Oh goshhh, what a conundrum

[DivaricationOfMind]

Hey guys, so... I need some opinions.

Right now I'm renting an inline Yamaha 381h from a local music store. The reason I’m currently renting is because I’m just not financially in a position to buy a new instrument. But, hopefully after my first year of Music Major(which I’m starting this fall) I will be able to purchase a new instrument.

Okay, so, here is the issue. I’ve been experiencing a lot of soreness in my left arm after playing for over 45 minutes. I spoke to my doctor about this and he thinks it might be acute tendonitis. After this diagnosis I decided to talk to my flute teacher to see if I was doing anything wrong with my posture or hand positions.

At the lesson she watched my hands carefully and determined that it could very well be the inline G on the flute that is causing the problem. I must admit, I’m quite fond of offset G flutes…they feel tremendously more comfortable to me. The only reason I’m playing an inline is because the Yamaha 381h was the highest caliber flute they were willing to rent me. It was between that and a Gemeinhardt…and in my opinion, that Yamaha plays circles around the gemmies.

So, after talking to them and explaining that my contract states I am entitled to exchange my instrument at any time for another model, they told me the only offset flute comparable to my Yamaha available for rent was an Avanti 1000BOF.


Now, I can’t say I’m terribly satisfied with the way that flute plays in comparison to the Yamaha. It’s not bad…I mean, I probably just need time to adjust....and with some adjustment to the spring tension it could have potential…I think?....

The response on the Avanti-Brannen headjoint is pretty quick, maybe even a little quicker than on the CY and I suppose I get a nice wisp over my tone when I play it. But, on the CY my sound is a lot heavier and resonant.

I just really don’t want to risk doing anymore damage to my hands and arms… :[

So, what do you guys think? Stay with the 381h and stick through the pain for a year? or get the Avanti and just adjust

[fluteguy18]

Take the Avanti. It is a "hybrid" flute made by Selmer and Bickford Brannen. That means it has a handmade Brannen headjoint with a machine made, intermediate line body. It is a considerable step up from the yamaha in almost every way.

It probably doesn't seem that much better right now because of the fact that it is a handmade headjoint. They take a lot more control to play well. Give it time. And besides, playing with pain is NOT a good thing.

Trust me. I am typing with a wrist brace right now because I A: practiced too hard, and B: been online too long.

[Phineas]

I am typing with a wrist brace right now because I A: practiced too hard, and B: been online too long.

That explains why you have been so scarce lately!

Take care my brotha!

Phineas

[fluteguy18]

I am typing with a wrist brace right now because I A: practiced too hard, and B: been online too long.

That explains why you have been so scarce lately!

Take care my brotha!

Phineas

Yeah, my Junior Recital is in two weeks, and I just started learning the music three weeks ago. So, my recital music (some of which is at a rip-roaring speed) has taken priority. As a result from 4+ hours of very intense practicing a day [not including an average of 3+ hours of other rehearsals], my tendonitis flaired up. My wrist was visibly swollen the other day. So I've been taking it easy the past few days.

I will be returning as an active poster soon. Just 13 more days.

So here is my testament: Go with the Avanti. The offset g really helps. Back when I played an inline Armstrong, my tendonitis would get very painful within an hour of playing. I switched to the offset G when I got my Miyazawa (and later a key extension from Brannen, and a Thumbport for my right hand), and I rarely have pain anymore. It is only when I go crazy and play all day without any breaks. [Seriously-- I spent 45 minutes drilling two measures without stopping]. And spend too much time on the computer... ::flexes wrists and hears a disgusting crackle from both::

Okay... now where's the ibuprofen and some ice....

[Alkatji]

Not sure if that would help you but i ve had a tendonitis for some time when i played congas a lot and the only thing i found useful is practising some yoga exercices....
stretching your back, spine , shoulders, arms on regular basis and apply some basic relaxation tips to my practice helped me a lot (and still does). After a couple of weeks pain vanished and never came back.

Of course it is a bit time consuming and you got to learn the right moves/positions, but 20 min 1/2 hour a day would do it. Also tendonitis can be damn painful, so long to heal and even become permanent.
You dont have to go deep into the philosophy, mental stuff, meditation if you dont feel like it, but you might find some very useful moves/tips that will help you against this kind of muscular pain. Just remember to take it very easy at start if you decide to try that.
On a side note Yoga also includes a lot of breathings (control and expending capacity) that could be complementary to flute playing. Im just starting the flute so I can't really comment this but that makes sense to me.

And remember pills don't actually heal or cure, they just take the pain away for some time.

I wish you well

[fluteguy18]

Not sure if that would help you but i ve had a tendonitis for some time when i played congas a lot and the only thing i found useful is practising some yoga exercices....
stretching your back, spine , shoulders, arms on regular basis and apply some basic relaxation tips to my practice helped me a lot (and still does). After a couple of weeks pain vanished and never came back.

Of course it is a bit time consuming and you got to learn the right moves/positions, but 20 min 1/2 hour a day would do it. Also tendonitis can be damn painful, so long to heal and even become permanent.
You dont have to go deep into the philosophy, mental stuff, meditation if you dont feel like it, but you might find some very useful moves/tips that will help you against this kind of muscular pain. Just remember to take it very easy at start if you decide to try that.
On a side note Yoga also includes a lot of breathings (control and expending capacity) that could be complementary to flute playing. Im just starting the flute so I can't really comment this but that makes sense to me.

And remember pills don't actually heal or cure, they just take the pain away for some time.

I wish you well

That's all very good advice. I normally start my practice sessions with about 15-20minutes of stretches and relaxation techniques. Then during my breaks, I repeat them. And the comment about pills is right on the money. They alleviate pain, but don't cure the problem. I only take ibuprofen [when dealing with my tendonitis] because it is an anti-inflamitory, and helps the inflamed tendons.

[MissyHPhoenix]

I want to emphasize the Thumbport, too! I have severe arthritis in my hands, especially the right hand, and this little device saved my life! Try it!

I also play exclusively with an offset G, makes a huge difference. Don't play the inline if it hurts you -- the pain is there for a reason, don't ignore it!

Good luck!

[DivaricationOfMind]

Hey guys

So, I went with the Avanti and picked it up this afternoon. The more I play on it the more I begin to sort of...understand the headjoint. I'm still having a little trouble with control.

Anyone have any tips on how to expedite the embrochure's adjustment between two different headjoint?

Also, the offset G is fantastic. I don't feel any discomfort in my left arm anymore :]. I've been playing for about an hour now and still no pain.

[fluteguy18]

It just takes time. I really recommend working on harmonics and long tones. That is what I always warm up with, and specifically use to get friendly with a new headjoint.