Hi, folks!
I play a flute the little more than year and I have Dixon polymer flute.
Now I wait keyless flute from ‘Hammy’ Hamilton, but, closely(attentively) having studied a forum, I am a little confused…
The matter is that frequently speak about size and significant distance between toneholes on this flute.
I well work on mine Dixon, but I do not know, whether hands for Hamilton will suffice me - I not the big person, also have not big hands.
Fingers are advanced well (I played an button accordion and a guitar earlier within several years), but fingers not became longer from it
Should tell, that Overton Low D it is still normal for my hands.
Unpleasant doubts began to torment me. Whether I can reach all holes? Whether I can close them without problems?
Or I should put fingers on rails of a tram to give to them the necessary length and size?
Whether someone can measure holes on Hamilton that I have tried to compare it with Dixon and Overton? Probably, it will give me a few сalmness…
I think much too much is made of hand size. You’d think that 80% of people playing flute have trouble reaching the holes, which is nonsense because it isn’t much different than a Boehm flute. Of course, you actually have to cover holes rather than just press a key, but the reach is essentially the same. I think it’s just a matter of getting accustomed to it. In the 19th Century, eight-key flutes were a popular parlour instrument for ladies as well as men, and they managed the hole spacing, so what’s the problem?
In any case, if the flute you have does not tax your ability to cover the holes, I can’t think that Hammy’s will be much different, so relax.
Though I do not agree with Cubitt about the difference between Irish and Boehm flutes (I find the latter much easier to handle) I do agree with him that you can relax.
I’ve got ‘normal’ hands that can handle a D-flute easily yet I never managed to play a low whistle, so if you can: enjoy waiting for your Hammy.
Don’t get me wrong - A Boehm is definitely easier, but I think the hole-spacing thing is overstated. A Boehm is easier because keys are easier, no doubt about it. Holes require greater precision and concentration. Put a Boehm and a simple-system flute side by side, and you’ll see that the hole spacing is simply not an issue. If you can play a Boehm, you should be able to play a simple-system flute.
I shall measure both instruments as you suggested but I’d like to mention that I’ve got a lot of (too many actually) 10 years old girls who play the boehm flute effortless but they can’t handle the R&R copy.
I suspect a ten-year-old girl’s fingers would find covering the holes completely a challenge. On my keyless flute, I have to be particularly careful on the B hole - I tend to slide off of it slightly after I get going.
Yes, covering the holes is one problem, but stretching the right hand is another one, I feel I have to stretch that hand far more on a simple-system flute than on a Boehm.
Why the right hand more than the left? The largest space between holes is actually between the three left-hand holes and the three right-hand holes. Your right hand is also in a more natural position because your wrist is not cocked backwards, as it is on the left hand. You should be able to spread your fingers much wider than the flute demands. One suggestion - do you hold your hand so that the fingers are curled? If so, try relaxing the hand so that the fingers are draped over the holes rather than pointed down on them.
I use piper’s grip on the lower hand, which makes it all the easier to make any stretch, if it is uncomfortable with the standard grip for you.
You can also place your hands and fingers with piper’s grip to be able to cover holes easier too, I think. More flexibility with this grip than standard.
Y’er a better man than me, lad. I’ve tried, but can’t stand the lack of finger sensitivity. I’ve dabbled with GHB, but the chanter holes are so much smaller that I have no problem. I always thought I’d do better crans playing like a piper, but I soldier on with the pads to decent effect.
No, I’m certainly not better-it’s an individual thing-use what works for you and you’ll do fine. Sometimes people don’t want to use piper’s grip, because if you get a keyed flute in the future, you may need to go back to standard grip, depending on the key layout.
I’m using what my hands like, until I run into a problem!
If you have normal sized hands you should be alright.
The holes are large but the Hammy is set up well.
It may take some getting used to but you should
be OK with classical grip. Mediumish hands will
suffice.
I agree with the rest f the crowd. A Hammy should be OK unless your hands are really small. There are certainly easier flutes but, hey, that’s what practice is for right?
I agree…I have very small hands for a man (broad palms but short stubby fingers), and some arthritis damage in two fingers in my right hand, and still have no trouble with the holes on the Hamilton at all.
The Hamilton is a real cannon of a flute, but don’t start off like you’re trying to blow down a brick wall. Go at it easy and relaxed and give yourself time to get the feel of it. Just because it can be played quite loud doesn’t mean it has to be.
I envy you…my first time playing my Hamilton was a jaw-dropping experience.
as a woman, tried someones hammy last month. had no troubles with the holes at all.
and I DO have troubles with the low D
don’t worry slayer, you will be fine
