I recently got my hands on a used Boehm flute (Yamaha 211S II) after having played a keyless conical simple system for a few months.
From reading past threads I got the impression that the Boehm was easier but I was surprised that I found it more difficult to play the upper register of the 2nd octave on the Boehm. I either needed a much tighter aperture or more breath support/pressure on the Boehm.
I wonder if that’s due to the differences in embouchure since I’m used to elliptical, a consequence of the Boehm being cylindrical, or some other factor.
After some further experimentation, I discovered I had been going at it all wrong. It turns out that on the Boehm I needed a much more relaxed embouchure (no pulling of the corners, keeping my lower lip slack, and putting some air in between the teeth and lips) instead of tighter to consistently get a good sound on the upper register of the 2nd octave. I suspect this is due to the much wider active edge of the rounded rectangle/two ellipses embouchure hole. Now I understand why they say it’s easier to play.
It’s about YOUR embouchure, not the FLUTE’S embouchure.
And, it takes a long time to build up the muscles, focus and technique. Practice playing in the second & third octaves; simple system flutes play up to the high C, D & E without keys and without difficulty (once your embouchure is developed). Play as quietly as possible up there in the high notes.
Our buy a piccolo!
Yes, it takes a while.
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