Just got a keyless Byrne. Really like it except it seems that low E and D are difficult to get a good volume. Is this just my novice embouchure, or is there a technique to be used? Thanks, John.
I have only played a couple of them.
They sounded pretty good to me!
On the Byrne, as with many Rudall-style flutes, you have to adjust your technique to make those bottom notes speak properly. I just heard the same question from the new owner of a Grinter flute, which is also based on a Rudall and Rose.
To get a strong bottom D, try tightening your embouchure and raising your blowing angle so that you’re blowing a little more across the hole than into it. The bottom D on most Rudall-style flutes is designed to be flat, and it’s up to the player to blow it into tune. Give it a good punch. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to produce a rich, strong bottom D from your Byrne. I switched to a Byrne from a Pratten-style flute, and I remember it took me a few months to get a strong bottom D consistently.
Note that the E is always going to be a bit weak, since it’s the smallest tonehole on the flute. You can strenghen the bottom E a little by using the same technique that you use on the bottom D. On a keyed flute you can strengthen the E substantially by opening the Eb key (also called the D# key). That will also sharpen the E, so you have to adjust your blowing angle back down and blow more into the hole.
Agreed, you’ll need to adjust your embouchure to suit the flute, which may (or may not) take some time: A few days back I had a go on an 8 keyed Grinter. This particular flute seems to take a very different embouchure than any other I’ve played (including several other Grinters.) I struggled with the flute for about five minutes before I found this particular instrument responded much better to a surprising “soft” and open lip, not that I’m of the ultra tight embouchure school to begin with. It’s a radically different embouchure than I use on an Olwell, or even the other Grinters I’ve played, for that matter. Odd, but it seemed to work on this particular flute. So, relax, play around, have fun, experiment with different lip shapes, tightness, and placement - I’m sure you’ll find the sweet spot, just enjoy yourself in the process, each flute has it’s own personality! 
Loren
I’ll be going to my first flute lesson today. Will be intersting to see what the instructor thinks of the Byrne! Thanks for all the input, J.
Hey, if the instructor says the flute sucks, contact me asap and I’ll make you an offer 
Seriously though, I’d love to own of one of Brian’s flutes, and I imagine your instructor will wail on it right off.
Have fun,
Loren
Well, guess I was wrong about the low volume of low E and D. She played them loud, said she had not seen an E quite so good. She saw that I was “humming” the low notes, thus constricting the air. When I changed that, there was a lot more volume, and I could get the harmonic “edge” on the low octave. Anyway, played it until my lips gave out tonight. Guess that’s what it’s all about! Later, J.
I was just thinking last night about how great it felt when I was able to play long enough that condensation was dripping out the end of the flute. (This was an unlined boxwood flute, so it takes awhile) I still sounded like crap, but knew the first step was building up the stamina, not to mention the desire.
Sounds like you’re well on your way.