Orpheus Flutes

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 1:24 pm

Well from the picture, it looks like the gizmo may be attached to the low C# spatula, and it's hard to tell, but it does look to me like it would operate the C or C# key rather than the B. On a normal B footed instrument, the gizmo is connected to the B roller, and closes only the B key without any effect on the others, so to fix this one, you may end up having to cut away some metal. It could very well be just a construction/design fluke, but it would be interesting to know what the maker has to say.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:50 pm

yeah it looks like it might be attached, but I dont think it is. I like the idea of a Bb footjoint.

I know there are extensions you can buy to go down that low, but an extra key would be better. hmmmmm. If only more companies offered a similiar footjoint...........

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 4:11 pm

Most major makers can build you a Bb foot if you want. They are custom orders, and thus quite expensive, but they're not that hard to come by. Fluteworld is selling a Haynes with a Bb foot right now. I can't honestly say I understand the need for a Bb foot. The B is used rarely enough, but the Bb really doesn't serve a purpose unless you are playing music for another instrument or a transicription that otherwise wouldn't be in the range of the instrument. I'd think the extra length would also affect the balance of the flute.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:49 pm

I've only had to use a low B a few times for solo work and haven't come across a low B flat as of yet---apparently there are a couple Mahler symphonies that utilize a low B flat.

I wrote to the seller and he was kind enough to reply immediately. Seems like the low B is constructed in the manner that one would expect but for the low Bflat, the gizmo is used to help depress all of the foot keys at one. I suppose it lessens the strain on the pinkie, so this is by design:

As far as the B foot, the gizmo only presses down the low b key, I think the person you were chatting with is referring to the Bb foot. On that foot joint the gizmo operates all of the foot keys at once, but the B roller can still be pressed to facilitate hight c.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:58 pm

Okay...That makes a bit more sense. I haven't seen another B flat foot with quite the same design, so it threw me off. I have seen footjoints with an extra lever operated by LH4 that does essentially the same thing (closing keys on the foot) to reduce strain, so I guess this is just a different solution to the same problem.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:17 pm

hmmm. Interesting.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 7:31 am

It is interesting. I'm still not sure if I'd want a low Bflat myself though. It would be cool just because it is unique, but I would assume playing high notes would be difficult due to all that extra tubing. Maybe my shoulder would give out. LOL.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:33 am

Briolette-
Where did you get that flute picture? it is really cool. I had a teacher once who worked at a music store in Lexington KY a few years ago, and she described a flute just like the one you have pictured. Gold, with keys that were shaped like vines and leaves. She said it cost a fortune though.....

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:52 am

It's a picture of a John Lunn flute. I used to have one, but decided to sell it because I figured a non-pro like me really didn't need to have such a fancy flute. And in reality, the sound quality I got from it was comparable to my Pearl (although a little richer). That's not to say this isn't a superior instrument, but I couldn't justify keeping it. I was able to make a very substantial downpayment on my house with the amount I sold it for and a worthy musician now has this flute.

However, I regret letting that beautiful instrument go since Mr. Lunn is no longer making his works of art (and they are completely handmade). He's focusing on his writing career now .

FltnPicc_David · Post by **FltnPicc_David** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 3:05 pm

Wow. These Orpheus flutes look AMAZING. Hmm...I'm still trying to figure out if I should get one of those or a Yamaha 461H. Does Orpheus offer a trial program? Do they come to flute shows and other flute-related events?

I figure I might be too non-proish for a wooden flute but I love the sound of them. Maybe I'll get one of their new silver flutes (I'm thinking the Scherzo one - about 1,350) and add on one of their wooden headjoints...what does everyone else think of that combo?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 3:17 pm

Wooden instruments do not necessarily denote pros. Don't be afraid to buy the instrument you want (assuming you've played it and are satisfied) just because you don't think you're at the same level of the instrument. IMHO, having an instrument that you can learn and grow with is a great thing. If an Orpheus is what you want, buy it. As for the wooden head/metal body combination, it should give you much of the wood sound. I can't say I particularly like the combination myself, but then I'm also not a huge fan of wooden flutes.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:31 am

FltnPicc_David, I'd contact them and see about a trial program. Many makers have demo instruments.

These are relatively new instruments that have come onto the market and the sparse amount of feedback so far is that although they sound great, the don't necessarily perform or have features like "pro" instruments (key action issues, steel springs, inconsistency in construction quality especially with footjoint) unlike something like the Yamaha 894 (which costs a good bit more), for instance. With each iteration of the design process, we'll be better able to determine if this is a brand that performs as like a pro instrument.

With that said, for someone who wants a wooden flute for an affordable price, I think an Orpheus is a good choice. Furthermore, if this is a maker that stands the test of time, now would be a good chance to invest in one while the cost remains affordable.

As Chris/Flutepic06 mentioned, it is mainly the head that creates the wooden timbre. Apparently Powell makes a nice grenadilla head if you're just going to get a head joint. The person I spoke to prefers her John Christian headjoint over her Orpheus, but headjoints are like shoes---there are so many out there and just because one fits a person doesn't mean it'll fit you. I can say oveall, most people I spoke to are very happy with the tone quality that the Orpheus creates which is in part due to the cut of the headjoint.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 9:45 am

*sigh*
I just heard back from the seller---it's gonna take about 2 more weeks for my flute to get made. I'm on pins and needles waiting for it!

Masters7 · Post by **Masters7** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 3:39 pm

Have you heard from Craig at Orpheus yet? Hope you're having fun if you've received your flute.

briolette · Post by **briolette** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:11 am

I'm dealing with someone by the name of William for my Orpheus. He's not sure why it has been delayed for so long (10 weeks construction time so far), but hopefully before the 10th which is my next concert. Sigh...I can hardly wait.

Fluteland.com Flute Message Board

Orpheus Flutes

Hey Briolette!