I just received a Tony Dixon polymer Low D flute in the mail today. I had it shipped to me from out of the country. I am very, very sad because I just realized that my hands are not large enough to reach the holes. I already play the Boehm flute and had hoped to transition to the Irish flute with ease.
The flute is in perfect condition. It was put together once but not played.
Anyway, I put it up for sale on eBay as opposed to returning it (seemed like a pain to ship it out of the country).
Just thought I would let you all know in case someone is interested!
You do realize, I hope, that the Irish flute may require a very different grip from the Boehm. Such as a piper’s grip, not playing with the fingertips. Mastering the proper grip may take days or weeks, even for an experienced Boehm player. How much time did you spend working on your piper’s grip?
If your hands are large enough for a Boehm flute, they are almost certainly large enough for the Dixon.
Of course, if you’re just not interested in playing Irish flute after all, then fair enough. You should provide an eBay link. But it does sound like you’re trying to set a world’s record for giving up. A shame, really, for your sake. If you change your mind, I’m sure there are many people here who will be happy to help.
It is my right hand that won’t reach the holes. My left hand seems reasonably okay. I am trying to decide if I should buy a flute for people with small hands. I have long fingers but thin, smaller hands.
My husband said I would adjust given that kids learn to play instruments all the time. But I get shooting pain down my whole arm when I strain to reach the holes. Is this normal?
Sure, maybe, if you’re using the wrong grip. And yes, the left hand can seem easier than the right because of the hole spacing, that’s typical. Some people can use a mixed grip, with fingertips on the left and piper’s grip on the right. I’ll leave it up to the real flute players here (of which I’m not one) to go into more detail.
Remember that part of the rationale for the Boehm design was ergonomics - decoupling the finger positions from the “ideal” hole size and layout. The simple system flute is a very different beast. It’s up to you to adjust your hands to the flute, not vice-versa. And that’s something that simply takes longer than a few hours.
Thanks, Guru, for the good advice to Bronwyn. I don’t think that you will hardly find an easier flute to finger than the 3-piece, conical Dixon flute with small finger holes. Keep in mind that with right hand piper’s grip you don’t cover the finger holes with your finger tips. In fact, if you watch a good player using piper’s grip, you will see that his/her fingers may extend way over the tone holes. You may need to do some exercises with spreading your fingers. Unless you have hand problems, you should be able to cover the right hand finger holes of this flute without difficulty and without pain. Like the guru says, give it a little time before you make rash decisions. You can always cancel the ebay ad, that is, before someone ends the auction.
Thanks for all the advice. I am completely new to this and was shocked that I would struggle to cover the holes. I completely expected to struggle with the music, etc.
I am going to think on it for a couple of days before deciding to take down my ad.
I had bought Grey Larsen’s book on the tin whistle and irish flute and had read it before the flute arrived. I have looked for a teacher but have been unsuccessful.
I agree with pretty much all that’s said above. Give it a chance! However, if you truly ARE unable to make music with the Dixon due to pain, you might try one of Casey Burns’ ergonomic flutes (http://www.caseyburnsflutes.com/ergo.php). I will add that you’ll probably get past the pain once your right hand gets acclimated.
BTW, if you think the Irish flute is bad, try the cornett/cornetto! I almost gave up due to a lot of pain, but got my muscles and hand position in sync after over a month. I think the cornett has got to be the hardest instrument of them all to play well (I still don’t play well, btw, but it doesn’t hurt any more after about 4 years at it!)
Last word - try to find an Irish session around you somewhere and talk to one of the flute players and arrange to meet afterwards. If you’re already a Boehm-er, you probably only need a little coaching!
This is going to sound like such a fickel female thing to ask, but…
do you think the sweetheart flute would be easier for me to hold? I see that eskin has a used one for sale on here. I wouldn’t want to buy something more difficult. I like the look of the sweetheart one, but it is hard for me to know the feel just browsing the internet.
I’ve owned both the Sweetheart resonance and the Dixon 3-piece. The finger spread is very similar, although the Sweetheart is a much better flute (IMHO). As I said above, the only other D-flute option I know of is the ergo flute by Casey Burns.
I did think of one more option though… If you aren’t going to be playing in a session and just want to get used to the music, why not buy an F-flute? I got a fully keyed Ferris delrin in F for something like $230. It is obviously cheaply made, but plays well (incredibly well for the price, actually) and has easy fingers. It won’t be your primary flute, but it’s great for learning on and suitable for harsh environments. Haven’t brought mine camping yet, but I will.
Dave Copley makes and excellent one as well for a bit more money (as low as $335).
I am definitely selling this flute and am considering getting something different. So if you are interested in a Dixon, this one is in good condition and you would get it quick if you live in the US.
Bronwyn, here’s the hole-to-hole distances on the Sweetheart starting from the holes closest to the embrochure:
Left hand:
1.41"
1.41" (with about a .25" offset towards the hand to allow for easier coverage)
Right hand
1.34"
1.34" (with a very slight offset towards the hand)
As I said I have very small hands and have no problem with this flute in either standard Rockstro or piper’s grip. On this flute (and most flutes), I use piper’s grip on the left hand and finger top on the right hand.
it looks like the Burns Folk flute is very similar to the Sweetheart as far as hole spacing, does anyone have the figures for the small hands version of his folk flute?
I have a Burns small hands flute. I have only tried the Dixon briefly in a shop but it was quite a stretch in comparison. A 10-year old lad who plays Boehm and has hands noticeble smaller than mine managed a tune on the Burns - but I think his young hands are stretchier than mine.
