encourage a live teacher. It can make a big difference.