Okay, I didn’t quite know where this should be posted, but you guys have always given me great responses, so I figured why not here…
I have a Bestler Boehm system flute which, after it being suggested here that I pick it up again to help my embouchure, I have. But several years ago, when I bought it used I think I moved to cork/stopper. I seem to remember doing so anyway. So is there a specific placement or measurement from something I can use to make sure the stopper is placed correctly, as there is for a wooden flute? If so, could some knowledgable saint post it here for me so I can check and make sure everything’s right, please?
And 2. When I first bought it, I had no trouble sounding the low C. But now I do. Is this probably because of a misadjusted cork? And if not, how can I either relearn to sound the lowest note, or how can I otherwise correct it?
Thanks in advance for your answers. And by the way, thanks to those who helped me get the second octave out of my ebay flute. I haven’t perfected it yet, but I’m trying…and still looking forward to the day when I relace it with something better.
Thanks, guys, I don’t have the stick. But I’ll look into the measurement you gave.
I did find a leak, though. The C# pad doesn’t seal. Is there an adjustment I can do? I’m afraid to start messing with screws. But I’m also afraid it may be bent.
Hey guys, he’s talking Bohm flute! That head tapers… so which internal diameter??? Actually, the correct answer is c 17.5mm (the diameter at the embouchure) from the centre of the embouchure. This may be helpful - you have to scroll down a fair way to find the relevant section. And not all swabbing rods are marked - but it’s easy enough to mark yours if you have one, or a bit of dowel if you haven’t.
To the OP, I very much doubt that your weak low notes are due to the stopper position, though a leaky stopper cork could be to blame. Ah, I now see you have discovered the more likely culprits - the regulation of the keys or the state of the pads. That key may be bent, or the pad may need shimming, or a kicker or buffer cork may be missing… several possibilities. If you don’t know what you’re doing to adjust it, take it to a proper woodwind technician. The mechanism is quite delicate and if you lose any of the tiny screws or bend any metal pieces wrongly, you’ll be in more trouble and maybe facing a more expensive repair than you already are.
Thanks, again, guys. And yes, I think I’m going to have to take it to be repaired. The pad (some kind of artificial stuff, it’s yellow) looks to be in good condition, but it just doesn’t touch down, leaving a gap of about a 1mm or so if the roller key is pressed. If the actual key for that pad is pressed, it presses all the way down and seals. But you can’t get the low C by pressing the roller key anymore. Either way, the mechanism is beyond me. If I try to take it apart and fix it, I’m going to end up with something destroyed or simply unable to piece it back together again.
Also, what would I polish the thing with? It’s chrome plated… I think. And it’s got some tarnish I’m really tired of looking at.
“if you measure at the slide end or at the embouchure hole it’s the same.” - as Jem said Boehm flute heads taper, it’s the diameter at the centre of the embouchure, easiest way is to get a lined stick from a music shop.
Your C-C# problem is most likely to do with regulation ( getting the pads to close with equal pressure) a simple task if you know what you’re doing, tricky if you don’t.
If you measure at the slide end of a Boehm flute head, the internal diameter will be 19mm…but since the bore reduces as you go up towards the crown, the diameter at the centre of the embouchure hole will be less - around 17.5mm. (I do understand that you already know this, Denny )
I do tend to the practical more than the absolute. Either will get you close enough to begin fine tunning it for the flute in question and your particular embouchure.
Its all so arcane until you’ve played for a few years.
Actually, Kirk, mine is not built exactly like that. The keys do not overlap, so that isn’t the problem, though that’s a pretty insightful guess. That would produce the exact same effect. In any case, my sense of adventure won out. I placed my finger up under the key to hold it in place and pressed the pad down until it moved slightly. The hole now seals perfectly. Not the best choice, I know, but everything worked out well this one time.
Next thing is to make sure the cork is placed right.
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Either will get you close enough to begin fine tunning it for the flute in question and your particular embouchure.
