Meet this Indonesian beginner...

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Tibia Argenta
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue May 15, 2012 3:44 am
Location: Indonesia

Meet this Indonesian beginner...

Post by Tibia Argenta »

Hello all... :D

It's my first post, so sorry for the mistakes I might do.
I am an adult beginner from Indonesia. It lies in south-eastern part of Asia, if you don't know yet.
Since this is supposed to be an introductory post, I would like to share my experience in flute study.

I began playing about 1.5 years ago. It all started with an old Buffet Crampon 228 I borrowed from a friend. He had decided not to play anymore, so he let me use the flute anytime I want. :mrgreen:
The flute is in good condition, no mechanisms are in problem, and it produces a flute sound. (of course, it does..)
Later, I found a teacher (a good one, I think) and we had a couple months of lesson. Then I had to move to another city to get a full-time job (you know, getting job is somehow difficult here, even if you have a diploma degree). And so, I left my flute class.. :(

Anyway, I still continue learning (self-taught, this time). So far, I am able to play some basic scales and quite simple pieces. My playing range now covers three full octaves of the instrument (fourth C being exception, hahaha...)

Now, here's the sad part.
Indonesia is a developing country. Being so, having musical instruments (especially orchestral ones) are still considered a luxury not everyone can afford. Here, music stores are soooo hard to find. Only big cities have them, and this rarity lead to a limited product line and service they offer. I have been so grateful that I can get one "healthy" instrument. But, when it comes to do periodic adjustment/checking as many of you would recommend, it would cost tears and sweat. I mean, there are only few repairmen, and fewer are skilled enough even to do a minor repair. My own flute hasn't been serviced for 5 years (!!!), but it still serves well for my current level of playing. I know someday it will need a serious attention, and I haven't thought what I'd do when the time comes.

Is there any chance to be a self-taught repairman? If so, that would help us here so much.
Please feel free to post your opinion. I always fancy a conversation. :D

Sorry for my bad English. We Indonesians don't speak English in many occassions...

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pied_piper
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:31 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Meet this Indonesian beginner...

Post by pied_piper »

It depends upon your goals, but yes, you can learn some simple maintenance and repairs if you have some basic mechanical skills. I would first suggest that you buy a good flute repair book. That way you can get a good idea of what skills and tools are needed for various minor repairs and decide whether you want to invest in the tools, parts, and supplies.

Here's a thesis on flute repair that you can download for free. It will give you some insights into repairing flutes:
http://etd.ohiolink.edu/view.cgi/Lin%20 ... 1211871566

I often recommend this book for the novice to flute repair. It has simple step-by-step instructions with good photo illustrations:
http://www.jlsmithco.com/BOOKS/SERVICIN ... JEFF-SMITH

Oh yeah, your English is just fine! :!:
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--

Tibia Argenta
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue May 15, 2012 3:44 am
Location: Indonesia

Re: Meet this Indonesian beginner...

Post by Tibia Argenta »

Thanks, pied_piper, for your suggestions..

Maybe I'm not a good flutist, but yes, I am fairly skilled with tools and mechanical devices. :mrgreen:
For now, my target is just to have enough skill to do COA for myself, not for professional work I guess. It will surely help me reducing the 'operating cost' of playing flute.

Umm.. I don't know what happens, but it seems that the link you gave won't work here.
But, I'll try again later.
Anyway, thanks again for your response. :)

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pied_piper
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:31 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Meet this Indonesian beginner...

Post by pied_piper »

Both work for me. Which link doesn't work for you, the first or second? If it's the first, it may be restricted to U.S. IP addresses.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--

Tibia Argenta
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue May 15, 2012 3:44 am
Location: Indonesia

Re: Meet this Indonesian beginner...

Post by Tibia Argenta »

Please check your PM..

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