D# Roller - yes or no?

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:19 pm

I'm getting ready to order a flute and can't decide if I should get a D# roller or not. In the past, I've done the oil the pinky trick.

So for those of you who have flutes with a D# Roller, do you find it useful?
Was it worth the extra $s?

FG18 - I think you have a D# roller correct?

m3the01 · Post by **m3the01** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 5:44 am

Hmm, interesting question.

This sounds strange but it depends on the flute,

On a Pearl Elegante i would suggest it, on Yamaha's to.

However, i play a Pearl Maesta 9700 series now and i actually disliked the version i tried with the roller. I currently own one without and im very fluid,

Ive also demo'd several Brannen-Coopers and i would also suggest not get the d# roller on their flutes, the transition is so easy like the Maesta. The mechanism on a rosegold powell is so smooth to, it was never missed, limited playing on this one though.

Try out both and see what u like,

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 8:17 am

I think it is partly dependent on the shape of the d# key and the actual size of the roller.

I personally like my D# roller. But that being said, the D# key on Miyazawa flutes tends to be very flat, and the roller small. On flutes that have a round/curved topped D# key I don't feel are necessary to have a roller, nor do I like really large rollers on the D# key. But, if I had to choose between no roller or a roller, I would choose the roller. I like them.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 8:49 am

FG18:

Do you find that the D# roller helps not only with the C#, but also the low C?

I sometimes miss that note because my pinky won't go there easily.
I have smaller hands.

Do you have any trouble with the adjustment of that roller? One part of me says get it, while another part says that's just one more key to worry about.

The flute in question is a Brannen-Cooper, I can make this change up until next Wednesday when I call them back to make my deposit (waiting for my credit card to cycle on Tuesday, that way I have 45 more days before I have to pay off the credit card bill).

m3the01 · Post by **m3the01** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:29 am

I have played the brannens for a good deal of time and had no troubles with having no D# roller.

m3the01 · Post by **m3the01** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:50 am

Sorry i just remembered something, call brannen they will send u both to try out.

U shoudl demo that flute before buying it, dont get me wrong i luv their flutes. Simply amazing,

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 3:35 pm

I have no problem with Brannen Flutes or Altus Flutes. Powell flutes on the other hand.... I HAVE to have a roller. Even though the top of their D# key is rounded, the height of the C# spatula is in a place that I can't slide over to.

m3the01 · Post by **m3the01** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 4:23 pm

Please demo a brannen, or for that matter, any flute before purchasing.

I think ur going with a 14K brannen, for that type of money, shouldnt u demo if the company is willing, which brannen always allows.

Ask them for two foot joints,

Good luck,

PS u should try a pearl maesta, u would be very surprised.

cflutist · Post by **cflutist** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:39 am

What the heck, decided to order the D# roller.