just wondering about other folk’s experience with low flutes. I have loved the sound of Bb flutes so finally ordered a combo set from Casey Burns, I got the Bb/C set. I love the sound of both flutes, they are gorgeous mopane, very easy to get a nice sound from, but I find myself only playing the C most of the time, my hands just aren’t adapting to the reach on the Bb. Is this where siccama enters the picture? Are there any tricks to getting hands comfortable with the reach? What’s been your expience? Don
Without my knowing anything about your physical stature, l simply assume that your greater difficulty is in your right hand technique, and less so in your left hand.
Because I have so little to go on, moreover, I really can’t make any useful suggestions until you could be just a bit more descriptive in regard to your circumstances, please. For instance, when you mention reach, are you talking about the finger spread between the holes, or getting your arm into place, or both?
actually, my left, hand is the one giving me grief, I can’t get comfortable with the piper’s grip because of tendonitous in my thumb.
Aha! OK.
I use a version of piper’s grip, but only on really short flutes, such as a high D.
Otherwise, I use what is known as a “classical” left hand grip, where the base of the LH index finger supports the flute. Are you familiar with that?
Generally speaking, the Bb is a big flute, and using anything like a piper’s grip on such a big flute creates an extreme LH wrist angle. Really, the classical LH grip is the only practical way to go.
P.S.
Good news!
The classical LH grip can be used without the use of the thumb, at all.
This youtube video shows the large bamboo bansuri (probably in low B) being played with the so-called piper’s grip with both hands. If I am not mistaken, this is the traditional way to finger the larger bamboo flutes, which, by the way, have a larger finger hole spread than conical-bore Irish-style flutes. I don’t know about you, but I think the player looks comfortable fingering the flute in this manner. However, when left to my own invention, I tend to use the classical grip with the left hand on the larger flutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QuDEx3_Ygo&feature=related
Notice that the player’s head is turned to the left, and the flute is held at a comfortable angle (45 degrees) forward and downward so the left hand can finger the flute without much bend of the wrist. I have problems with the muscles in my neck cramping in this position, however.
I found it wasn’t the stretch, which is quite reasonable, that was giving me hand problems with Casey’s low flutes. It’s the angle of the hands. For the left hand, it helps if you turn your head considerably to the left, putting your hands somewhat out in front of you. That way you don’t have to reach across your entire body with the left arm.
I have a family history of arthritis/tendinitis in the hands, and I suffered from bouts with it before playing the flute. I’ve also had serious problems with my shoulders, especially the left, which doesn’t help with the low flute, either. I finally had to give up on the low flutes, which sucked because I really liked them.
I’ll probably get a C body for my Olwell one of these years, but I have no future with the Bflat or A.
Same for me…(also the same flute(s))
I have trouble with the right hand because the last hole is offset too far (I could reach inline) it causes my right thumb to be unhappy. Shorter arms would make it a non-issue!
I have noticed that holding the flute at a 45 degree or so angle does seem to help. Guess I’ll work on getting a classical grip that involves less pressure on the thumb. I really like the flute so am willing to put some time into grips and all.
I have a Bb Hammy that’s is more similar to Casey’s A as to size, and find that if I rotate the Head Joint in more toward me(or rotate the left hand out) and play at about 45 degree angle it’s more comfortable on my left wrist. The right hand is straight inline with the HJ. I use a classical grip.
Tom
I spent a year as the student of a really good player, and one of the first things he did was to adjust my posture, including turning my head a little bit further to the left, as per your experience, on the basis that the arms and hands should be in front of the player. He was right, and there are a number of benefits to doing so. Eventually I adapted to the left turn, but it took a while.
Good for you!
If you’ve been using a form of piper’s grip, then, frankly, it may take some practice at getting used to what is known as the classical grip. However, just hang in there, and soon it will make some sense, and get easier to do.
The thumb can then be rested on the flute, but it’s the base of the LH finger which actually supports the flute.
Fellow chiffer Gary Kelly taught me a trick for the bottom hand. You position that thumb not under the flute, but on the side of the flute closest to your body. This is similar to that Rockstro position, except that with a big flute I find I don’t use that thumb to support the flute at all. It could be waving in the breeze. I balance the flute without it, using mainly the left hand. Play slow, and only 15 mins at a time before shaking out yr hands.
thanks,lesl, i’ll give that a try. maybe i’ll try a few of those mike rafferty tunes out that great book i got awhile ago! 