Beginner.

shezza · Post by **shezza** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 5:28 am

Hello all from a newbie, For a few years now I have been playing an electronic wind instrument (without a reed). Now for one reason and another I need to concentrate on one instrument,Firstly would a flute or a reed instrument be better for me, If it dont sound silly what is the difference between an open or closed hole flute is one easier to play than the other.............Pete.

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:49 am

Most beginners start with a closed hole flute, but not all do. At least in the US, open hole flutes are generally considered to be more advanced than closed hole. They require a little more skill to play both in that you need to be more precise with your fingers (to cover the openings) and you may feel that you need a bit of a steadier stream of breath to produce a good clear tone. I first tried out the flute playing the instrument I play now; it's a solid silver intermediate flute with inline G and open holes. Once I decided that I wanted to stick with playing, I got a low quality beginner flute. (That's not to say beginner flutes are low quality by definition. This one just happened to be.) It has closed holes and an offset G, and I found it much simpler to play; I still use it some of the time.

All that being said, almost everything ultimately reduces to a matter of preference; if you have a music store around you, play-test a few beginner flutes..try out open and closed hole models...inline vs. offset G, etc. Check out the FAQ for a list of recommended beginner brands, and remember..no two flutes play the same..so try out several and pick one that works for you. Happy hunting.

MathWizard · Post by **MathWizard** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:36 pm

An open hole flute has holes in all the keys except for thumb and pinky keys, and the index finger of your left hand. Open hole flutes can be more difficult to play in some people's opinions. Closed hole flutes are standard for beginners as they don't make you worry about covering the holes, but just pushing the keys down. This can be the start of an unsightly habit though, as many beginners start to put the middle of their fingers over the keys and not their actually fingerprints on the keys. This can lead to not being able to play an open hole flute in the future very easily. I started on an open hole flute though, and have had the same flute since the very beginning, and this has been a big money saver as well. It might be wise to try out a couple of flutes, whether it be a friends, or one at a store, just to see if you would be able to learn it quickly.

nasxxx · Post by **nasxxx** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 4:00 am

I play open hole flute with plugs, saves the finger tips getting that round hole marks, have to admit i've not come across much music whihc uses the Semi-tone, half fingers on the holdes. Guess when I gain more experience will come across semi-tones in music more. Edit just taken the plugs out again, still can play the same as with them in, but do notice a slightly quicker pickup with the keys, hard to explain but the keys rise faster skin impression pulls up if that makes sense.

Zevang · Post by **Zevang** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:25 pm

nasxxx wrote:... saves the finger tips getting that round hole marks...

I'd say if this happens to you and your fingers still are marked after hours, it might be the case of you making too much pressure over the mechanism. It's pretty normal to have those marks for a while, but not for too long.

JennyColville · Post by **JennyColville** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:42 am

As previously said, open hole flutes are considered harder to play by some and are generally picked up by more advanced players. However, if you start on an opened hole flute, your technique is secured in this area. I personally started on a closed hole flute as I was very young and my fingers barely reached the keys, let alone sit centrally on each key! I would definately recommend trying a few out. Open holed flutes do have plugs that you can put in the holes but I think if you are going to get an open holed flute, learn on it with open holes as well.

In regard to playing a reed instrument; I have always wanted to play the oboe since I was very young but many people have told me that learning a reed intrument as well as the flute can effect my technique and ruin my tone on the flute. It's kinda a one of the other situation. Reed instruments can be very expensive though (the oboe especially) as they need the reeds replacing on a regular basis. Again, maybe have a go and see which instruments you enjoy the sound of etc etc and look at pricing too

Bo · Post by Bo » Tue Sep 01, 2009 2:26 pm

An open-hole flute is considered more professional and harder to play, but if you want to start with one go for it (it is like learning a difficult language as a child, you will just get used to it, so it is probably better). Make sure it also has plugs just in case you find it difficult to play at the beginning, although I think most have.

jsb · Post by **jsb** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:34 pm

greetings all ... my first post here.

i have a question. i want badly to learn the flute an i am trying to figure out which one is the right one for me, but it's hard since i cannot play one to test it out. that being said, i am an experienced (whatever that means) musician playing the piano, marimba, and the drums ... i do NOT want a beginner flute of low quality, bad tone, difficult playability, ... much less resell value at some point.

i have been looking at flutes like the yamaha 481 and 461 and ones that are similar. i cannot blow a note so trying them isn't going to happen. i want to find one and start taking lessons ASAP. i have strong wide hands but not huge like a basketball player or anything ... i have some quick questions if you have a minute about why i might or might not want an inline g as compared to an offset g. low b foot joint or not to b ???

those are the questions ... any advice?

thanks
james

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:24 pm

Welcome to the board James

Check this out!

http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=2411

If you have any further questions after reading the FAQ, post another message.

Phineas

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:23 pm

Yes. Read the FAQ.

But one thing to mention. It is the player that has the tone, not the instrument. Pianos have tones. Violins have tones. The flute has no tone, but can make a tone. Each player has a different sound. Some people have to work hard to get a good sound, others have no trouble at all. Some players have a bright sound, others have a dark sound. While investing in a first time flute, it is often better to get a "student" flute than a higher quality intermediate flute. The designs of these instruments (mostly the headjoint) help establish a good basic sound whereas the more advanced instruments require more control and a good handle on the basics.

Either of those models you mentioned are fine. The Yamaha flute all have the same headjoint design for the 200-400 series instruments. The 500 series has a different design completely and is not suited for a beginner in the slightest.