D2 and Eb2--is it just me?

[Alexandra]

I happened upon this site through Google, looking for troubleshooting guides.

It's been several years since I played a flute--I had sold mine, and today I got a new one.

I've been having a bit of a time with D2 and Eb2...seems sometimes the tone is good, other times reminds me of Db. Another poster here said it has to do with airflow and how you position your lips. Think that might be my problem?

This flute is new...I checked out all the keys and everything before playing it.

[comtessedebergerac]

I happened upon this site through Google, looking for troubleshooting guides.

It's been several years since I played a flute--I had sold mine, and today I got a new one.

I've been having a bit of a time with D2 and Eb2...seems sometimes the tone is good, other times reminds me of Db. Another poster here said it has to do with airflow and how you position your lips. Think that might be my problem?

This flute is new...I checked out all the keys and everything before playing it.

hi,

first check your intonation....D2 is way too sharp on most flute, you need to roll in a bit, open the teeth and lower your chin to blow more down the hole...but don't exagerate this movement, just enough to adjust the note.

You might need to change your lip position for Eb2... don't crush your lips on your liplate and say "OOOOO". It closes the lips just a little so you get the second harmonic. Don't blow too hard.

Good luck

[Phineas]

Welcome to the board Alexandra

Air flow might be the problem, but on those 2 notes, it could be other simple things like proper fingering(Do not forget to lift you index finger!), and flute adjustment. If your crown is not adjusted properly, or pad clearance on your foot joint is not high enough, this would also cause what your describe. This could even be the case on a new flute.

In general a flute is not going to be "in tune", so the player has to do some work. The key here is making sure the flute is as good as you can get it, so you need as little effort as possible.

Phineas

[Alexandra]

Oh, my index finger is up. I have no problem with D and D# right above middle C (D1 and Eb1), when the finger is down. Just when my left index finger isn't pushing anything.

So if all it needs is breaking in, that's a relief!

Oddly enough, I now find myself having an easy time with the low notes, while 20 years ago, when I was in high school, high notes were my "forte"!

[atoriphile]

If you got a no-name flute off eBay, it very well could be the flute that is the problem. I would recommend getting it checked out by a local technician just in case.

Good luck!