 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Rubber-Ducko
Date: 2004-03-15 15:35
Hi, I have now played flute for 1 month or so, and have decided to buy a flute. I don't need any expensive one, but a flute that sounds good when played by a amateur (me). Should I buy open og closed hole? I have played closed hole so far...
Thanks for Answers
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Author: JfW
Date: 2004-03-15 17:02
I'm not an expert on flute. Only logged a few weeks on it, and that was over a decade ago but am familiar with some of the 'issues'. Inline vs Offset G? I'd go with whatever fits your hand better. To me, comfort should be the consideration, not what other people find to be in fashion. Open vs Closed? That's perhaps the biggest controvery in any woodwind disscussion I've ever heard of.
Often one who sits on a criminal jury must make verdicts based of fields he knows nothing about, such is the case with me here (as I proport to be no expert on this), and here are the arguments that are the most convincing to me if I had to make the decission:
*closed hole (plateau models) flutes are cheaper.
*many advanced players claim a tone advantage in open holed (french styled) instruments
*such claims of said advanced players defies the precepts of accoustical science.
*Only five notes in the scale utilize the open tone-cups. So any advantage in tone would not translate to all notes of the scale if the advanced players are correct.
*Closed toneholes are assumed to be student instruments by many, even though professional instruments are made in this style.
*Players who use closed-hole instruments may be viewed as inferior players.
*you can put plugs in an open-hole instrument to close the holes, but plugs may leak and throw the intonation of the instrument off.
*most flutes intended for advanced or professional players (in the US at least) have the open-holes because the market deems them important.
*a good headjoint is essential in either case.
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Author: musichick
Date: 2004-03-15 23:59
Don't go by that, try many flutes out and buy the one that plays the best, regardless of the open/closed hole factor. It really doesn't make a huge difference one way or another, but as Jfw said, open-hole in America usually signifies better quality.
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Author: d-oboe
Date: 2004-03-16 02:29
Actually...the open holes are used more so in the high register, similarly to the "half-hole" function of oboes, and clarinets. It functions to close the plate, but vent the key, to, in certain cases, allow for better response, and intonation. Most professionals use open hole models for the simple fact that it gives the option to use an open-holed fingering if necessary. If the flute had closed holes, then they wouldn't have the option!
d-oboe
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Author: Rubber-Ducko
Date: 2004-03-17 19:42
ok, thanks for som answers, but didn't really got any smarter... I need the flute for a band (not orchestra band), but an cover-band which plays a lot of game music actually, so i don't need a orchestral instrument. I just need a instrument that is cheap, sounds good, is cheap, good intonation, is cheap, EASY to play on and is cheap, see the hint here? Just come with a brand and modell :-D
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Author: d-oboe
Date: 2004-03-17 21:15
Sorry to burst your bubble...but "cheap and sound good" are never found in the same sentence. I don't know, maybe there's an instrument out there that is only 500$ and sounds great, but I sure don't know about it. Good, durable student model instruments, that have something of a decent bore, will usually cost *at least* 1000$. Anything that's under that is not worth the money, because there's almost always a reason why it's that cheap: a) internal deficiency (i.e. terrible bore, sounds like crap) b) suffered some major damage, or c)was made with very cheap material.
Do you want to spend your money on something that will break and let you down in 3 months? I wouldn't. In my opinion (and this is my opinion, not solid fact) Yamaha is one of, or the only student-level instrument out there that is worth what you pay, is sturdy, durable, and sounds great given the student design. Indeed, one of these instruments may cost 1200$ or something, but they are definitely worth it. I forget the exact model number, but their lower end intermediate level instruments should do you very well.
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Author: richard
Date: 2004-03-18 14:10
You may try the Yamaha YFL 221 which is for sale at woodwind and brass for $759. But if you could pay a bit more, for $796 you may buy the YFL 321. The head joint of YFL 321 is sterling silver while that of YFL 221 is "silver plated". Both models are equipped with off-set G that reduce the strain on your left ring finger after playing for long time. The sterling silver head joint of YFL 321 certainly sounds much better than the "silver plated" head joint of YFL 221.
If there is a nearby music store in your district, you better try them out there before you actually buy one. However the price would be a bit higher than the woodwind and brass that sells instrument through the internet.
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Author: d-oboe
Date: 2004-03-18 15:33
Just a quick correction, my estimates are in Canadian dollars, so that renders the 1200, to about 800 US, which sounds about right, given the prices richard quoted.
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Author: ~Heather ~
Date: 2004-03-21 02:39
I would buy a offset G with open holes and Yamaha. That's what I have, I have a Yamaha 261. It is silver platted and Like I said offset G with open holes...I do plan on upgrading later though. And don't worry about the open holes...they come with plugs, but I wouldn't use them. After about two weeks with out plugs you don't even notice there off.
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Author: Laura Just
Date: 2004-03-26 22:52
You really need a closed-holed flute. Believe me try out on a flute the first time is hard enough all ready, but tring out when you can't cover the holes is even harde!!! Then, maybe in two years or so you can persuade your parents into buying you an open-holed one! Best of luck to you, and I wish you'll stay in the band!
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