I have a used, very well taken care of Casey Burns Folk Flute. The mopane is a rich, dark color. No cracks or issues. It is not the small hand model. The holes are ergonomically spaced. It is aggravating my arthritis in my left hand/wrist. I think I’ll have to stick with playing whistles that don’t require me to bend my hand that way to hold them.
Email or PM me if interested.
Deb
I understand that you are worried, I have Carpal Tunnel in my left wrist and have had a couple problem Flutes. My advice is give it a bit more time, the aggravation may go away after you get used to it more. YOu haven’t even had it for a week!
True, and it may be the amount of time I’ve spent with it since it arrived. But I do worry, since the last time I had real trouble with my hand, it made it difficult for me to play my guitar, which is not a good thing. The pain is in the knuckle joint of my index finger, and in my wrist. I’ve been working on fingering with the whistles lately, which are easier on my hand. I wanted the flute for the more mellow tone, but I might be able to achieve that with a low d whistle. Just a thought.
Deb
Yeah, I’m with Avery here. Before giving up on the flute, back off a bit and let your hands and wrist recover. Then go see a flute teacher and have them check your posture. A Boehm player will do for this since the ergonomics are the same for both flute types. The difference between comfort and agony can be so small, so having someone check you out might be a good investment.
Also, a little stiffness when taking up the flute…or switching flutes…is normal. I know that my right hand used to get stiff when I switched from my Sweetheart to the Williams. Take it slowly, which is good for the flute, and don’t do more than your body is comfortable with. After all, flute posture is not a natural pose, so it takes a little time for the muscles and ligaments to become cofortable with holding a stick off to one side while breathing deeply and twiddling the fingers madly!
Yes, worth taking your time and experimenting.
Piper’s grip has a pretty natural left hand position
without a bent writst, FWIW.
Excellent ideas Kate.
Piper’s grip is loads more comfortable.
Piper’s grip is loads more comfortable.
For some. If the flute is properly supported, the standard flute hold shouldn’t cause any discomfort. The advice above to see a flute teacher about ergonomics is excellent. The flute does provide opportunities for physical distress, but they don’t have to be realized!
It’s never a good thing to play when you’re having pain. THis could cause further damage. I’ve been dealing with carpal tunnel for about 2 years. I have to wear a brace on my left wrist when I play, and limit my playing to shorter periods of time. It’s very frustrating. I’ve also had to search for a comfortable flute. I’ve found that smaller bore Rudalls, partially lined headjoint, and small to medium holes fit my hands and wrists better than some of the beefier Pratten models.
So, definitely do NOT keep playing when you’re experiencing pain. If I were you, I’d try Casey’s small-hand model.
Also, I’ve always heard that low D whistles have a bigger reach than a D flute. That might be harder on your hands than a flute.
Good luck, Jeanie
I’ve really appreciated all the posts. Thanks.
The pain goes away when I return my hands to the front (whistle position). And the reach on my whistles and the NAF seems to be more comfortable. Even though I measured my hands carefully, and was well within the range for the standard holes, I think maybe a small-handed model might have been better. Anyhow, I’m not enjoying it, and I am enjoying the Native American flute, which I can play for long periods of time with no hand trouble. So… to make a long story short, I think I might look for a wooden whistle with the sound I crave, that is easier on my hands.
Deb 