I am surprised how well it works. I am already getting a nice sound out of it and figuring out how to play tunes. It’s in the key of G, btw.
Today I made one of Doug Tipple’s Low D simple flutes because I wanted something a little less conspicuous. Kidding, sorta. I really wanted a low D because I love the lower sounds on the flutes.
Anyway, I am surprised at how much different it is to play but have no idea if it is me or if there is something I need to change with the embouchure. I have a hard time getting a clear sound from G down. At first there was almost no sound on these low notes but I worked for about 4 hours fixing up the finger holes and embouchure as per Dave’s instructions. I created a wedge shape on the underside of the blowing side (if that makes sense) of the embouchure. I also generally cleaned up the underside of the finger holes.
So, is it most likely that I need to just practice sound on this bigger flute or does it sound like i need to work the holes a bit more? Any other suggestions?
Thank you in advance to any that are willing to offer advice.
Hi Darren,
There is no fundamental difference between a treble G and a tenor D flute in terms of getting them to sound, although generally lower pitches are a bit harder to sound strongly. Bore to length proportions might have some effect, but otherwise, unless you have badly mis-cut your embouchure, I would think it is highly likely that you have a leak somewhere. Check your stopper cork (suck test on the top end) and also your tuning slide if you have done a two piece flute. If it’s one simple length, no problem there. If those points are airtight, it’ll be your fingers! The biggest difference between your flutes will very obviously be span and tone-hole size, and bigger holes and wider span do take time to get used to in order to seal them reliably. The slightest leak from a L hand finger will seriously upset low end tone production. Fiddling around with tone-hole edges is unlikely to help - if anything, sharper edges are probably easier to seal. You may have to consider using piper style fingering at least in the R hand, or making another tube with holes 3 and 6 offset in the direction from which the finger approaches them, or even recalculating your tone-hole specs to allow for a narrower span and smaller holes, depending on the size of your hands and the breadth of the pads of your fingers. If you have average+ size hands/finger lengths, reasonable hand flexibilty and don’t have abnormally narrow finger tips, you should be able to get used to your flute as is (granted I haven’t seen a pic of it!) if it has normal range tone-hole sizing and spacing.
In seeking out finger leaks, it may be helpful to get an assistant/observer. Also be sure not to overcompensate by gripping hard - that won’t seal holes, just cause cramp and prevent proper finger movement. It is location of finger pads you have to adjust, not pressure: get 'em in the right place and they’ll seal. If your problems persists, why not post a pic or two here, both of your flute and of you holding/playing it? I hope some at least of that is helpful.
Buying a Tipple D flute or other inexpensive flute might help you out here. The D is the most common key used in Irish trad music. Any error in your homemade flute would make it much more difficult for you to learn how to get a good tone, and eventually to play. Aside from Doug, there are some other inexpensive flutes available ( well, relatively inexpensive). If you buy one of these, you can be sure that everything is made correctly, and can concentrate on learning to make the thing sound right and play it.
You may be a great machinist, for all I know, but if you start out with a maker’s flute, you have something to reference, and can tell if it is your handmade flute, or your playing that needs work. Plus, take some time. It doesn’t come fast.
Please don’t buy one of those pakistani flutelike objects off Ebay. Get some recommendations from players here before you decide to buy something.
Actually, I do plan on getting a Tipple but just recently got laid off, so I am being cautious with every penny. As soon as I am working again my order is going in!!
Now that you mention it, I have a feeling it is the cork. I cut and sand it to size but I think i might be able to redo it to be tighter.
All the measurements are correct, double checked it before cutting and drilling, then again when I was done. I have been using the G flute and doing quite well, so I don’t think it is a problem with covering the holes. I am too conscious of that already.
It’s a one piece, so most likely the cork is the fail point. I’ll work on that tonight.
oh, and I am NOT about to post any pics…I can’t compare to the craftmen around here.
Well, I replaced the cork, which may have helped a little. It is very tight now and i cant blow any air through the end of the flute.
I guess its just that I need to learn my embouchure all over again. I am getting all the notes on it now but it is far more “airy” than my G flute.
It is possible that it has to do with the depth of the embouchure hole. The first one I made was from Mark Shepard’s “Plumber’s Pipe” plans and uses a regular PVC end cap. You then drill through that for a very deep embouchure. Makes for a decidedly UGLY flute…but it works.
I hadn’t planned on it but I think I will get Doug Tipple’s Lip Plate when I put in my order. Perhaps the extra depth is something that will help me out. Dunno, it’s all new to me.
Kidding, sorta. I really wanted a low D because I love the lower sounds on the flutes.
