OK, so I got a German 6-key last year (in October) after playing a Doug Tipple PVC flute for a while. The PVC was easy to play, but just not the same, so I upgraded. I’ve been struggling with the thing ever since. At long last, though, just in the past couple of days, I’ve been able to start playing and actually get a sound out of it right away, without having to warm it (and myself) up for 10 minutes first. Then, last night, it just worked! Fantastic tones coming outa that beast! Great low Ds! The whole thing! It was great!
I just needed to brag, and I figured y’all would understand. Thanks!
It takes lots of practice to develop an embouchure. Some flutes, like the German, require more practice than others.
I’m wondering if your flute had an air leak, that corrected itself in the last couple of days. As long as you and the flute continue to play well, disregard my leak comment. If it reverts back, check for a leak.
Bill–
I don’t think it was a leak (unless it was one caused by my fingers not fully covering the holes). I’m pretty sure it was me and not the flute, because once I got going, I could play it, and a friend of mine (who’s a much better player than I am) was able to pick it up and go right at it.
Hopefully now I’m getting some of the “me” issues worked out, so this flute and I can get into a decent relationship. Now I just need to figure out how to blow the upper-octave G, A, and B into tune… (I can get it some of the time.)
