Not sure my first post went through. I want to get into a flute and play melodies like old hymns, traditional Irish tunes, improv a little, and play along with other musicians; acoustic guitar, drums… I do not have the ability or inclination to properly study a standard modern flute, but I do not want to play Mozart either. At one point in my life I could improve blues (Pentatonic environment) pretty well on electric guitar, and I have a strong sense of rhythm and timing. I am hoping there are some options somewhere between a 5 note recorder, and a standard modern flute. I have seen 6 key flutes, flutes with tuning slides, etc… Any help is greatly appreciated - Thanks!
Well it is nice to hear that you can improve Blues, there is always room for improvement there!
Seriously, lots of good flute makers, you can look at the link Jem has posted. You might also try www.irishflutestore.com lots of nice flutes in stock!
I don’t think you can go wrong with a cheap low D keyless flute to begin with. Although you can’t change the key signature, it’s a great way to get into flute from the recorder.
I got into a 6 hole flute with a single key called a baroque traverso. It plays chromatic, and is really addictive. I sold my simple key flute and Boehms, except a silver one. Maybe it’s too specialised, but the low D flute is one which you find plenty of makers and materials to choose from.
You didn’t mention in your post if you already played a flute or wind instrument. I’m going to guess you don’t.
My two cents.
Buy a couple of cheap tunable whistles in different keys. The fingering for whistles is the same as flutes and you’ll experience success relatively quickly. I’d go with Susato tunable D and C, maybe a Bb. If you’re playing with other musicians, that should get you through most, but not all situations. I like the sound of Susatos and the tuning is accurate. Other people have other preferences. The whistles will travel well and be handy to practice at any time.
Buy a flute in D. You can practice trying to get a good sound while you’re succeeding at the whistle. Many of us did the same.
The right hand usually but doesn’t necessarily goes on the top. I didn’t read that instruction and I wish I would have when I learned other instruments.
The ‘standard modern flute’ is a whole lot easier to play and learn than a six-key flute. Also it’s LOTS cheaper, generally, and easier to get one. On the face of things, it would serve your purposes better. You don’t have to learn how to play
Mozart, just learn how to play a few scales. Finger placement is generally a lot easier and more comfortable,
and tone production is much easier.
