flute designs: which is more appropriate?

Irish Flute
1

hi all, just a quick one, are some flutes/flute designs more suited for playing slow airs (as opposed to up-tempo jiggs and the like)? although i intend on playing both eventually, i would like to think my soon-to-be-purchased-when-i-make-up-my-mind flute was well suited for playing slower, airy style melodies as that is my preference.

Im thinking some factors might be fingering hole size, flute length, inclusion of tone holes, the ‘blow hole’ etc.

On that note i’m seriously considering purchasing the M&E polymer flute, upgrading from my failed made in pakistan ebay flute (which looks very nice on the window ledge i might add).

thanks!

2

As far as I can tell, it pretty much boils down to personal preference.

That being said, lower pitched flutes seem to be popular for slower tunes.

You will like the M&E.

3

Hadn’t really thought about it until you mentioned it but, yes, I do seem to be using my M&E (and Rudalls) more when playing airs

:roll:

4

Wormdiet is right - it comes down to personal preference. I’ve heard slow airs sounding great on Rudall derived flutes (like the M&E, Byrnes, etc.), sounding great on Prattend derived flutes (Seery, Hammy, etc.) and on antique German and French small hole flutes.

I think it mainly comes down to the player, but it’s important to find a flute you like. The M&E is a very good flute. If you have a chance to try a few different style flutes at a session or store (if you’re lucky enough to have a store in town selling any traditional flutes), it can really help.

And when you get your new flute, you can use your Pakistani flute to impress your friends. Picture this - you play a tune on your good flute, and a non-playing friend asks to give it a try. You hand him/her the Pakistani flute saying - here, give it a go. Then you can pat them on the back and tell them it gets easier with practice… :stuck_out_tongue:

Eric

5

:laughing:

Believe it or not, I’ve done exactly that ! It’s wild !

Works best on “silver flute” players…

6

Good for you Jack! Those Boehm fluters need to be put in their place… :devil:

Eric

7

I am going to have a field day at band camp when we go away and I bring my Flute and all the Bohem Flute players will want a try and they won’t be able to play it. :smiling_imp:

8

I am going to have a field day at band camp when we go away and I bring my Flute and all the Bohem Flute players will want a try and they won’t be able to play it.

haha, thats a bit cruel isn’t it? we should be promoting the irish flute in a positive light…which wouldn’t be as much fun

thanks for the feedback. judging by the response, sounds like the bottom line is it doesn’t matter. what i wanted to here :slight_smile:

9

It’s all for fun though. At least I will let people try it I know they won’t be able to play it it is not an easy Flute for someone to play it requires a way tighter embochure than a Bohem.

10

I also tend to gravitate to Rudalls when I feel an aire comng on. :smiley:

Doc