Should I go inline or offset G?

etgohomeok · Post by **etgohomeok** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 2:35 pm

Gemeinhardt contacted me today and asked if I want a flute I won in a contest to be inline or offset G. I don't know what to do.

I know that it comes down to a matter of personal preference, but I am completely neutral when it comes to the issue because it really makes no difference to me. So how should I chose?

Some info:
It is a professional Brio 2.4 Double Gold Bonded Flute
I have two flutes, one offset and one inline, and they both feel the same G-key wise
The flute is a prize; I'm getting it for free.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:06 pm

First of all, CONGRATS! How did you win it?

Secondly: My personal recommendation.

If it makes no difference to you, I would go with the offset. If you play offset, and use good hand position [and it feels comfortable all around], you are less likely to develop carpal tunnel. I mean... why play around with such a troublesome ailment? Offset is also the way that Boehm originally designed the flute to be. Offset allows your wrist to be in a more natural position.

And, from the perspective of a tech, it is easier to service an offset g flute than it is to service an inline flute. There are just more potential mechanical problems in an inline flute.

Either way, [inline or offset], you can't go wrong. Both are acoustically the same, and there are players that will swear by both systems. After playing on offset for a while, most players tend to agree that it is more comfortable.

Just my .02

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:25 pm

Congrats! That is a wonderful prize!

If there is no difference to you, I would go offset for the resale factor. If for some reason you decide that you do not want to keep it, offsets seem to sell in the after market better.

etgohomeok · Post by **etgohomeok** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:24 am

Thanks guys, I went with the offset.

This was the contest: http://www.banddirector.com/contest

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:58 am

::smacks forehead::

Okay. I see the connection now. It just took me a while.

sonatine · Post by **sonatine** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 5:02 pm

offset G for sure! It is so much more comfortable and if you don't have pain in your hand now it might develop later and it would be a wise choice to go with the offset for this reason.

Christina's_Mom · Post by **Christina's_Mom** » Wed May 06, 2009 8:23 am

I have played both and I like the offset myself. I also have short fingers so it makes it a bit easier. Congratulations on the flute!

Dirty_Dave · Post by **Dirty_Dave** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:33 am

Offset is better.

ShortButSweet · Post by **ShortButSweet** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 11:56 am

wow, that's so cool! congratulations.

as for me, i use offset. i have little fingers and inline is just way too awkward for me. it used to matter a lot, i think, in the professional flute world, everyone thought inline was better, but now i think it's back to not really mattering. that's my opinion anyways.

Tarandros · Post by **Tarandros** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:56 pm

I've got one of each type, but they're both closed hole and I don't find it makes much difference on that basis. But if the flute you've been offered (congratulations!) is open hole without the option then I'd agree with everyone else and suggest the offset version for ease of covering the holes. Another thing is, I don't know if you would ever want a split E mechanism fitted, but I believe that with the inline type you can't really get the split E mechanism to fit round it properly so for that reason too, you'd be better off with offest - but I stand to be corrected on that. (I'm assuming that as this is a top of the range instrument, it probably won't come with a split E though again, I could be wrong on that). Kind regards, T.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 10:07 pm

Even though this thread is old, I just had a little nugget of info to add.

Actually, if you really want to, you CAN get a split e mech installed on an inline g flute. It's just a little bit harder to do. I know Yamaha and Brannen offer this feature. I think Williams flutes do too.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:13 pm

I have an in-line Haynes with a Split E.
Had some problems with it binding in the past but it now works beautifully since Carolyn Nussbaum has been servicing my flute.

Tarandros · Post by **Tarandros** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 3:30 am

Fluteguy - you're right. I hadn't noticed how long ago this thread started, so he's undoubtedly got the flute by now anyway. Still, it's interesteing to learn from you and cflutist that a split E can actually be fitted on inline flutes. On a related issue, I was wondering what either of you thought (or anyone else) about the high E donut. My silver flute is an old Armstrong 90 made in 1974 (which I found out by comparing the serial number with a checklist on a website) . It doesn't have a split E, top E is really difficult, but I don't like split E mechanisms as the ones I've had in the past always seem to cause endless adjustment problems. Could a donut fitted to my Armstrong be the answer, perhaps? Kind regards, T.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 7:55 am

I would think so. I know a few people who have the donut on their flutes and they all seem to like them. I personally have a split e on my flute, but from what I've seen, the donut seems to be really easy to install and a good solution for those who don't want the split e mech. I have been told however that a few notes (top A for example) do suffer from a slight flattening in pitch as a result.

vampav8trix · Post by **vampav8trix** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:27 am

I used to have a problem with the high E. I got a donut and I hated what it did to the top end of my flute. I took it out. With practice, I got much better at the high E. I just got a new headjoint for my flute and now the E pops out and sings.

You could try getting a different headjoint for your flute. I had one of those old Armstrong 90's. They are not bad, but you might benefit from a modern headjoint.