low notes on new flute

[stoeckle]

Hi, all,

Well, I finally got a new (to me) flute. I've played my Armstrong 104 for a year now, and I just recently bought an old (1952) Haynes. Wow, this is a really nice flute!

Anyway, I'm having some trouble with the lower notes on my new flute.

Here are my difficulties:

1. Getting the middle C louder than, say, mp. I could really play it loudly on my old flute.

2. Moving smoothly from the low Eb to the middle C. I'm working on a piece that requires that I slur these notes, and I'm having trouble.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Sioux

P. S. I don't live anywhere NEAR a flute teacher. I could probably find one in the nearest big city, but that's about 150 miles one way.

[fluttiegurl]

Two things come to mind. First, the most obvious issue could be adjustment. Depending on where you bought the flute, it may not be set up properly. Second, keep in mind that it takes time to adjust to a new headjoint, especially an older handmade one.

[agnostic]

I had the same problem when i bought my new flute. The high notes were like heaven compared to my old flute, but i had very hard to cope with the low notes . i think that more expensive flutes are normaly more balanced than cheaper ones. At my old flute fore example, the low notes were the most easiest, the hight notes nearly impossible (only with greate effort).

But after 2 weeks i had the full control on the low notes and greate joy about my new flute.

you will may make similar experiences. Let us know.

[stoeckle]

Hi,

Thanks to both for your response. It turns out that the flute did, indeed, need some adjustments, especially in the foot joint. That has made it much easier to move from low C to the low Eb.

I'm still having on-and-off embouchre adjustments to deal with, but I will TRY to be patient!

[comtessedebergerac]

If your flute is dated 1952, it might need an overhaul (sadly, it is quite expensive on professionnal flute)...but first make sure there are no leaky pads ... every tiny leak adds to another along the tube, and the lower notes becomes impossible to blow unless you squeeze the keys very hard, wich is not good for the instrument AND your playing.

Then work on blowing more INTO the hole, keep the lips soft, and open the teeth, like you are tring to blow warm air on your frozen hands ...
it should work... and watch out for the tuning (lower notes tend to be too low, lift your head a little.)

good luck