FLUTE FACTS
Frequently asked questions concerning step-up and professional level flutes:
FAQ: What is the difference between and in-line G and an offset G key?
ANS: The in-line G aligns the 3rd finger left hand G keys in a straight line with the rest of the keys on the top of the flute. The offset G moves those keys slightly lower on the body of the flute making the left hand position more comfortable for the player with smaller hands and/or shorter fingers. Major manufacturers offer both designs in their intermediate to professional models.
FAQ: What is the advantage of a solid silver head joint, or solid silver head joint and body?
ANS: The primary advantage of a solid silver head joint or head joint and body is a markedly improved tone quality. A secondary benefit is the durability and quality of the finish of the instrument.
FAQ: What is the reason for the French style or open hole keys as opposed to the plateau or closed hole key system?
ANS: Again, the answer is tone quality. The open hole style keys are generally viewed as producing a bigger, more resonant tone quality.
FAQ: What is the purpose of a B foot?
ANS: The B foot allows the player to obtain one additional tone (low B) that is not available on a C foot instrument. While not commonly used, this tone is sometimes found in more advanced solo literature. The B foot also provides a bit more stability in the extreme upper register of the flute and, when combined with the addition of a gizmo key, also facilitates the 4th octave high C.
FAQ: What is a gizmo key?
ANS: The gizmo key (also called a high C facilitator) is an additional key on the B foot that allows the player to more easily play the 4th octave high C.
FAQ: What is a split E key?
ANS: A split E key is a lever that automatically engages allowing the 3rd octave high E--normally a "problem" note on the flute--to be more easily obtained.
FAQ: Given two major brand advanced flutes with identical features, what differences exist between the two that would cause a person to select one over the other?
ANS: Very simply -- tone quality. At the intermediate level, and even more so the professional level, flutes from various manufacturers have different playing characteristics and different tonal qualities. Much depends on the quality that the player wishes to produce ranging from a darker, more mellow sound to a brighter, more brilliant tone quality.
FAQ: I have had the same make and model flute described to me by different salesmen as being an "intermediate," an "advanced," and a "professional" level instrument. They can't all be right! What gives?
ANS: This is a very murky and troublesome subject area for many consumers. Unfortunately, it's really a matter of terminology being applied by salespersons, manufacturers' promotional literature, and other sources in an inconsistent and often indiscriminate manner. It's a question of how one chooses to define "professional," "advanced," and "intermediate" quality. My personal definition of "professional" quality, for example, is limited to instruments that would customarily be used by professional players in a professional setting, such as a symphony orchestra. Intermediate level quality begins with instruments beyond the student line, having such features as solid silver head joint, open hole, and B foot. In the end the quality and features offered by a given instrument are far more important that the term used to describe it. When in doubt, expert advice should always be sought.
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