How can I keep the tune on high A? When I’m playing a cut on the high A it usually drops back to the A of the first octave. I’m pushing the bag as strong as I can - I’m almost being killed of effort; my whole body is covered with sweat, and I couldn’t, couldn’t and couldn’t keep the sound on the high A. My tutorial books and videos say that I must push the bag harder than in the first octave - and it’s not a great help! There must be a trick untold - what is the secret? Why I can’t make a cut on the high A? What I am supposed to do? I’m really upset! Somebody, please, HELP ME!
You have to cut the high A with the middle finger on the top hand, not the top finger. I don’t know what you’re doing, but if you’re trying to cut it with the top finger, like you might do in the first octave, it won’t work, it’ll drop the octave.
Also, if you’re doing a tap on high A, you have to leave some holes on the bottom hand open to vent it, or it will drop the octave.
Try closing the reed blades a smidgeon. Also, make sure that you are not leaking air from your fingers over the tone holes.
Ye’, Seisflutes, it must be that - I tried to cut with my top finger. I’m making the high A cut with my middle finger, and it’s getting better. Thanks a lot! Thank you too, Joseph Smith!
Are all your fittings and stocks airtight? It sounds silly, but it’s one of the most overlooked problems. There have been a few times that I’ve gone wonking about with reeds and frustrating myself to tears only to find out that the loss of tone or control was due to a leaky fitting.