I recently got a tipple flute (3 piece pratten style) and I find it so very easy to blow…I like that, since I am still new to this, makes learning more fun.
Now how do these compare regarding ease of blowing/ embouchure cut to other flutes?
I will be very interested in that since I don’t have a wooden one yet but would like to hear:
Hi Berti,
One of the things that make PVC flutes easy to blow has to do with the large (21 mm), very smooth bore. With a fairly small round embouchure (10 mm), there is a balance between bore size and embouchure diameter. I think that this combination produces a sweet zone of playability. Then with large, well-rounded finger holes, the flute is very responsive and easy to play.
With regard to your search for an entry level wood flute that is easy to play, I suggest that you choose a popular flute, like the Casey Burns folk flute, for example. He makes two models with offset, ergonomic finger holes that should suit your smaller hands. I also think that Ralph Sweet’s two-piece wooden flutes are a very good value. Rather than trying to encourage these veteran flute makers to make modifications to their proven designs, I suggest that you purchase the standard flute, and then get some local instruction to help you learn to play the flute.
Best wishes,
Doug Tipple