I am considering buying an Olwell bamboo Eb (and a G). I play a Dixon polymer 3-piece regularly, but I can’t cover the holes in a natural way. I have the feeling my fingers are a bit to short to play a D.
Now my question is… (I have asked this is another threat as well, but I thought I’d give it another try); Are the holes of the Olwell Eb closer together than the Dixon D? Looking forward to play an Eb though… so please say yes (if you mean it) .
I think playing the G won’t be really much of a problem.
Will you say something more about your
problems playing the Dixon D?
What do you mean that you can’t cover
the holes in a ‘natural’ way? Are you
using piper’s grip? Do you know about it?
How are you positioning your left and right
hands?
While it’s possible that your fingers
are too small, etc, there is a real possibility
that you can play the D, too. If so it
would be worth doing, as a D flute
is very useful in Celtic music. Best
When I started this topic I was sure it were my hands that were too small for my D flute. Now I’m not anymore After Jim’s reply I decided to give it another try to see if it really was the flute or me who just didn’t practice enough.
So… after a month or two I really think it was me. I still can’t play the flute properly, but at least I can hold my flute normally without any cramps at all for half an hour. With “normal” I mean “not pipergrip”. I’ve tried it, but I don’t like it.
Still.. I’m wondering if the Olwell bamboo Eb will be as easy to play as my Dixon Polymer D flute. I have contacted sir Olwell, who mentioned I could order a flute early September. I’m sure going for it, but am curious who the fingerholes compare to the Dixon.
I have an Olwell bamboo D, not an Eb but I don’t imagine the size being too different. The bamboo has a big diameter, about as wide as the headjoint of your Dixon 3-piece. The holes are also quite big. They are a touch bigger than your left hand holes. I have big hands (I’m 6’4") and only find I have to think more about closing the holes on the bamboo. If you have small hands there may be other issues.
I would say give the Olwell a try. Worst case scenario is it will be too uncomfortable for your hands and you can re-sell it for the same price you paid. Best case scenario is it fits just right and you have a brilliant, inexpensive flute.
Cheers,
Aaron
.