Hello,
From what I have read an embouchure with a rectangular oval shape is more forgiving than one that is oval in the traditional
sense. If one learns on this more forgiving shape will the person have trouble readjusting to an all oval shape later.
As opposed to starting straightaway on an oval shape that requires more focus.
Ronald
It will just take a period of adjustment to get used to the different shape. But do start with the right approach even on the rectangular cut: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQg0vScnQ8E
I find that the simple outline of the embouchure - rectangular vs. oval - has little to do with how the embouchure responds to the player. There are many other factors such as chimney height, size, the degree and shape of the undercutting, the sharpness of the edge, side beveling if present. Also, the bore and where the fingerholes are on the flute. These are all complex factors that flute makers such as myself work with on a daily basis to produce flutes that hopefully respond easily to most players.
Casey
The square embouchure will have a bigger sweet spot then the oval, however it will compromise the tone. The blowing edge is longer with the square embouchure. You might want to sign up for the Yahoo groups flute makers forum, where you can look in the history archives for a wealth of information on cutting embouchure holes.
Good luck!
Second this.
Personally I think it’s a good idea to start on the traditional oval. It will take a good deal of time
and patience to develop a consistent tone, as in months. Maybe the rectangular shape will speed that up,
but it’s going to be a long haul whatever you do. Most of us have learned on the oval and
it does work. What you really need isn’t a rectangular shape but patience, practice, patience.
The better simple system flutes I’ve seen seem to have a smallish oval embouchure.
But it wasn’t a big deal when I switched to that from a squarish shape.
one would think that if you could hit the tree you could hit the side of the barn 
No one yet has mentioned the hexagon shape. The six sided shaped really appeals to me. However, I’ve never seen this on a flute. Am I thinking in the right direction, or is this only a fantasy?
(Using stoner voice,) or like a pyramid man, you know pyramid power…
(Using stoner voice.) Or like a triangle man, you know like pyramid power…
I’d think that hex & triangle would both be hard to find bits for
Not really. You just have to be mindful of which end you use.
I’ve wondered how that works…
I’ve a few triangles too
Thank You to all of you
for your replies.
Ronald
My Lehart flute had an almost diamond shaped blow hole. An early pol jez flute i saw but did not play also had this unusual shape. The lehart worked well for me.
Nice playing Lorenzo,
if I get to even a percentage of this I will be happy.
What is the piper’s grip .
from playing pipes I would think that it means the index and middle finger
of the left hand are laying flat?
Would it be harder to hold the flute that way.
Mind you, when I get my flute my first instinct will probably be to lay them flat
as on the chanter.
Ronald
Thanks.
About piper’s grip, that’s right, all fingers are laying flat, and (usually) the left thumb is on the side, pushing the flute toward your lips. I used to play this way before changing to “normal” grip. Piper’s grip feels comfortable and natural and it makes covering the holes a bit easier. But, you may have problems with some of the keys, unless you ask a maker to place them in a way that will allow you to use them. And, it will prevent you from buying most second hand (or antique) flutes. I find that normal grip also has some advantages in the performance, because you have to do less movements to open a hole. You’ll find that top flute players use a number of different grips, so you don’t need to worry too much about my last statement.
thanks Lorenzo
I will certainly try the normal grip from the start.
Of course, something tells me that one of the hurdles is holding on to it
so that it does not slip away .
And I will more than likely be holding it WAY…too tight in that respect
and that tightness will not be helping my trying to get a sound through
that little hole.
Ronald